El Salvador flag

El Salvador

Republic of El Salvador

Capital

San Salvador

Region

Americas

Population

6,029,976

Area (km²)

21,041

💡Quick Summary

El Salvador, the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, spans 21,041 km² in the Americas region and is home to about 6 million people, with San Salvador as its bustling capital. Known for its volcanic landscapes, Pacific beaches, and vibrant pupusa cuisine, it has embraced innovation by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. While GDP data is unavailable here, the nation grapples with economic challenges amid efforts to boost tourism and remittances from abroad.

Key Insights

Low Infant Mortality Rate for Income Level

The infant mortality rate of 9.2 per 1,000 live births is relatively low compared to the average for countries with similar GDP per capita levels. This suggests effective public health interventions, particularly in maternal and child health, despite potential resource constraints.

High Urbanization Despite Moderate GDP Per Capita

74.6% of El Salvador's population lives in urban areas, a high percentage comparable to highly industrialized nations. This high urbanization rate, paired with a relatively moderate GDP per capita of $5,365, suggests significant pressure on urban infrastructure and services, possibly driven by internal migration or limited rural opportunities.

Near Universal Access to Electricity

El Salvador has achieved nearly universal access to electricity, with 98.3% of the population connected. This high level of infrastructure development is a significant achievement for a developing nation and is crucial for supporting economic growth and quality of life improvements.

Below Replacement Fertility Rate Signals Future Population Decline

With a fertility rate of 1.78 children per woman, El Salvador is well below the replacement level (2.1). This indicates a rapidly aging population structure and suggests that, barring significant immigration, the country's population will begin to decline in the coming decades, a trend often seen in more developed economies.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$33.85B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$5,365.44

GDP Growth (%)

3.54%

Inflation (%)

4.05%

Unemployment (%)

2.99%

Debt to GDP (%)

102.19%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-12.00%-6.00%0.00%6.00%12.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202302,000,0004,000,0006,000,0008,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%7.0%14.0%21.0%28.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$1,500$3,000$4,500$6,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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