Ready to explore a country that might be small on the map but huge in culture, history, and amazing nature? Let’s talk about the exciting place, El Salvador, a beautiful country in Central America. It’s known for its stunning beaches, volcanoes, and super friendly people. So, grab your imaginary passport, and let’s start our adventure to learn some cool facts about El Salvador!
Did you know that El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America? But don’t let its size fool you! It’s like a treasure chest full of exciting and interesting things. One of the coolest parts about El Salvador is its volcanoes. It has so many that it’s nicknamed the “Land of Volcanoes.” Some are really active, which means they can still erupt, while others are sleeping quietly.
El Salvador is also famous for its beautiful beaches. These beaches are not just for building sandcastles; they’re some of the best places in the world for surfing! Surfers from all over come to ride the waves here. The water is warm, the waves are exciting, and the sunsets are like a painting in the sky.
And here’s something really special: the people of El Salvador are known for being super friendly and welcoming. They have a rich culture with tasty foods like pupusas, which are yummy stuffed tortillas, and exciting festivals with music and dancing that tell stories about their history.
Are you ready to uncover more about this amazing place? From its rumbling volcanoes to its colorful traditions, El Salvador is a country full of surprises and fun facts. Let’s keep exploring and learn why this small country in the heart of Central America is a big deal with these facts about El Salvador!
Don’t forget to grab your free El Salvador fact cards below!
Are you collecting all our fact cards? Be sure to grab our Facts about Turtles and our Facts About Mt. Rushmore.
Facts About El Salvador
- The Spanish term El Salvador translates to the “The Saviour”, referring to Jesus Christ.
- 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.
- El Salvador is the only country in Central America that does not have any population of African descent.
- El Salvador is heavily influenced by indigenous cultures.
- El Salvador is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world, hosting tons of surf competitions yearly.
- The indigo plant was the most important crop during the colonial period.
- El Salvador is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world, hosting tons of surf competitions yearly.
- El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America.
- El Salvador has only two seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season runs from November to April.
- The national dish in El Salvador is called pupusa
- In El Salvador, the buses are named “chicken bus”. These chicken buses are decorated buses with loud music.
- The country became Republica de El Salvador (Republic of El Salvador) when the Republic of Central America dissolved.
- Flor de izote (Yucca gigantea) is the national flower of El Salvador. This flower is edible.
- The country does not have people of African descent.
- The Estadio Cuscatlan Stadium is the largest stadium in Central America with a seating capacity of 45,000 people.
- El Salvador is known for its vibrant arts and crafts.
- The movie Salvador, nominated for an Oscar, is based on the 12-year-long civil war.
- El Salvador was once the 4th largest coffee producer in the world.
- The Mayans were the first people to live in El Salvador.
- Salvadoran women greet each other by patting each other on the forearm or shoulder instead of shaking hands.
- The U.S. dollar replaced the “colón” as the official currency of El Salvador in 2001.
- El Salvador is known officially as the Republic of El Salvador.
- El Salvador has an area of 21,000 square kilometers.
- El Salvador International Airport is the third busiest airport in Central America
- El Salvador has breathtaking natural landscapes.
- El Salvador is well known for its wildlife and biodiversity.
- “The torogoz” is the national bird of El Salvador.
- El Salvador is a perfect destination for travelers on a budget
- Soccer is the national sport of El Salvador. Still, it has never won a single Olympic medal.
- The largest pretzel in the world weighing 1,728 pounds was made in El Salvador.
- The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador. It is the oldest and most long-standing capital in Central America.
- The Favorite music of Salvadorans is cumbia music
- 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.
- Around 74% Of El Salvadorans live in urban cities.
- El Salvador became the first one to legalize Bitcoin in 2021.
- The country shares its land borders with only two other countries: Guatemala and Honduras.
- El Salvador has a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- El Salvador has a high biodiversity.
- El Salvador has only two seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season runs from November to April.
- Most densely populated country in the Americas.
- El Salvador has over 20 volcanes.
- This Small Country Has the Biggest Stadium in Central America
- There are five archaeological parks in El Salvador: Cihuatan, Joya de Ceren, San Andres, Casa Blanca and Tazumal.
- El Salvador is known as the Land of Volcanoes because it has more than 100 volcanoes.
- Salvadorans are extremely hospitable.
- El Salvador is about the size of the state of Massachusetts.
- 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.
- One Of The Most Popular Activities In El Salvador Is Surfing
- El Salvador’s Barra de Santiago is a beautiful beach where you can find endangered species like marine turtles and red macaws.
- Education up to ninth grade is free in the country.
- El Salvador has a vibrant nightlife.
- Agricultural Legacy: The Colonial Era’s Blue Trees
- The Salvadorans are known as “guanacos”.
- The El Salvador national soccer team, known as “La Selecta,” represents the country in international competitions.
- Cerro El Pital is the highest point in the country, with a height of 8,957 ft.
- As of 2021, El Salvador has a population of over 6.4 million people, making it the most densely populated country in Central America.
- 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.
- El Salvador Is a Perfect Destination For Travelers On A Budget
- On September 15, 1821, El Salvador achieved a historic milestone in its quest for independence.
- Out of all the Central American countries, it’s the only one that doesn’t have a Caribbean coastline.
- Cerro El Pital is the highest peak in El Salvador with a height of 8,957 feet.
Do you have even more interesting facts about El Salvador? Share them with us in the comments! Also, don’t forget to grab your free moon fact cards to add to your collection!
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Michele is a mom of 5 with her degree in marriage and family studies. She believes that one of the best ways you can spend time with your family is doing fun things together.