ABSTRACT

Nicknamed the “Land of Volcanoes,” the Republic of El Salvador is bordered by Honduras, Guatemala, and the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest country in Central America. The population of 6.5 million is overwhelmingly ethnically Mestizo. Languages spoken include Spanish, the official language, and Nawat. About half the population is Roman Catholic, while the rest is Protestant. The country is densely populated throughout, with many people living in and around San Salvador, the capital. Overall, nearly 75 percent of the population lives in urban areas. About 20 percent of Salvadorans live abroad due to a combination of poor economic conditions, civil war, natural disasters, and violence. The geography of El Salvador is unique, with dozens of volcanoes—many of them active—throughout the landscape.