General 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.
Area comparative:
Slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Climate:
Tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November
to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands
Terrain: Mostly mountains with narrow coastal
belt and central plateau
Population: 6,353,681 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Mestizo 90%, Amerindian 1%, White
9%
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%
Language: Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)
Government type: Republic
Capital: San Salvador
Legal system: Based on civil and Roman law,
with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative
acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,
with reservations.
Economic overview: El Salvador is a struggling
Central American economy which has been suffering from
a weak tax collection system, factory closings, the
aftermaths of Hurricane Mitch of 1998 and the devastating
earthquakes of early 2001, and weak world coffee prices.
On the bright side, in recent years inflation has fallen
to single digit levels, and total exports have grown
substantially. The trade deficit has been offset by
remittances (an estimated $1.6 billion in 2000) from
Salvadorans living abroad and by external aid. As of
1 January 2001, the US dollar was made legal tender
alongside the colon. Growth in 2002 will depend largely
on the speed of recovery in the US.
Communication/Telephone system: Nationwide microwave
radio relay system
Places of interest:
Travel tips: El Salvador is not geared to independent
travelers. Earthquakes and tremors are common, be careful
and cautious when traveling.
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