Fact 1: El Salvador is the Smallest Country in Central America
Despite being the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador has much to offer. The whole area of El Salvador is about the same size as the US state of Massachusetts or the country of Wales in the United Kingdom.
Fact 2: It's Known as the Land of Volcanoes
El Salvador has earned the nickname "The Land of Volcanoes" due to its many active volcanoes; the country counts approximately 23 in number. Simultaneously terrifying and beautiful, they play a significant role in the country's landscape and history.
Fact 3: It's Densely Populated
Although El Salvador might be the smallest country in Central America, it is the most densely populated. It has an estimated population of 6.5 million people, making an average density of 300 people per square kilometer.
Fact 4: The Country's Name Literally Means "The Savior"
Yes, El Salvador translates to "The Savior" in English. It is named after Jesus Christ, bearing testament to the deep religious roots of the nation.
Fact 5: It’s Known for Its Coffee Production
El Salvador is one of Central America's leading coffee-exporting nations. For many years, "black gold" or coffee was El Salvador's top export product, dominating its economy.
Fact 6: The National Bird is a Torogoz
The Turquoise-Browed Motmot, also known as Torogoz, is El Salvador’s national bird. This bird is famous for its lovely feathers with turquoise eyebrow-like markings and a long tail.
Fact 7: El Salvador Has a Dollarized Economy
Since 2001, El Salvador has adopted the US dollar as their official currency to stabilize its economy. Despite its potential drawbacks, the adoption of the dollar has helped it avoid inflation and fiscal uncertainty.
Fact 8: It Has a Bilateral Shape Resembling a Triangle
El Salvador's unique shape has two almost parallel lines forming a sort of triangle, with the Pacific Ocean along its bottom line. This means you're never too far from both the mountains and the beach.
Fact 9: The Mayan Civilization Was Present Here
El Salvador was home to the Mayan civilization before the Spanish conquest. The Mayans left their mark with significant archaeological sites like Joya de Cerén, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site.
Fact 10: El Salvador Has a High Literacy Rate
For a developing country, El Salvador boasts a high literacy rate. Nearly 88% of Salvadorans aged 10 and above can read and write.
Fact 11: The Country Has a Large Number of Emigrants
Due to economic and social challenges, a significant number of Salvadorans live outside the country, mainly in the United States. It's estimated that the Salvadoran population in the US is almost a third of the entire population of El Salvador.
Fact 12: Pupusas Are the National Dish
If you talk about Salvadoran cuisine, you can't forget the Pupusa. This traditional Salvadoran dish is a thick, hand-made corn tortilla typically filled with beans, cheese, and pork.
Fact 13: El Salvador Doesn't Have a Standing Army
El Salvador disbanded its military forces in 1992, at the end of the civil war. Now, the country only maintains a paramilitary National Civilian Police force.
Fact 14: The Country Has a Diverse Wildlife
Despite its small size, El Salvador is home to several ecosystems, including forests, mangroves, and paramos. Consequently, the country has diverse wildlife, with numerous species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Fact 15: Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador is One of the Busiest Airports in Central America
Located near San Salvador, the country’s capital, the airport is the third busiest in Central America. It handles more than two million passengers a year.
Fact 16: El Salvador's Coat of Arms Is Unique among the Nations of the World
The Salvadoran coat of arms features five volcanoes, which represent the five member states of the United Provinces of Central America. No other nations' coat of arms features these natural landmarks.
Fact 17: It Is Known for Its Artisan Products
All around El Salvador, you will find communities of artisans who use traditional methods to create pottery, textiles, and other items. The town of Ilobasco, for instance, is known for its detailed clay figurines.
Fact 18: It Hosts International Surfing Competitions
With its Pacific coastline boasting high waves, El Salvador has become a popular surfing destination. It has been a host to several international surfing competitions.
Fact 19: The Capital, San Salvador, Sits in a Valley Called "The Valley of the Hammocks"
San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is located in "The Valley of the Hammocks". The given name reflects the area's frequent earthquakes and the way they cause the ground to sway like a hammock.
Fact 20: El Salvador Was the First Country to Declare War on Japan During World War II
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, El Salvador immediately declared war on Japan, even before the United States did. It later also declared war on Germany and Italy. It was one of several Latin American nations to join the Allies.