El Salvador is a small Central American country located on the Pacific Coast of the continent. With an area of approximately 8,000 square miles, it is the smallest and most densely populated nation in Central America. It is bordered by Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east. El Salvador shares maritime borders with Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Geography of El Salvador
El Salvador is located in the southernmost part of Central America, between Guatemala and Honduras. It has a total area of 8,124 square miles (21,040 sq km). The country is divided into 14 departments, including the capital city of San Salvador. The terrain is mountainous, with two large mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre and the Cordillera Central, running through the country. The highest peak is Cerro El Pital, at 8,957 feet (2,730 m). The climate of El Salvador is tropical and humid, with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to October.
History of El Salvador
The area that is now El Salvador has been inhabited for thousands of years. During the pre-Columbian era, the region was inhabited by the Nahua-speaking Pipil people. In 1524, the Spanish arrived, and El Salvador became a Spanish colony. After gaining independence in 1821, El Salvador became part of the United Provinces of Central America, which was dissolved in 1841. El Salvador became an independent republic in 1848.
Politics and Government of El Salvador
El Salvador is a democratic republic. The president is the head of state and government, and is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The unicameral legislature, the Legislative Assembly, consists of 84 members elected for three-year terms. El Salvador is divided into 14 departments and 262 municipalities.
Economy of El Salvador
El Salvador has a mixed economy, with agriculture and manufacturing as the two largest sectors. The main agricultural products are coffee, sugar cane, corn, and beans. The manufacturing sector is dominated by the production of food products, textiles, and electronics. El Salvador has an open economy, and is a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Demographics of El Salvador
El Salvador has a population of 6.3 million people (as of 2019). The population is ethnically diverse, with mestizos (people of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) making up the majority of the population. The official language is Spanish, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. El Salvador also has a significant indigenous population, made up of the Maya and Pipil peoples.
Culture of El Salvador
El Salvador has a vibrant culture, with a strong influence from its indigenous and Spanish heritage. The traditional music of El Salvador is called "música folklorica," and is a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. The traditional dress of El Salvador is brightly colored and heavily embroidered. El Salvador is also known for its folk art, which includes textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. El Salvador also has a rich literary tradition, with authors such as Nobel Prize winner Miguel Ángel Asturias.
Frequently Asked Questions
What continent is El Salvador located on?
El Salvador is located in Central America, on the continent of North America.
What is the capital of El Salvador?
The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.
What is the population of El Salvador?
The population of El Salvador is approximately 6.3 million (as of 2019).
What is the official language of El Salvador?
The official language of El Salvador is Spanish.
What is the climate of El Salvador like?
El Salvador has a tropical climate, with a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to October.
What is the main religion in El Salvador?
The predominant religion in El Salvador is Roman Catholicism.
What is the traditional music of El Salvador?
The traditional music of El Salvador is called "música folklorica," and is a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.
What is the traditional dress of El Salvador?
The traditional dress of El Salvador is brightly colored and heavily embroidered.
What are some popular folk arts in El Salvador?
El Salvador is known for its folk art, which includes textiles, pottery, and wood carvings.
What is El Salvador's economy like?
El Salvador has a mixed economy, with agriculture and manufacturing as the two largest sectors. The manufacturing sector is dominated by the production of food products, textiles, and electronics.
What is the government of El Salvador like?
El Salvador is a democratic republic. The president is the head of state and government, and is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The unicameral legislature, the Legislative Assembly, consists of 84 members elected for three-year terms.
What major mountain range runs through El Salvador?
The Sierra Madre and the Cordillera Central are the two major mountain ranges that run through El Salvador.
What is the highest peak in El Salvador?
The highest peak in El Salvador is Cerro El Pital, at 8,957 feet (2,730 m).
What are the main agricultural products of El Salvador?
The main agricultural products of El Salvador are coffee, sugar cane, corn, and beans.
What were the original inhabitants of El Salvador?
The area that is now El Salvador was originally inhabited by the Nahua-speaking Pipil people.
When did El Salvador become an independent republic?
El Salvador became an independent republic in 1848.
What countries border El Salvador?
El Salvador is bordered by Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east. It also shares maritime borders with Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
What is the currency of El Salvador?
The currency of El Salvador is the United States dollar.
Is El Salvador a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)?
Yes, El Salvador is a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
What is El Salvador's main export?
El Salvador's main exports are coffee, sugar, shrimp, and apparel.