About SV
Capital
The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador.
Population
As of the latest estimates, El Salvador has a population of approximately 6.8 million people.
Area
El Salvador covers an area of about 21,041 square kilometers (8,124 square miles), making it the smallest country in Central America in terms of land area.
Official Language
The official language of El Salvador is Spanish.
Government
El Salvador is a presidential republic with a multi-party political system. The President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The country's government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Independence
El Salvador gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, along with several other Central American countries.
Currency
The currency of El Salvador is the United States dollar (USD).
Economy
El Salvador's economy is primarily based on services, industry, and agriculture. The country has a diverse industrial sector, including food processing, textiles, and chemicals. Remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, particularly in the United States, are a significant source of income for many families in El Salvador.
Natural Features
El Salvador has a varied landscape, including mountains, valleys, and coastal plains. The country is known for its numerous volcanoes, some of which are still active. The Pacific coastline of El Salvador offers sandy beaches and popular surfing destinations.
Culture
El Salvador has a rich cultural heritage influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and other European traditions. Traditional music, dance, and cuisine play an important role in Salvadoran culture. Holidays and festivals, such as Independence Day and Day of the Dead, are celebrated with colorful parades, music, and traditional dishes.
Religion
The majority of the population in El Salvador is Roman Catholic, with Catholicism being the dominant religion. However, there is also a significant Protestant minority, as well as small communities of other faiths.
Infrastructure
El Salvador has developed infrastructure, including transportation networks, telecommunications, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. However, access to basic services and infrastructure can vary between urban and rural areas.
International Relations
El Salvador maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Central American Integration System (SICA).
Challenges
El Salvador faces challenges such as poverty, crime, corruption, and environmental degradation. Efforts are underway to address these challenges through economic development, social programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting security and stability in the country.
National Items of El Salvador
Torogoz (Turquoise-browed Motmot)
The Torogoz (Eumomota superciliosa), also known as the Turquoise-browed Motmot, is the national bird of El Salvador. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive calls symbolize the country's rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Izote Flower
The Izote flower (Yucca gigantea) is the national flower of El Salvador. This plant, with its striking white blossoms, represents the resilience and natural beauty of the Salvadoran landscape.
Maquilishuat Tree
The Maquilishuat (Tabebuia rosea) is the national tree of El Salvador. Known for its beautiful pink flowers, it symbolizes the country’s natural heritage and environmental significance.
Pupusa
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick corn tortillas stuffed with fillings such as cheese, beans, or pork. They represent the country's rich culinary traditions and are a staple in Salvadoran cuisine.
Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru, a resin obtained from the Myroxylon tree, is a significant export product of El Salvador. It symbolizes the country's natural resources and traditional medicinal practices.
Chorro de La Calera
Chorro de La Calera is a famous waterfall in El Salvador, symbolizing the country's natural beauty and the importance of its water resources.
Joya de Cerén
Joya de Cerén is an archaeological site known as the "Pompeii of the Americas." It represents the rich pre-Columbian history and cultural heritage of El Salvador.
El Salvador del Mundo Monument
The El Salvador del Mundo (The Savior of the World) monument in San Salvador is a significant national symbol. It represents the country's faith, history, and national identity.
Handicrafts
Traditional Salvadoran handicrafts, such as woven textiles and ceramics, symbolize the country's rich cultural heritage and artisanal skills.
Coffee
Coffee is one of El Salvador's primary export products and symbolizes the country's agricultural heritage and economic significance.
The anthem celebrates the pride and dedication of the people of El Salvador to their country, emphasizing the importance of peace, progress, and unity.
The national anthem of El Salvador is called "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador). Here are the lyrics in the original Spanish language along with an English translation:
Saludemos la patria orgullosos
De hijos suyos podernos llamar;
Y juremos la vida animosos,
Sin descanso a su bien consagrar.
De la paz en la dicha suprema,
Siempre noble soñó El Salvador;
Fue obtenerla su eterno problema,
Conservarla es su gloria mayor.
¡Saludemos la patria orgullosos
De hijos suyos podernos llamar!
Y juremos la vida animosos,
Sin descanso a su bien consagrar.
Refrain:
De la paz en la dicha suprema,
Siempre noble soñó El Salvador;
Fue obtenerla su eterno problema,
Conservarla es su gloria mayor.
Compatriotas, las turbas disipen
Y las sombras que impiden su luz;
Nuestros campos con sangre se rieguen,
Sobre sangre se funda la cruz.
Del pasado las sombras borradas
Ya no pueden volver a envolver;
El progreso, el trabajo y la paz
Son derechos del hombre y del deber.
¡Saludemos la patria orgullosos
De hijos suyos podernos llamar!
Y juremos la vida animosos,
Sin descanso a su bien consagrar.
Refrain:
De la paz en la dicha suprema,
Siempre noble soñó El Salvador;
Fue obtenerla su eterno problema,
Conservarla es su gloria mayor.
Adelante la pica y la pala,
Al trabajo sin más dilación;
Y seremos así prez y gala
De Hispanoamérica el primor.
Al abismo se lanzan, se lanzan
Los que de la grandeza reniegan;
El que tiene acero en su brazo
Cumplirá de la patria la ley.
¡Saludemos la patria orgullosos
De hijos suyos podernos llamar!
Y juremos la vida animosos,
Sin descanso a su bien consagrar.
Refrain:
De la paz en la dicha suprema,
Siempre noble soñó El Salvador;
Fue obtenerla su eterno problema,
Conservarla es su gloria mayor.
Let us greet our country proudly
As we may call ourselves her sons;
And let us swear animously,
To dedicate our lives without rest to her welfare.
Of peace, in the highest happiness,
Always noble Salvador dreamed;
To obtain it was its eternal problem,
To conserve it is its greatest glory.
Let us greet our country proudly
As we may call ourselves her sons;
And let us swear animously,
To dedicate our lives without rest to her welfare.
Refrain:
Of peace, in the highest happiness,
Always noble Salvador dreamed;
To obtain it was its eternal problem,
To conserve it is its greatest glory.
Compatriots, let us disperse the masses
And the shadows that impede its light;
Our fields are watered with blood,
The cross is founded on blood.
Of the past the shadows are erased
They cannot wrap around again;
Progress, work and peace
Are rights of man and duty.
Let us greet our country proudly
As we may call ourselves her sons;
And let us swear animously,
To dedicate our lives without rest to her welfare.
Refrain:
Of peace, in the highest happiness,
Always noble Salvador dreamed;
To obtain it was its eternal problem,
To conserve it is its greatest glory.
Forward with the pickaxe and shovel,
To work without further delay;
And thus we shall be the pride and glory
Of Hispano-America.
To the abyss they throw themselves, they throw themselves
Those who deny greatness;
He who has steel in his arm
Will fulfill the law of the homeland.
Let us greet our country proudly
As we may call ourselves her sons;
And let us swear animously,
To dedicate our lives without rest to her welfare.
Refrain:
Of peace, in the highest happiness,
Always noble Salvador dreamed;
To obtain it was its eternal problem,
To conserve it is its greatest glory.
