El Salvador
Central America and the CaribbeanES March 25, 2025
Background
El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms. El Salvador is beset by one of the world's highest homicide rates and pervasive criminal gangs.
Geographic coordinates
13 50 N, 88 55 W
Natural hazards
Known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
Volcanism: Significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (1,893 m), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (2,130 m), which last erupted in 2002, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana
Area - comparative
about the same size as New Jersey
Climate
tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands
Coastline
307 km
Land boundaries
Total: 590 km
Border countries (2): Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km
Border countries (2): Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 57.7% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 34.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 7.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 15.2% (2022 est.)
Forest: 27.7% (2022 est.)
Other: 14.5% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 34.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 7.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 15.2% (2022 est.)
Forest: 27.7% (2022 est.)
Other: 14.5% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Natural resources
hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land
Geography - note
smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea
Terrain
mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau
Location
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
240 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
26.27 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Population distribution
athough it is the smallest country in land area in Central America, El Salvador has a population that is 18 times larger than Belize; at least 20% of the population lives abroad; high population density country-wide, with particular concentration around the capital of San Salvador
Elevation
Highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 442 m
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 442 m
Area
Total : 21,041 sq km
Land: 20,721 sq km
Water: 320 sq km
Land: 20,721 sq km
Water: 320 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 25.3% (male 855,841/female 818,642)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 2,077,745/female 2,317,416)
65 years and over: 8.4% (2024 est.) (male 238,658/female 320,400)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 2,077,745/female 2,317,416)
65 years and over: 8.4% (2024 est.) (male 238,658/female 320,400)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Definition: Age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 89.1%
Male: 91.3%
Female: 87.3% (2019)
Total population: 89.1%
Male: 91.3%
Female: 87.3% (2019)
Nationality
Noun: Salvadoran(s)
Adjective: Salvadoran
Adjective: Salvadoran
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 12 years
Male: 12 years
Female: 12 years (2018)
Male: 12 years
Female: 12 years (2018)
Urbanization
Urban population: 75.4% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved: Urban: 99.6% of population
Rural: 94.2% of population
Total: 98.2% of population
Unimproved: Urban: 0.4% of population
Rural: 5.8% of population
Total: 1.8% of population (2020 est.)
Rural: 94.2% of population
Total: 98.2% of population
Unimproved: Urban: 0.4% of population
Rural: 5.8% of population
Total: 1.8% of population (2020 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.116 million SAN SALVADOR (capital) (2023)
Physician density
1.62 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.8 years (2008 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Demographic profile
El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. It is well into its demographic transition, experiencing slower population growth, a decline in its number of youths, and the gradual aging of its population. The increased use of family planning has substantially lowered El Salvador's fertility rate, from approximately 6 children per woman in the 1970s to replacement level today. A 2008 national family planning survey showed that female sterilization remained the most common contraception method in El Salvador - its sterilization rate is among the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean - but that the use of injectable contraceptives is growing. Fertility differences between rich and poor and urban and rural women are narrowing.
Salvadorans fled during the 1979 to 1992 civil war mainly to the United States but also to Canada and to neighboring Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Emigration to the United States increased again in the 1990s and 2000s as a result of deteriorating economic conditions, natural disasters (Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and earthquakes in 2001), and family reunification. At least 20% of El Salvador's population lives abroad. The remittances they send home account for close to 20% of GDP, are the second largest source of external income after exports, and have helped reduce poverty.
Contraceptive prevalence rate
71.9% (2014)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 51.3
Youth dependency ratio: 39
Elderly dependency ratio: 12.3
Potential support ratio: 8.1 (2021 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 39
Elderly dependency ratio: 12.3
Potential support ratio: 8.1 (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved: Urban: 100% of population
Rural: 97.1% of population
Total: 99.2% of population
Unimproved: Urban: 0% of population
Rural: 2.9% of population
Total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.)
Rural: 97.1% of population
Total: 99.2% of population
Unimproved: Urban: 0% of population
Rural: 2.9% of population
Total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Indigenous 0.2% (includes Lenca, Kakawira, Nahua-Pipil), Black 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 43.9%, Protestant 39.6% (Evangelical - unspecified 38.2%, Evangelical - Methodist 1.3%, Evangelical - Baptist 0.1%), none 16.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2023 est.)
Languages
Spanish (official), Nawat (among some indigenous)
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Current health expenditure
9.7% of GDP (2021)
Gross reproduction rate
0.98 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55% (2023 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 4.3%
Women married by age 18: 19.7% (2021 est.)
Women married by age 18: 19.7% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 7.2% (2023 est.)
Male: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Female: 10.8% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Female: 10.8% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-7.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 29.7 years (2024 est.)
Male: 28.2 years
Female: 31.2 years
Male: 28.2 years
Female: 31.2 years
Maternal mortality ratio
43 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.02 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 6,628,702
Male: 3,172,244
Female: 3,456,458 (2024 est.)
Male: 3,172,244
Female: 3,456,458 (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate
Total: 11.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 7.9% (2020 est.)
Male: 14.1% (2020 est.)
Female: 1.7% (2020 est.)
Male: 14.1% (2020 est.)
Female: 1.7% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.6% (2016)
Death rate
5.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
17.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5% (2014)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 2.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 75.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 72.4 years
Female: 79.5 years
Male: 72.4 years
Female: 79.5 years
Population growth rate
0.34% (2024 est.)
Environment - current issues
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes
Environment - international agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 470 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Industrial: 210 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Agricultural: 1.43 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Industrial: 210 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Agricultural: 1.43 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,648,996 tons (2010 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
8.256 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 7.814 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 441,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 7.814 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 441,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
23.672 million Btu/person (2022 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador William H. DUNCAN (since 24 January 2023)
Embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
Mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
Telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
Email address and website:
ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
Mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
Telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
Email address and website:
ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Usulutan
Capital
Name: San Salvador
Geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Spanish for "Holy Savior" (referring to Jesus Christ)
Geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Spanish for "Holy Savior" (referring to Jesus Christ)
Constitution
History: Many previous; latest drafted 16 December 1983, enacted 23 December 1983
Amendment process: Proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
Head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
Elections/appointments: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 5-year term; election last held on 4 February 2024 (next to be held in 2029)
Election results:
2024: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez reelected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (Nuevas Ideas) 84.7%, Manuel FLORES (FMLN) 6.4%, Joel SANCHEZ (ARENA) 5.6%, Luis PARADA (NT) 2%, other 1.3%
2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.7%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.4%, other 0.8%
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
Elections/appointments: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 5-year term; election last held on 4 February 2024 (next to be held in 2029)
Election results:
2024: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez reelected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (Nuevas Ideas) 84.7%, Manuel FLORES (FMLN) 6.4%, Joel SANCHEZ (ARENA) 5.6%, Luis PARADA (NT) 2%, other 1.3%
2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.7%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.4%, other 0.8%
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag description
three equal horizontal bands of cobalt blue (top), white, and cobalt blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity
Note: Similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band
Note: Similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band
Independence
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 15 judges, including its president, and 15 substitute judges organized into Constitutional, Civil, Penal, and Administrative Conflict Chambers)
Judge selection and term of office: Judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
Subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
Judge selection and term of office: Judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
Subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
Legal system
civil law system with minor common law influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea legislativa)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 60 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 3 years
Most recent election date: 2/4/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: New Ideas (N) (54); Other (6)
Percentage of women in chamber: 31.7%
Expected date of next election: February 2027
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 60 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 3 years
Most recent election date: 2/4/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: New Ideas (N) (54); Other (6)
Percentage of women in chamber: 31.7%
Expected date of next election: February 2027
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Political parties
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN
Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA
National Coalition Party or PCN
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA
New Ideas (Nuevas Ideas) or NI
Our Time (Nuestro Tiempo) or NT
Vamos or V
Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN
Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA
National Coalition Party or PCN
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA
New Ideas (Nuevas Ideas) or NI
Our Time (Nuestro Tiempo) or NT
Vamos or V
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador
Conventional short form: El Salvador
Local long form: República de El Salvador
Local short form: El Salvador
Etymology: Means "the Savior" in Spanish and is a shortened form of "the Divine Savior of the World" (el Divino Salvador del Mundo), referring to Jesus Christ; 16th-century Spanish colonists gave the name "San Salvador" to the fort located where the country's capital of San Salvador now stands, and the name was later used for the city and the surrounding region; the country was officially named El Salvador in 1824
Conventional short form: El Salvador
Local long form: República de El Salvador
Local short form: El Salvador
Etymology: Means "the Savior" in Spanish and is a shortened form of "the Divine Savior of the World" (el Divino Salvador del Mundo), referring to Jesus Christ; 16th-century Spanish colonists gave the name "San Salvador" to the fort located where the country's capital of San Salvador now stands, and the name was later used for the city and the surrounding region; the country was officially named El Salvador in 1824
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Carmen Milena MAYORGA VALERA (since 23 December 2020)
Chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
Email address and website:
InfoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
Consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
Chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
Email address and website:
InfoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
Consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)
turquoise-browed motmot (bird); national colors: blue, white
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Population below poverty line
26.6% (2022 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 1.9% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 28.7% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 28.7% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
garments, plastic products, electrical capacitors, raw sugar, toilet paper (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 36%, Guatemala 17%, Honduras 15%, Nicaragua 8%, Costa Rica 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, chicken, sorghum, beans, oranges, coconuts, eggs, mangoes/guavas (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $9.359 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $9.371 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $9.371 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, garments, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used as a medium of exchange and circulates freely in the economy
Industries
food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals
Economic overview
growth-challenged Central American economy buttressed via remittances; dense labor force; fairly aggressive COVID-19 stimulus plan; new and lower banking reserve requirements; earthquake, tropical storm, and crime disruptions; widespread corruption
GDP (official exchange rate)
$34.016 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Fitch rating: B- (2017)
Moody's rating: B3 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: B- (2018)
Note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Moody's rating: B3 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: B- (2018)
Note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 81.4% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 18% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 22% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: -2.7% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 31.1% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -49.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 18% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 22% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: -2.7% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 31.1% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -49.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
USA 28%, China 15%, Guatemala 11%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 26.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
24.09% of GDP (2023 est.)
24.54% of GDP (2022 est.)
26.25% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
24.54% of GDP (2022 est.)
26.25% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
2.839 million (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$13.076 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$3.426 billion (2021 est.)
$3.083 billion (2020 est.)
$4.446 billion (2019 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$3.083 billion (2020 est.)
$4.446 billion (2019 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
101.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
2.76% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)
4.33% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
3% (2022 est.)
4.33% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
20.61% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$71.957 billion (2023 est.)
$69.516 billion (2022 est.)
$67.623 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$69.516 billion (2022 est.)
$67.623 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4.05% (2023 est.)
7.2% (2022 est.)
3.47% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
7.2% (2022 est.)
3.47% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$465.688 million (2023 est.)
-$2.182 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$2.182 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$11,400 (2023 est.)
$11,100 (2022 est.)
$10,800 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$11,100 (2022 est.)
$10,800 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$17.032 billion (2023 est.)
$18.184 billion (2022 est.)
$15.483 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$18.184 billion (2022 est.)
$15.483 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$10.629 billion (2023 est.)
$10.164 billion (2022 est.)
$8.351 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$10.164 billion (2022 est.)
$8.351 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
3.51% (2023 est.)
2.8% (2022 est.)
11.9% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.8% (2022 est.)
11.9% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
4.12% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 4.6% (2023 est.)
Industry: 25% (2023 est.)
Services: 59.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 25% (2023 est.)
Services: 59.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 500 metric tons (2022 est.)
Imports: 2,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
Imports: 2,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 9.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Solar: 16.2% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 35.6% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Geothermal: 24.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Biomass and waste: 14.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Solar: 16.2% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 35.6% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Geothermal: 24.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Biomass and waste: 14.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 226.472 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Imports: 226.472 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Imports: 226.472 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 3 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 58,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 58,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 2.853 million kW (2022 est.)
Consumption: 6.666 billion kWh (2022 est.)
Exports: 85.75 million kWh (2022 est.)
Imports: 1.351 billion kWh (2022 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 953.156 million kWh (2022 est.)
Consumption: 6.666 billion kWh (2022 est.)
Exports: 85.75 million kWh (2022 est.)
Imports: 1.351 billion kWh (2022 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 953.156 million kWh (2022 est.)
Telecommunication systems
General assessment: El Salvador is the smallest country in central America geographically, it has the fourth largest economy in the region; the country’s telecom sector has been restricted by poor infrastructure and unequal income distribution; there have been organizational delays which have slowed the development of telecom services; El Salvador’s fixed-line teledensity is substantially lower than the Latin American and Caribbean average; there has been a significant drop in the number of fixed lines since 2010, particularly in 2017, largely due to the substitution for mobile-only alternatives; about 94% of all telephony lines in the country are on mobile networks; mobile subscriptions are remarkably high considering El Salvador’s economic indicators, being about a third higher than average for Latin America and the Caribbean; the country was one of the last in the region to provide LTE services, mainly due to the inadequate provision of suitable spectrum; the multi-spectrum auction conducted at the end of 2019 has allowed MNOs to improve the reach and quality of their service offerings; El Salvador’s telecom legislation is one of the more liberal in Latin America, encouraging competition in most areas and permitting foreign investment; there are no regulations which promote wholesale broadband; the only effective cross-platform competition in the broadband market comes from the few cable operators; there has been some market consolidation in recent years (2021)
Domestic: Fixed-line services, roughly 14 per 100, mobile-cellular competition now at 175 subscribers per 100 inhabitants (2021)
International: Country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (2019)
Domestic: Fixed-line services, roughly 14 per 100, mobile-cellular competition now at 175 subscribers per 100 inhabitants (2021)
International: Country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (2019)
Internet users
Percent of population: 63% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.sv
Broadcast media
multiple privately owned national terrestrial TV networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international channels; hundreds of commercial radio broadcast stations and two known government-owned radio broadcast station; transition to digital transmission to begin in 2018 along with adaptation of the Japanese-Brazilian Digital Standard (ISDB-T) (2022)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 11.5 million (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 182 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 182 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 671,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 863,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
National air transport system
Number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)
Inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13
Annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,545,105 (2018)
Annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10.73 million (2018) mt-km
Inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13
Annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,545,105 (2018)
Annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10.73 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YS
Waterways
422 km (2022) (Rio Lempa River is partially navigable by small craft)
Roadways
Total: 9,012 km
Paved: 5,341 km
Unpaved: 3,671 km (2017)
Paved: 5,341 km
Unpaved: 3,671 km (2017)
Airports
27 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 5 (2023)
By type: Other 5
By type: Other 5
Railways
Total: 12.5 km (2014)
Narrow gauge: 12.5 km (2014) 0.914-mm gauge
Narrow gauge: 12.5 km (2014) 0.914-mm gauge
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; service obligation is 12 months, with 11 months for officers and non-commissioned officers (2023)
Military and security forces
the Armed Force of El Salvador (La Fuerza Armada de El Salvador, FAES): Army of El Salvador (Ejercito de El Salvador, ES), Navy of El Salvador (Fuerza Naval de El Salvador, FNES), Salvadoran Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena, FAS) (2024)
Note: The National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil, PNC) are under the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety; in 2016, El Salvador created a combined Army commando and PNC unit to combat criminal gang violence
Note: The National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil, PNC) are under the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety; in 2016, El Salvador created a combined Army commando and PNC unit to combat criminal gang violence
Military - note
the Armed Force of El Salvador (FAES) is responsible for defending national sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity but also has considerable domestic security responsibilities; while the National Civil Police (PNC) is responsible for maintaining public security, the country’s constitution allows the president to use the FAES “in exceptional circumstances” to maintain internal peace and public security; in 2016, the government created a special 1,000-strong joint unit of Army commandos and police to fight criminal gangs; more military personnel were devoted to internal security beginning in 2019 when President BUKELE signed a decree authorizing military involvement in police duties to combat rising gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, as well as assisting with border security; since the decree, a considerable portion of the Army has been deployed in support of the PNC; in multiple cases since 2022, for example, as many as 8,000 troops have been deployed alongside thousands of police on single operations against criminal gang members
The FAES exercises with regional partners and the US, in such areas as internal security and disaster relief operations; it has deployed small numbers of personnel on UN peacekeeping missions and in support of military operations in Iraq (2003-2009)
The military led the country for much of the 20th century; from 1980 to 1992, it fought a bloody civil war against guerrillas from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front or FMLN, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (Frente Democrático Revolucionario), a coalition of left-wing dissident political groups backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union; the FAES received considerable US support during the conflict; significant human rights violations occurred during the war and approximately 75,000 Salvadorans, mostly civilians, were killed (2023)
The FAES exercises with regional partners and the US, in such areas as internal security and disaster relief operations; it has deployed small numbers of personnel on UN peacekeeping missions and in support of military operations in Iraq (2003-2009)
The military led the country for much of the 20th century; from 1980 to 1992, it fought a bloody civil war against guerrillas from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front or FMLN, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (Frente Democrático Revolucionario), a coalition of left-wing dissident political groups backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union; the FAES received considerable US support during the conflict; significant human rights violations occurred during the war and approximately 75,000 Salvadorans, mostly civilians, were killed (2023)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 25,000 active military personnel (21,000 Army; 2,000 Navy; 2,000 Air Force) (2024)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FAES is lightly armed with an inventory of mostly older imported arms and equipment, largely from the US (2023)
Military expenditures
1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Illicit drugs
A transit country for illicit drugs destined for the United States; a major source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 52,000 (2022)
National anthem
Name: "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador)
Lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE
Note: Officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; at 4:20 minutes, the anthem of El Salvador is one of the world's longest
Lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE
Note: Officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; at 4:20 minutes, the anthem of El Salvador is one of the world's longest
Air pollutants
Particulate matter emissions: 22.15 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.17 megatons (2016 est.)
Methane emissions: 4.71 megatons (2020 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.17 megatons (2016 est.)
Methane emissions: 4.71 megatons (2020 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 3 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Acajutla, Acajutla Offshore Terminal, La Union
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Acajutla, Acajutla Offshore Terminal, La Union
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
38.8 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Revenue from forest resources
0.6% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
4.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Quick Facts
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