Facts about El Salvador

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Discover intriguing facts about El Salvador today! Learn about its rich culture, diverse geography, unique traditions, and historical landmarks.

El Salvador is a small but amazing country in Central America. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, like El Tunco, which are perfect for surfing! Did you know El Salvador is also famous for its large, active volcano named Izalco, which people sometimes call the “Lighthouse of the Pacific”? This country is full of exciting things to see and learn about!

To learn more check out the facts below. If you love learning about new things then check out these Amazing Facts About Hawaii.

Facts About El Salvador

1. El Salvador was once the 4th largest coffee producer in the world.
2. The Mayans were the first people to live in El Salvador.
3. Salvadoran women greet each other by patting each other on the forearm or shoulder instead of shaking hands.
4. The U.S. dollar replaced the “colón” as the official currency of El Salvador in 2001.
5. The country shares its land borders with only two other countries: Guatemala and Honduras.

6. El Salvador has a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. El Salvador has a high biodiversity.
8. El Salvador has only two seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season runs from November to April.
9. Most densely populated country in the Americas.
10. El Salvador has over 20 volcanes.

11. The 15th birthday of a girl is considered an important event in her life. Families celebrate the birthday grandly. This event is also named fiesta rosa or quinceañera.
12. One Of The Most Popular Activities In El Salvador Is Surfing
13. El Salvador’s Barra de Santiago is a beautiful beach where you can find endangered species like marine turtles and red macaws.
14. The modern name of the country comes from conquistador Pedro de Alvarado who named the area,” Provincia De Nuestro Señor Jesus Cristo, El Salvador Del Mundo.”  The name was later shortened to El Salvador.
15. The Spanish term El Salvador translates to the “The Saviour”, referring to Jesus Christ. 

16. El Salvador is the only country in Central America that does not have any population of African descent.
17. El Salvador is heavily influenced by indigenous cultures.
18. El Salvador is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world, hosting tons of surf competitions yearly.
19. The indigo plant was the most important crop during the colonial period.
20. Education up to ninth grade is free in the country.
21. El Salvador has a vibrant nightlife.
22. Agricultural Legacy: The Colonial Era’s Blue Trees
23. El Salvador is known officially as the Republic of El Salvador.
24. El Salvador has an area of 21,000 square kilometers.
25. El Salvador International Airport is the third busiest airport in Central America
26. El Salvador has breathtaking natural landscapes.
27. El Salvador is well known for its wildlife and biodiversity.
28. “The torogoz” is the national bird of El Salvador.
29. This Small Country Has the Biggest Stadium in Central America
30. There are five archaeological parks in El Salvador: Cihuatan, Joya de Ceren, San Andres, Casa Blanca and Tazumal. 
31. El Salvador is known as the Land of Volcanoes because it has more than 100 volcanoes.
32. The Salvadorans are known as “guanacos”.
33. The El Salvador national soccer team, known as “La Selecta,” represents the country in international competitions.
34. Cerro El Pital is the highest point in the country, with a height of 8,957 ft.
35. As of 2021, El Salvador has a population of over 6.4 million people, making it the most densely populated country in Central America.
36. El Salvador has adopted the US dollar as its official currency, making it the only country in Central America to use the US dollar as its legal tender.
37. El Salvador Is a Perfect Destination For Travelers On A Budget
38. On September 15, 1821, El Salvador achieved a historic milestone in its quest for independence. 
39. Out of all the Central American countries, it’s the only one that doesn’t have a Caribbean coastline.
40. Cerro El Pital is the highest peak in El Salvador with a height of 8,957 feet.

41. The country became Republica de El Salvador (Republic of El Salvador) when the Republic of Central America dissolved.
42. Flor de izote (Yucca gigantea) is the national flower of El Salvador. This flower is edible.
43. Salvadorans are extremely hospitable.
44. El Salvador is about the size of the state of Massachusetts. 
45. El Salvador is a perfect destination for travelers on a budget
46. Soccer is the national sport of El Salvador. Still, it has never won a single Olympic medal.
47. The largest pretzel in the world weighing 1,728 pounds was made in El Salvador. 
48. The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador. It is the oldest and most long-standing capital in Central America.
49. The Favorite music of Salvadorans is cumbia music
50. The country does not have people of African descent.
51. The Estadio Cuscatlan Stadium is the largest stadium in Central America with a seating capacity of 45,000 people.
52. El Salvador is known for its vibrant arts and crafts.
53. The movie Salvador, nominated for an Oscar, is based on the 12-year-long civil war.
54. In Salvadoran culture, it is polite to leave a small amount of food on the plate after eating.
55. El Salvador is one of the few countries in the world that bans abortion in all circumstances, even when the life of the mother or the fetus is at risk. 
56. Around 74% Of El Salvadorans live in urban cities.
57. El Salvador became the first one to legalize Bitcoin in 2021.
58. El Salvador is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world, hosting tons of surf competitions yearly.
59. El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America.
60. El Salvador has only two seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season runs from November to April.
61. The national dish in El Salvador is called pupusa
62. In El Salvador, the buses are named “chicken bus”. These chicken buses are decorated buses with loud music.

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