Location: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras. Central America and the Caribbean Coordinates: 13° 50" North, 88° 55" West  

1. Ahuachapán
2. Cabañas
3. Chalatenango
4. Cuscatlán
5. La Libertad
6. La Paz
7. La Unión
8. Morazán
9. San Miguel
10. San Salvador
11. San Vicente
12. Santa Ana
13. Sonsonate
14. Usulután

Independence: 15 September 1821

Legal System: based on civil and Roman law with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Population: 7,066,403

Ethnic groups: mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8%

Language: Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Internet Country Codes: .sv

Climate: tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Free import by persons over 18 years of age:- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars;- up to 2 litres of alcoholic beverages;- up to 6 units of perfume ...More Import regulations for El Salvador

For firearms and ammunition a permit is required from the Ministry of Defence. ...More El Salvador Arms and Ammunition regulations

Import of ham, sausage and similar products is allowed only if sterilized by heat, boneless and hermetically canned. El ...More additional information for El Salvador

Same regulations apply as for "free import". ...More Export regulations for El Salvador

: Import permit required, fee USD 9.04, which can be obtained on (or prior to) arrival at the Animal Quarantine Dept. at the airport. Applications must be a ...More El Salvador importing pets regulations

the following taxes are levied on all passengers embarking ... More Airport Tax regulations for El Salvador

Currency Import regulations: Import of local currency ... More Currency Import regulations for El Salvador

Health/Water: Health care in El Salvador is considered to be of high standards and is offered at very competitive prices. Foreign nationals should be aware that the hospitals and physicians in El Salvador may expect cash payment at the time of treatment, so be prepared. Most hospitals do accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors’ fees. The water is plentiful but contaminated.

Electricity: 115 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second.

Popular Beers: caguama, suprema, Pilsner

Food Specialties: National specialties:
• Rice, beans, meat and salad is a popular meal.
• Corn tortillas.
• Iguana.
• Armadillo.
• Pupusa (a fried sandwich made of tortillas and filled with pork, cheese and sausage).

National drinks:
• Coffee.
• Refrescos (natural fruit drinks).
• Beer (Pilsner and Suprema).
• Tic tac and Torito (alcoholic beverages made from distilled sugar cane).

Legal drinking age: A person must be aged over 18 to buy alcohol.

Tipping: 10% in hotels and restaurants; 15% is appropriate for smaller bills.

Nightlife
San Salvador has a few nightclubs. Zona Rosa is the district with the hippest (and most pricey) clubs, bars and restaurants. There are many cinemas, some showing English-language films with subtitles. The capital’s numerous theaters include the restored Teatro Nacional. Other evening entertainment includes concerts and football (soccer) matches.

Currency: US dollar
 

Location: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras. Central America and the Caribbean Coordinates: 13° 50" North, 88° 55" West

Land: Two volcanic ranges, running roughly west to east, segment the country, but in between are broad, fertile valleys, such as that of the Lempa, the principal river. There are several fairly large lakes. El Salvador is the smallest Latin American republic. 21,040 sq km.