Country Profile: El Salvador
El Salvador, located in Central America between Guatemala and Honduras, is the smallest country in the region with a rich cultural heritage and geographic diversity, primarily comprising mountains and a narrow coastal belt. With a population of approximately 6.3 million people, it exhibits high population density, particularly in the capital, San Salvador. The country’s economy is classified as upper-middle-income and heavily reliant on remittances from abroad, especially from the United States. Additionally, El Salvador faces significant challenges, including high crime rates stemming from gang violence, which has shaped its governance and societal dynamics.
Geography
El Salvador is bordered by the North Pacific Ocean and shares land boundaries with Guatemala and Honduras. The total area is 21,041 square kilometers, characterized by mostly mountainous terrain with a narrow coastal region. The climate is tropical, featuring distinct rainy and dry seasons, and the country is known for its significant volcanic activity and earthquakes.
- 1 – El Salvador has 307 km of coastline.
- 2 – It is home to 12 major volcanoes, including the highly active San Miguel.
- 3 – Approximately 57.7% of the land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
- 4 – The highest point, Cerro El Pital, rises to 2,730 m.
People and Society
El Salvador's estimated population is 6,334,723 as of 2025, characterized by a youthful demographic with a median age of 31.2 years. The population is predominantly Mestizo (86.3%) and speaks Spanish as the official language. Urbanization is significant, with 75.4% of the population living in urban areas, mainly in and around San Salvador.
- 5 – The literacy rate stands at 89.8% as of 2024.
- 6 – Urban growth is occurring at an annual rate of 1.33%.
- 7 – The birth rate is estimated at 12.46 births/1,000 people in 2025.
Economy
El Salvador has a dollarized economy that is upper-middle-income and hinges on remittances. The GDP per capita was estimated to be $11,700 in 2024, with significant contributions from the services sector (61%). The country continues to face challenges such as poverty and informal employment, with ongoing efforts to attract foreign investments and improve infrastructure.
- 8 – GDP growth rate is projected at 2.6% for 2024.
- 9 – Approximately 24% of GDP comes from remittances in 2024.
- 10 – The unemployment rate is around 2.9% in 2024.
Government
El Salvador operates as a presidential republic, with the president also serving as the head of government. The political landscape is characterized by multiple parties, with Nayib Bukele currently serving as president since June 2019. The country has undergone significant reforms since the end of its civil war in the early 1990s, carrying out constitutional amendments and adapting its governance structures.
- 11 – The current constitution was enacted on December 23, 1983.
- 12 – The next presidential election is scheduled for February 2027.
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of El Salvador consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totaling approximately 25,000 active personnel as of 2025. The country has faced ongoing security issues, especially from gang violence, leading to military involvement in domestic security operations. Military expenditures account for 1.2% of GDP.
- 13 – The age for voluntary military service ranges from 18 to 30 years.
- 14 – El Salvador plans to increase its military personnel to 40,000 by 2026.
Energy
El Salvador achieves 100% electrification and relies on diverse energy sources, including hydroelectricity (31%) and geothermal energy (24.5%). The installed capacity for electricity generation is approximately 2.803 million kW, and the country has been working to improve its energy infrastructure and sustainability.
- 15 – About 19.1% of electricity generation comes from solar energy.
- 16 – Total energy consumption per capita was 24.421 million Btu in 2023.
Environment
El Salvador faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements and has substantial natural resources that it strives to protect amidst development pressures.
- 17 – 33% of land is covered by forests as of 2023.
- 18 – The country’s total carbon dioxide emissions were approximately 8.694 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Transportation
El Salvador has a developing transportation network, including 27 airports and limited railways. The country has three main ports that facilitate trade, and improvements in transportation infrastructure are ongoing to enhance connectivity.
- 19 – The country has 12.5 km of railway, primarily narrow gauge.
- 20 – It operates a merchant marine fleet consisting of 5 vessels.
Communications
In terms of communication, El Salvador boasts a robust mobile cellular market with about 11.2 million subscriptions. Internet penetration is increasing, with 68% of the population estimated to be internet users in 2023.
- 21 – Fixed-line subscriptions total around 885,000 as of 2024.
- 22 – There are 671,000 broadband subscriptions as of 2022.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,334,723 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 21,041 sq km | |
| GDP | $35.365 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Real GDP per capita | $11,700 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth rate | 12.46 births/1,000 people | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban population | 75.4% | Total population in urban areas, 2023 |
| Military expenditures | 1.2% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy rate | 89.8% | Estimated for 2024 |
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