Traveling to El Salvador - 12 Topics You Should Know

Traveling to El Salvador - 12 Topics You Should Know

Him Daily

🇸🇻 1. Founded / Gains Independence

  • Founded: Originally inhabited by the Pipil, Lenca, and Maya peoples.

  • Spanish Conquest: Began in 1524 by Pedro de Alvarado.

  • Independence from Spain: September 15, 1821, as part of the broader Central American independence movement.

  • Full Sovereignty: Achieved in 1841 after the dissolution of the Federal Republic of Central America.


🏙️ 2. Capital, Major Cities

  • Capital: San Salvador — population ~525,990; metro area ~2.29 million.

  • Major Cities:

    • Santa Ana – cultural hub, ~176,661 people

    • San Miguel – economic center in the east, ~161,880

    • Soyapango, Mejicanos, Santa Tecla, Apopa — all part of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area.


💵 3. Currency

  • Primary Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD) — adopted in 2001.

  • Bitcoin: Legal tender since 2021, though its use is now optional and limited.

  • Salvadoran Colón: Historical currency, no longer in circulation but still technically legal tender.


📈 4. Economy, Exports, Imports

  • Main Exports:

    • Knit clothing (T-shirts, sweaters)

    • Plastics

    • Electrical capacitors

    • Sugar and paper products

  • Top Export Partners:

    • United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica

  • Main Imports:

    • Refined petroleum

    • Machinery and vehicles

    • Pharmaceuticals

    • Cereals

  • Trade Deficit: ~$4.42 billion in 2025


🧑🎓 5. Historic Figures

  • José Matías Delgado – Father of Salvadoran independence

  • Óscar Romero – Archbishop and human rights icon, assassinated in 1980

  • Roque Dalton – Revolutionary poet

  • Farabundo Martí – Marxist leader and namesake of the FMLN party

  • Nayib Bukele – Current president, known for anti-gang policies and Bitcoin adoption


⚔️ 6. Wars

  • Civil War (1979–1992) – Between government and FMLN guerrillas; ~75,000 deaths

  • Football War (1969) – Brief conflict with Honduras over immigration and soccer tensions

  • Filibuster War (1856–1857) – Regional conflict against U.S. adventurer William Walker

  • Gang Crackdown (2022–present) – Ongoing domestic security campaign


🌋 7. Geography

  • Size: ~21,000 km² — smallest country in Central America

  • Topography: Mountainous with a central plateau and narrow coastal plains

  • Highest Point: Cerro El Pital – 2,730 m (8,956 ft)

  • Borders: Guatemala (NW), Honduras (NE), Pacific Ocean (S)


👥 8. Current Population

  • Estimated Population (2025): ~6.5 million

  • Density: Highest in Central America


🎶 9. Culture / Music

  • Music Styles:

    • Cumbia, Xuc (national rhythm), Marimba, Reggaeton, and Folk

  • Cultural Influences: Indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern Latin American

  • Festivals: August Festival (San Salvador), Day of the Dead, Semana Santa


🗣️ 10. Languages

  • Official Language: Spanish

  • Indigenous Languages: Nawat (revitalization efforts underway)


🍽️ 11. Cuisine

  • National Dish: Pupusas – thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat

  • Other Staples:

    • Yuca frita, tamales, panes con pollo, atol de elote

  • Flavors: Corn-based, savory, with influences from indigenous and Spanish traditions


⚽ 12. Sports

  • Most Popular: Football (Soccer)

    • Legendary player: Jorge “Mágico” González

  • Other Sports: Basketball, surfing (especially in La Libertad), boxing

  • International Events: El Salvador has participated in FIFA World Cups and CONCACAF tournaments

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