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Central America · North America

El Salvador

El Salvador
Capital
San Salvador
Population
6.5M
Area
21,041 km²
Language
Spanish

El Salvador is a country in Central America, North America. Its capital is San Salvador, with a population of approximately 6.5M and a total area of 21,041 km². The official language is Spanish and the currency is the US Dollar (USD).

📊 Quick Facts about El Salvador

👥
Population
6.5M
total residents
📐
Total Area
21,041 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
309/km²
people per km²
💰
GDP (nominal)
$32.5B
total output
💵
GDP per Capita
$5,000
per person
💱
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
legal tender
🗣️
Language(s)
Spanish
official
🌊
Coastline
307 km
total shore
🕐
Timezone
UTC-6
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1821
established
🕐
Local Time in San Salvador

El Salvador covers an area of 21,041 km² with a population density of 309/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $32.5B ($5,000 per capita) and gained independence in 1821. It has a coastline of 307 km.

Did You Know?

El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. It is also the birthplace of the pupusa — a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, beans or meat — recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

💡 Interesting Facts about El Salvador

  1. El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.
  2. El Salvador is Central America's most densely populated country.
  3. The country has 37 volcanoes — 6 of which are active.
  4. The pupusa, El Salvador's national dish, is a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

✈️ Travel Information for El Salvador

📅
Best Time to Visit
November–April
Tropical, dry season November–April
💸
Cost of Travel
💚 Low Budget
Budget — compared to global average
🍽️
Meal Cost
$3–7
average restaurant meal
🏨
Hotel Cost
$25–60
per night
🛂
Visa
Visa-free for most Western nationalities
entry requirements
🔌
Plug Type
Type A/B, 115V
electrical standard
🚗➡️
Driving Side
Right
side of the road

⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.

📍 El Salvador on the Map

🌍
📍 San Salvador, El Salvador

⚠ Coverage varies by country. Zoom in or drag to explore.

🏆 El Salvador World Rankings

1st
Bitcoin
First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender (2021)
1st
Density
Most densely populated country in Central America
1st
Surfing
El Tunco — one of Central America's top surf destinations
1st
Pupusas
Birthplace of the pupusa — UNESCO intangible food heritage

🏛 Must-See Places in El Salvador

🌋
Open Wikipedia ↗
Santa Ana Volcano

El Salvador's highest peak at 2,381m with a stunning turquoise crater lake

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏛️
Open Wikipedia ↗
Joya de Cerén

UNESCO Maya village buried by a volcanic eruption in 600 AD — the Pompeii of the Americas

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏄
Open Wikipedia ↗
El Tunco Beach

A volcanic black sand beach and world-class surf break on the Pacific coast

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏺
Open Wikipedia ↗
San Andrés Archaeological Site

Major pre-Columbian ceremonial center and capital of a Maya polity

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia

🗺️ Countries Bordering El Salvador

🇬🇹
Guatemala
Guatemala City
🇭🇳
Honduras
Tegucigalpa

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about El Salvador

What is the capital of El Salvador?

The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.

What language is spoken in El Salvador?

The official language(s) of El Salvador are Spanish.

What is the population of El Salvador?

The population of El Salvador is approximately 6.5M.

What currency does El Salvador use?

El Salvador uses the US Dollar (USD).

What continent is El Salvador in?

El Salvador is located in North America, in the Central America region.

What is the GDP of El Salvador?

El Salvador has a GDP of $32.5B, with a GDP per capita of $5,000.

What is the best time to visit El Salvador?

The best time to visit El Salvador is November–April. The climate is Tropical, dry season November–April.

Do I need a visa for El Salvador?

Visa-free for most Western nationalities

🌍 Explore More Countries in Central America

🇧🇿
Belize
Belmopan
🇨🇷
Costa Rica
San José
🇬🇹
Guatemala
Guatemala City
🇭🇳
Honduras
Tegucigalpa

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