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El Salvador (Spanish for "The Savior") is a republic in Central America with a population of approximately 6.5 million people.
República de El Salvador
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National motto: Dios, Unión, Libertad
(Spanish: God, Union, Liberty)
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| Official language
| Spanish
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| Capital
| San Salvador
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| Capital's coordinates
| 13° 40′ N, 89° 10′ W
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| Largest City
| San Salvador
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| President
| Antonio Saca
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Area
- Total
- % water |
Ranked 148th
21,040 km²
1.5%
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| Population
- Total (Year)
- Density
| Ranked 97th
6,470,379
307.5/km²
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| GDP (PPP)
- Total (Year)
- GDP/head
| Ranked 84th
29.41 billion $
$4,600
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| Currency
| US dollar ($)
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| Time zone
| UTC -6
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| Independence
| From Spain: September 15,1821
From the Central American Federation: 1842
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| National anthem | Saludemos la Patria orgullosos
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| Internet TLD | .sv
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| Calling Code | 503
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History
Main articles: History of El Salvador
El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1842. Fought the Football War with Honduras in 1969. A 12-year civil war, which cost the lives of some 75,000 people, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.
Politics
Main article: Politics of El Salvador
The current president is Elías Antonio Saca González. He was elected president on 21 March 2004 and took office on 1 June 2004. His presidential term ends on 1 June 2009.
Geography
It is the smallest Central American country and the only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea. Located between Guatemala and Honduras. It's known as the "Land of the volcanoes".
Main article: Geography of El Salvador
The most important cities are:
Political Divisions
The country is divided into 14 departments.
Economy
Main article: Economy of El Salvador
El Salvador's poor economy suffers from a weak tax collection system, factory closings, the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, and low world coffee prices. On the bright side, in recent years inflation has fallen to single digit levels, and total exports have grown substantially. The substantial trade deficit has been offset by remittances from the large number of Salvadorans living abroad and from external aid.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of El Salvador
Culture
Main article: Culture of El Salvador, Music of El Salvador
Miscellaneous topics
External links
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