El Salvador

File:El Salvador's national anthem (abridged).ogg

Toma2

Temazcal en Joya de Cerén

Pedro de Alvarado (Tomás Povedano)

Tazumal 10

El Salvador, officially known as the Republic of El Salvador, is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. It is bordered on the northeast by Honduras, on the northwest by Guatemala, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador's capital and largest city is San Salvador. The country's population is approximately 6.5 million, making it Central America's most densely populated nation.

History

El Salvador's history dates back to the Pre-Columbian era, inhabited by the Pipil people and other indigenous groups. The Spanish conquest began in the early 16th century, leading to centuries of colonial rule. El Salvador gained independence from Spain in 1821, initially as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, and then as a sovereign nation in 1841.

The 20th century was marked by social and economic inequality, leading to political unrest. The Salvadoran Civil War (1980-1992) was a significant period of violence, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacements. The war ended with the Chapultepec Peace Accords in 1992, which laid the groundwork for the country's current political and social structure.

Geography

El Salvador is known for its Pacific Ocean beaches, surf spots, and mountainous landscape. The country is divided into 14 departments, each headed by a governor. Notable geographic features include the Lempa River, the longest river in the country, and the San Miguel volcano, one of the most active in the region. The climate is tropical, with a wet and dry season, and the country is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Economy

The economy of El Salvador has traditionally been based on agriculture, with coffee and sugar as major exports. However, in recent decades, there has been a shift towards manufacturing and services, including textiles and call centers, as part of the maquiladora industry. Remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, particularly in the United States, are a significant source of income for the country.

Culture

El Salvador's culture is a blend of Spanish colonial influence and indigenous traditions. The country is known for its traditional foods, such as pupusas, a thick corn tortilla stuffed with various fillings. Music and dance are also integral parts of Salvadoran culture, with genres like cumbia and salsa being popular.

Politics

El Salvador is a democratic republic with a president who serves as both head of state and head of government. The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador is unicameral, with members elected to serve three-year terms. The country has a multi-party system, with the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) being the two dominant parties.

Demographics

The majority of the population is of mixed indigenous and European ancestry, known as mestizo. Spanish is the official language, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, although evangelical Protestantism has been growing.

Challenges

El Salvador faces several challenges, including high levels of crime and violence, largely attributed to gang activity. The country also struggles with economic inequality and vulnerability to natural disasters.