Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
El Salvador
CapitalSan Salvador
Population6,365,503
GDP$36.7bn
Area21,041 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 1992Geography
Location
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 21,041 sq km
land: 20,721 sq km
water: 320 sq km
land: 20,721 sq km
water: 320 sq km
Area - comparative
about the same size as New Jersey
Land boundaries
total: 590 km
border countries: Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km
border countries: Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km
Coastline
307 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands
Terrain
mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau
Elevation
highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 442 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 442 m
Natural resources
hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 57.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 33% (2023 est.)
other: 9.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 33% (2023 est.)
other: 9.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
240 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
high population density country-wide, with particular concentration around the capital of San Salvador
Natural hazards
known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
volcanism: significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (1,893 m), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (2,130 m) is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana
Reference: 1917volcanism: significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (1,893 m), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (2,130 m) is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana
Geography - note
smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Salvadoran(s)
adjective: Salvadoran
adjective: Salvadoran
Ethnic groups
Mestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Indigenous 0.2% (includes Lenca, Kakawira, Nahua-Pipil), Black 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007 est.)
Reference: 2007Languages
Languages: Spanish (official), Nawat (among some indigenous)
major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 43.9%, Protestant 39.6% (Evangelical - unspecified 38.2%, Evangelical - Methodist 1.3%, Evangelical - Baptist 0.1%), none 16.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Age structure
0-14 years: 25.3% (male 855,841/female 818,642)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 2,077,745/female 2,317,416)
65 years and over: 8.4% (2024 est.) (male 238,658/female 320,400)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 66.3% (male 2,077,745/female 2,317,416)
65 years and over: 8.4% (2024 est.) (male 238,658/female 320,400)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 47.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 35 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 35 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 29.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 28.2 years
female: 31.2 years
Reference: 2024male: 28.2 years
female: 31.2 years
Population growth rate
0.34% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
high population density country-wide, with particular concentration around the capital of San Salvador
Major urban areas - population
1.116 million SAN SALVADOR (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.8 years (2008 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Reference: 2008note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio
39 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.98 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 94.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 94.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 21.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 21.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.62 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 7.8% (2025 est.)
male: 14.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
male: 14.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 4.3% (2021)
women married by age 18: 19.7% (2021)
Reference: 2021women married by age 18: 19.7% (2021)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 392 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 35,391 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 35,391 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Nayib Bukele | — | 2019-06-01 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Nayib Bukele | — | 2019-06-01 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador
conventional short form: El Salvador
local long form: República de El Salvador
local short form: El Salvador
etymology: means "the Savior" in Spanish and is a shortened form of "the Divine Savior of the World" (el Divino Salvador del Mundo), referring to Jesus Christ; 16th-century Spanish colonists gave the name "San Salvador" to the fort located where the country's capital of San Salvador now stands, and the name was later used for the city and the surrounding region; the country was officially named El Salvador in 1824
conventional short form: El Salvador
local long form: República de El Salvador
local short form: El Salvador
etymology: means "the Savior" in Spanish and is a shortened form of "the Divine Savior of the World" (el Divino Salvador del Mundo), referring to Jesus Christ; 16th-century Spanish colonists gave the name "San Salvador" to the fort located where the country's capital of San Salvador now stands, and the name was later used for the city and the surrounding region; the country was officially named El Salvador in 1824
Capital
name: San Salvador
geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Spanish colonists founded the city in 1526 on the feast day of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Jesus Christ), and the name means "Holy Savior" in Spanish
geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Spanish colonists founded the city in 1526 on the feast day of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Jesus Christ), and the name means "Holy Savior" in Spanish
Administrative divisions
14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapán, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlán, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazán, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Usulután
Legal system
civil law system with minor common law influence; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts
Constitution
history: many previous; latest drafted 16 December 1983, enacted 23 December 1983
amendment process: proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Reference: 1983amendment process: proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 4 February 2024
election results: 2024: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez reelected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (Nuevas Ideas) 84.7%, Manuel FLORES (FMLN) 6.4%, Joel SANCHEZ (ARENA) 5.6%, Luis PARADA (NT) 2%, other 1.3%
2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.7%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.4%, other 0.8%
expected date of next election: 28 February 2027; note - on 31 July 2025, the Legislative Assembly voted to move the date of the next presidential election from 2029 to 2027 to bring the presidential election cycle in line with the three-year legislative and municipal election cycle
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2029, 2027, 2025, 2024head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 4 February 2024
election results: 2024: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez reelected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (Nuevas Ideas) 84.7%, Manuel FLORES (FMLN) 6.4%, Joel SANCHEZ (ARENA) 5.6%, Luis PARADA (NT) 2%, other 1.3%
2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.7%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.4%, other 0.8%
expected date of next election: 28 February 2027; note - on 31 July 2025, the Legislative Assembly voted to move the date of the next presidential election from 2029 to 2027 to bring the presidential election cycle in line with the three-year legislative and municipal election cycle
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea legislativa)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 60 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 3 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2024
parties elected and seats per party: New Ideas (N) (54); Other (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 31.7%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Reference: 2027, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 60 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 3 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2024
parties elected and seats per party: New Ideas (N) (54); Other (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 31.7%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 15 judges, including its president, and 15 substitute judges organized into Constitutional, Civil, Penal, and Administrative Conflict Chambers)
judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
Political parties
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN
Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA
National Coalition Party or PCN
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA
New Ideas (Nuevas Ideas) or NI
Our Time (Nuestro Tiempo) or NT
Vamos or V
Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN
Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA
National Coalition Party or PCN
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA
New Ideas (Nuevas Ideas) or NI
Our Time (Nuestro Tiempo) or NT
Vamos or V
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Carmen Milena MAYORGA VALERA (since 23 December 2020)
chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
email address and website: infoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
https://rree.gob.sv/embajadas-consulados-y-misiones-permanentes-de-la-republica-de-el-salvador/
consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
Reference: 2020chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
email address and website: infoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
https://rree.gob.sv/embajadas-consulados-y-misiones-permanentes-de-la-republica-de-el-salvador/
consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Naomi C. FELLOWS (since August 2025)
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
email address and website: ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
email address and website: ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of cobalt blue (top), white, and cobalt blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has a round emblem with the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL around it
meaning: the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the white for the land, as well as peace and prosperity
history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America
note: note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band
meaning: the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the white for the land, as well as peace and prosperity
history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America
note: note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band
National symbol(s)
turquoise-browed motmot (bird)
National color(s)
blue, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador)
lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE
history: officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; at four minutes and 20 seconds, the anthem is one of the world's longest
Reference: 1953lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE
history: officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; at four minutes and 20 seconds, the anthem is one of the world's longest
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
selected World Heritage Site locales: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislative Assembly of El Salvador | — | 60 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income, dollarized Central American economy; reliant on remittances from US; recent growth linked to infrastructure investment, consumption, and crime reduction; $1.3 billion IMF loan to address fiscal imbalances; Bitcoin adopted as legal tender; persistent poverty and large informal sector
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $73.961 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $72.085 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $69.621 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $72.085 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $69.621 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $11,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $11,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $11,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $11,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $11,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 4.4% (2024 est.)
industry: 22.4% (2024 est.)
services: 61% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 22.4% (2024 est.)
services: 61% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 79.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 19.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.2% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.9% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 32.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -51.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 19.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.2% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.9% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 32.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -51.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, chicken, sorghum, beans, oranges, coconuts, eggs, mangoes/guavas (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals
Industrial production growth rate
0.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
2.89 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 6.7% (2024 est.)
male: 5.2% (2024 est.)
female: 9.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 5.2% (2024 est.)
female: 9.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
26.6% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 39.8 (2023 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2023note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 26.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 0.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.9% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 29.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2023highest 10%: 29.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 24% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 24.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 24.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 24.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 24.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $9.359 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $10.313 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $10.313 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 102.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
20.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$632.549 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$367.831 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.144 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$367.831 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.144 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $11.586 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $10.629 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.164 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $10.629 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.164 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 36%, Guatemala 17%, Honduras 15%, Nicaragua 8%, Costa Rica 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, plastic products, electrical capacitors, raw sugar, toilet paper (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $18.354 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.034 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $18.181 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $17.034 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $18.181 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 28%, China 15%, Guatemala 11%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, garments, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $3.705 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $3.079 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.695 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $3.079 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.695 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $12.668 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used as a medium of exchange and circulates freely in the economy
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$632.549 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$367.831 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.144 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$367.831 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.144 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $11.586 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $10.629 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.164 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $10.629 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.164 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 36%, Guatemala 17%, Honduras 15%, Nicaragua 8%, Costa Rica 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, plastic products, electrical capacitors, raw sugar, toilet paper (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $18.354 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.034 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $18.181 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $17.034 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $18.181 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 28%, China 15%, Guatemala 11%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, garments, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 2.803 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 6.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 140 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 750.096 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 770.613 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 6.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 140 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 750.096 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 770.613 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 9.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 19.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 14% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 19.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 14% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 500 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 3 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 56,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023refined petroleum consumption: 56,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 486.291 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 486.291 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 486.291 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 24.421 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 863,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
39 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 21.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 21.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.62 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 7.8% (2025 est.)
male: 14.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
male: 14.7% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system with minor common law influence; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 15 judges, including its president, and 15 substitute judges organized into Constitutional, Civil, Penal, and Administrative Conflict Chambers)
judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace
Military & Security
Military and security forces
The Armed Forces of El Salvador (La Fuerza Armada de El Salvador, FAES): Army of El Salvador (Ejercito de El Salvador, ES), Naval Force of El Salvador (Fuerza Naval de El Salvador, FNES), Salvadoran Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña, FAS)
Ministry of Justice and Public Safety: National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil, PNC) (2025)
Ministry of Justice and Public Safety: National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil, PNC) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 25,000 active FAES (2025)
note: note: El Salvador has pledged to increase the size of the military to 40,000 troops by 2026
Reference: 2026, 2025note: note: El Salvador has pledged to increase the size of the military to 40,000 troops by 2026
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FAES is lightly armed with an inventory of mostly older imported arms and equipment, largely from the US (2023)
Reference: 2023Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; service obligation is 12 months, with 11 months for officers and non-commissioned officers (2023)
Reference: 2023Military - note
the Armed Force of El Salvador (FAES) is responsible for defending national sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity but also has considerable domestic security responsibilities; while the National Civil Police (PNC) are responsible for maintaining public security, the country’s constitution allows the president to use the FAES “in exceptional circumstances” to maintain internal peace and public security; in 2016, the government created a special joint unit of Army commandos and police to fight criminal gangs; more military personnel were devoted to internal security beginning in 2019 when President BUKELE signed a decree authorizing military involvement in police duties to combat rising gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, as well as assisting with border security
the military led the country for much of the 20th century; from 1980 to 1992, it fought a bloody civil war against guerrillas from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front or FMLN, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (Frente Democrático Revolucionario), a coalition of left-wing dissident political groups backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union; the FAES received considerable US support during the conflict; significant human rights violations occurred during the war and approximately 75,000 Salvadorans, mostly civilians, were killed (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2019, 2016, 1992the military led the country for much of the 20th century; from 1980 to 1992, it fought a bloody civil war against guerrillas from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front or FMLN, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (Frente Democrático Revolucionario), a coalition of left-wing dissident political groups backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union; the FAES received considerable US support during the conflict; significant human rights violations occurred during the war and approximately 75,000 Salvadorans, mostly civilians, were killed (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Carmen Milena MAYORGA VALERA (since 23 December 2020)
chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
email address and website: infoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
https://rree.gob.sv/embajadas-consulados-y-misiones-permanentes-de-la-republica-de-el-salvador/
consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
Reference: 2020chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763
email address and website: infoEEUU@rree.gob.sv
https://rree.gob.sv/embajadas-consulados-y-misiones-permanentes-de-la-republica-de-el-salvador/
consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Naomi C. FELLOWS (since August 2025)
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
email address and website: ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150
email address and website: ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-10-24 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-05-07 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 392 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 35,391 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 35,391 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YS
Airports
27 (2025)
Railways
total: 12.5 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 12.5 km (2014) 0.914-mm gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 12.5 km (2014) 0.914-mm gauge
Merchant marine
total: 5 (2023)
by type: other 5
Reference: 2023by type: other 5
Ports
total ports: 3 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Acajutla, Acajutla Offshore Terminal, La Union
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Acajutla, Acajutla Offshore Terminal, La Union
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Climate
tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands
Land use
agricultural land: 57.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 33% (2023 est.)
other: 9.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 33% (2023 est.)
other: 9.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 75.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 8.694 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 7.745 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 948,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 7.745 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 948,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
23.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.649 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.2% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.2% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 433.229 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 94.316 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 1.411 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 94.316 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 1.411 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
26.27 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 863,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
multiple privately owned national terrestrial TV networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international channels; hundreds of commercial radio stations and 2 government-owned radio stations; transition to digital transmission was set to begin in 2018, along with adoption of the Japanese-Brazilian Digital Standard (ISDB-T) (2022)
Reference: 2022, 2018Internet country code
.sv
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,200,800 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 6,213,533 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 6,219,807 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 6,222,318 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 6,234,673 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 6,255,782 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 6,280,319 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 6,309,624 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 6,338,193 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 6,365,503 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $24,191,430,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $24,979,190,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $26,020,850,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $26,881,140,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $24,921,190,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $29,043,140,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $31,870,110,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $33,565,430,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $34,879,730,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $36,708,110,000 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 42,767 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 43,342 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 955,569 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,005,420 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 906,731 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,108,043 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,359,464 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,541,873 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,679,667 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,834,670 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -47,491 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -50,608 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -54,163 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -55,144 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -25,213 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -27,343 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -23,255 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -23,253 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -23,102 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -23,934 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,365,503 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 6,391,254 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 6,029,976 | 2024 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 43,342 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,834,670 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -23,934 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 68,182 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 108,289 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.356 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -1.232 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -0.986 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.472 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -0.009 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -0.189 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.518 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1822; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No Bans discrimination based on gender identity. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $36,708,110,000 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $5,767 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 72.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 75.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 66.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 32.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 56.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 88.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 89.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 62.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 98.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,137 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 21.9% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 8.8 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 27.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 176.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 12.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 191 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 13.7034° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -89.2073° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 13.6689° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -88.8661° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00, America/El_Salvador | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic, representative democracy, presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15