El Salvador

(República de El Salvador) Republic of the Savior

General Information:

Location: Central America
Capital: San Salvador
Language(s): Spanish
Population: 6,420,746
Total Area: 21,041 sq km
Currency: United States Dollar
Curious Alcohol Fact: Beer is called cerveza.
Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: 3.61 liters
Most Popular Drink(s): Beers, wines

El Salvador Travel Video

Video Courtesy: ElSalvadorTravels

The Country

Of all the seven states in Central America, El Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated. Located on the western portion of the isthmus connecting North and South America, El Salvador is bounded by Guatemala to the northwest and Honduras to the east and north. To the south of the country is the vast Pacific Ocean. As a result of its location, El Salvador is the only country in Central America without a coastline with the Caribbean Sea. San Salvador is the largest city in the country and also doubles as the capital and seat of administration.

The People

A look at the population of the country reveals an interesting trend. A vast majority of the people are mestizos, or those who have a mixed ancestry –Indian and Spanish. Others include native Indians and migrants from various European and Asian nations. Interestingly, El Salvador does not have a significant population of Africans unlike other nations in Central America and this is attributed to the location of the country which reduced the influx of slaves from the Caribbean coast. The most widely spoken language in the country is Spanish and for a country that has been named after Jesus Christ, it does not come as a surprise at all to learn that the main religion in the country is Christianity. Followers of the Roman Catholic Church are in the lead while other denominations have also registered their presence in the tiny country. The Church plays a very important role in Salvadoran life. Many of the country’s citizens contribute to the economy by working in the manufacturing, agricultural and tourism industries.

Eating and Drinking In El Salvador

For some of the most exotic dishes on the planet, this is the place to be. The pupusa is by far the most popular meal in the country and is made from corn, pork, cheese and beans. There is also the tasty yuca frita which is made from cassava, vegetables and meat. Various drinks are available, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Sports and Recreation In El Salvador

Football is one of the most popular sports in the country and in the coastal communities, you will be thrilled with the numerous water-based sports and local games. At various festive seasons, there are carnivals, fairs and celebrations especially during Christmas and the New Year.

Interesting Facts About El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and also has the distinction of having the highest population density in the region. Though small, it ranks very well on the UN Human Development Index.
Before the United States dollar was adopted as the currency, the colon was in use.
El Salvador is a principal exporter of agricultural produce especially coffee, which is a cash crop.
El Salvador is named after Jesus Christ.
Because of its small size, El Salvador is also referred to as the Tom Thumb of the Americas.
Although small, El Salvador is home to a number of spectacular lakes and volcanoes.
There is a majestic national park in the country named El Impossible and is the largest in the country!
Earthquakes are relatively common in the country, which also has one of the highest populations of mestizos in all of Latin America.
Nahuatl was once widely spoken in the country, especially before the coming of the Spanish colonists.

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Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).