Measuring at approximately 8,008 square miles, El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. It is about the size of Massachusetts.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala and Honduras, El Salvador is a tropical country with mountains, volcanoes, lakes, and valleys.
El Salvador depends largely on agricultural products, and raises such products as coffee, corn, beans, rice, and sugar cane. The majority of El Salvador’s export income results from coffee distribution.
El Salvador was granted its independence in 1821, and since December 20, 1983, has operated under a constitution that governs it as a republic. The President is elected by the people, and serves a 5-year term, but is not allowed to serve consecutive terms.
Of the estimated 6.7 million Salvadorans, 90 percent are mestizo. The rest of the population are Indians and Whites. Fifty-two percent of the population is Roman Catholic, and an increasing number are members of Protestant groups. Spanish is the major language spoken.
The Salvadoran colon, which is equal to one hundred centavos is one of the basic units of currency. The other is the United States dollar, which is equal to 100 cents.
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