Data: CIA World Factbook (public domain). Preserved and rebuilt by PRIA Technologies.

Central America N Caribbean • SV

El Salvador

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Population

6,334,723 (2025 est.)

GDP

$35.365 billion (2024 est.)

Area

21,041 sq km

Capital

San Salvador

Government type

presidential republic

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Introduction

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. El Salvador is beset by one of the world's highest homicide rates and pervasive criminal gangs.