Country Profile: El Salvador
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, is located between Guatemala and Honduras, with a coastline along the North Pacific Ocean. The nation emerged from a turbulent history marked by civil war to become a presidential republic. Home to over 6.3 million people, El Salvador's economy is heavily reliant on remittances from abroad, particularly from the United States, and is characterized by a significant informal sector. Despite recent economic growth, the country struggles with high crime rates and persistent poverty.
Geography
El Salvador is characterized by its mountainous terrain and a narrow coastal belt, featuring a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. It has a total area of 21,041 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to New Jersey. The country experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, earning it the nickname "Land of Volcanoes."
- 21,041 sq km: Total area of El Salvador.
- 307 km: Length of coastline.
- 33%: Total forest cover (2023 est.).
- 57.7%: Agricultural land utilization (2023 est.).
- 2,730 m: Highest point, Cerro El Pital.
- 75,000: Estimated lives lost during the civil war that ended in 1992.
People and Society
El Salvador has a population of approximately 6.3 million, with a diverse ethnic composition predominantly of Mestizo descent. Spanish serves as the official language, while various indigenous languages, including Nawat, are also present. The society is deeply influenced by Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, with a significant urban population concentrated in and around the capital, San Salvador.
- 6.3 million: Total population (2025 est.).
- 75.4%: Urban population (2023).
- 31.2 years: Median age of the population (2025 est.).
- 89.8%: Literacy rate (2024 est.).
- 12.46 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
- 39.6%: Protestant population (2023 est.).
- 43.9%: Roman Catholic population (2023 est.).
Economy
El Salvador operates as an upper-middle-income, dollarized economy heavily reliant on remittances. The country's growth has been bolstered by infrastructure investment and crime reduction strategies. Key economic sectors include services, industry, and agriculture, with a growing emphasis on Bitcoin as legal tender amidst challenges such as poverty and a large informal economy.
- $73.961 billion: Real GDP (PPP) (2024 est.).
- $11,700: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
- 2.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
- 24%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
- 4.4%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.).
- 1.2%: Public debt as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.).
Government
El Salvador is a presidential republic with a unicameral legislative assembly and a multi-party system. The current president, Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, has been in power since June 2019, and the country follows a civil law system. Constitutional amendments require a supermajority vote in the legislative assembly.
- 14: Administrative departments.
- 60: Seats in the Legislative Assembly.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
- 2024: Next presidential election date.
- Nayib Bukele: President as of June 2019.
Military and Security
The Salvadoran Armed Forces, responsible for national defense and domestic security, have seen an increase in military engagement in internal security roles to combat gang violence. The military budget accounts for 1.2% of GDP, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by crime and security within the country.
- 25,000: Active military personnel (2025).
- 1.2%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
- 18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
- FAES: Armed Forces of El Salvador.
Energy
El Salvador has achieved universal electricity access and utilizes a diverse energy mix, including geothermal and renewable sources. The country is making strides in developing its energy sector, particularly in the use of solar energy and biomass.
- 100%: Electrification of total population (2022 est.).
- 2.803 million kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.).
- 6.335 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
- 24.5%: Geothermal contribution to electricity capacity (2023 est.).
Environment
El Salvador faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The country is active in multiple international environmental agreements and has strategies in place to address these issues.
- 15.2%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
- 8.694 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
- 57.7%: Agricultural land usage (2023 est.).
- 26.27 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
Transportation
El Salvador's transportation infrastructure includes roads, ports, and a limited railway system. The country has made recent investments in improving its public transport and road networks.
- 27: Total airports (2025).
- 3: Key ports, including Acajutla.
- 12.5 km: Total railway length (2014).
Communications
El Salvador has a growing communications sector with widespread mobile and internet access. The country is transitioning towards digital broadcasting and has seen a significant increase in internet users.
- 68%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023 est.).
- 11.2 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
- 885,000: Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,334,723 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 21,041 sq km | |
| GDP | $73.961 billion | Real GDP (PPP) for 2024 |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 24.421 million Btu/person | For 2023 |
| Birth Rate | 12.46 births/1,000 | For 2025 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 89.8% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 75.4% | Of total population (2023) |
| Military Expenditures | 1.2% | Of GDP for 2024 |
| CO2 Emissions | 8.694 million metric tonnes | For 2023 |
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