Country Profile: El Salvador
El Salvador is a small, tropical nation in Central America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and Honduras. With a population of approximately 6.6 million people, it is the most densely populated country in the region. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income, heavily reliant on remittances, and has recently adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. Governed as a presidential republic, El Salvador faces significant challenges related to crime and governance, including high homicide rates linked to gang violence.
Geography
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, covering an area of 21,041 square kilometers. It features a diverse terrain of mountains and a narrow coastal belt, with a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The country has a notable elevation, with Cerro El Pital being the highest point at 2,730 meters.
- Area: 21,041 sq km
- Location: Central America, between Guatemala and Honduras
- Coastline: 307 km
- Natural resources: Includes hydropower and geothermal power
- Climate: Tropical with rainy (May-October) and dry seasons (November-April)
- Population density: High, especially around San Salvador
People and Society
As of 2024, El Salvador has an estimated population of 6,628,702, predominantly of Mestizo descent. The society is characterized by a vibrant mix of cultures and languages, with Spanish being the official language. The country has made progress in education and healthcare, yet it continues to grapple with issues related to poverty and public health.
- Population: 6,628,702 (2024 est.)
- Median age: 29.7 years (2024 est.)
- Urban population: 75.4% (2023)
- Literacy rate: 90% (2023 est.)
- Life expectancy: 75.9 years (2024 est.)
- Religions: Roman Catholic 43.9%, Protestant 39.6%
Economy
El Salvador operates as a dollarized economy, heavily dependent on remittances from abroad, particularly from the United States. The economy is bolstered by infrastructure investments, with a growing service sector and plans for further industrial development. Despite these efforts, the country faces challenges like persistent poverty and a large informal economy.
- GDP (PPP): $73.961 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $11,700 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 2.9% (2024 est.)
- Debt as a percentage of GDP: 102.2% (2023 est.)
- Exports: $11.586 billion (2024 est.)
- Remittances: 24% of GDP (2024 est.)
Government
El Salvador is a presidential republic with a political structure that includes a directly elected president, a unicameral legislative assembly, and an independent judiciary. The current president, Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, has been in office since June 2019. The country practices universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over.
- Capital: San Salvador
- Government type: Presidential republic
- Current president: Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez
- Legislative Assembly: 60 members, full renewal every 3 years
- Independence: 15 September 1821
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of El Salvador play a dual role in both national defense and domestic security. They have been involved in combating crime, particularly gang violence, which has been a significant issue in the country. Military expenditures are approximately 1.2% of GDP.
- Active military personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
- Compulsory military service: Ages 18-30
- Military budget: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military establishment: FAES when civil order is threatened
Energy
El Salvador is making strides in energy access, with 100% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country's energy generation is diversified, including significant contributions from geothermal and hydroelectric sources.
- Installed electricity capacity: 2.803 million kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 6.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Renewables: 79.6% of installed capacity (including geothermal and solar)
- Total energy consumption per capita: 24.421 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
El Salvador faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- Major environmental issues: Deforestation, soil erosion
- Urbanization rate: 1.33% annual change (2020-2025)
- Total renewable water resources: 26.27 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure in El Salvador includes a network of roads and a limited railway system. The country has a total of 27 airports and 3 major ports that are crucial for trade and transportation.
- Airports: 27 (2025 est.)
- Railways: 12.5 km (2014)
- Ports: 3, key ports include Acajutla and La Union
Communications
The telecommunications sector is well-developed, with high mobile cellular subscription rates. Digital transitions in media and broadband services are underway, reflecting increasing internet access and media consumption.
- Mobile subscriptions: 11.5 million (2022 est.)
- Internet penetration: 68% of the population (2023 est.)
- Fixed broadband subscriptions: 671,000 (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,628,702 | 2024 est. |
| Area | 21,041 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $73.961 billion | 2024 est. |
| GDP per capita | $11,700 | 2024 est. |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 2024 est. |
| Life expectancy | 75.9 years | 2024 est. |
| Literacy rate | 90% | 2023 est. |
| Military expenditures | 1.2% of GDP | 2024 est. |
| Energy consumption per capita | 24.421 million Btu | 2023 est. |
| Urban population | 75.4% | 2023 |
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