Country guide - El Salvador  

 
 

Introduction: El Salvador is located in Central America and is bordered by Guatemala, Honduras and the Pacific Ocean. Most of the country is volcanic uplands, along which run two almost parallel rows of volcanoes.

Official Name: Republic of El Salvador
Area: 21,040 sq km (8,124 sq miles)
Population: 6,470,275
Continent: South America
Density per square mile: 796
Capital City: San Salvador
Religions: 93% Roman Catholic while other religious minorities include Protestants, Pentecosts and Jews.

Language: Spanish
Government: Republic

Currency: Colón; U.S. dollar
GDP: $28.4 billion
GDP Per Head: $4,600

Natural Resources: Petroleum and hydro & geothermal power.
Land Use: Arable Land 27%
Agriculture: Beans, coffee, corn, sugar, rice, oilseed, cotton, sorghum; shrimps, beef & dairy products.
Industry: Textiles, coffee, sugar, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals & cotton.

Tourism: There are the beaches, most populat along the 'Costa Del Sol'. Buzzy towns and cities including San Salvador the 2nd largest city in South America with all its charm and history.

Natural Hazards: Earthquakes
Health Risks: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid

Climate: El Salvador has a tropical climate that is characterised by warm temperatures during the day and cool nights, with the exception of the coastal plain. There are two distinct seasons, a dry season from November to April with light rainfall and a wet season from May to November when heavy rainfall occurs. Rainfall is heaviest along the coast whilst the interior regions remain relatively dry. Average monthly precipitation during the wet season is 260 mm. Average temperature ranges in San Salvador are from 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius all year.

Time: GMT/UTC -6 hours
National Days: September 15

Visas: UK passport holders can enter El Salvador as tourists or business visitors for up to 90 days without a visa. This can be extended on application to the Salvadorean immigration department, Centro de Gobierno, San Salvador. US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa but must buy a tourist card upon arrival. The card is valid for 90 days. Citizens of Australia and New Zealand need a visa.

British Embassy Details

 

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