10 fun and interesting El Salvador facts

1. The Tiny Nation with a Massive Population

El Salvador is a tiny Central American nation, measuring in at just 8,124 square miles - making it the smallest country in the region. Despite its small size, El Salvador is home to a population of over 6 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It is bordered by Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

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2. The Land of the Midnight Sun

El Salvador is the only country in Central America without an Atlantic coast line, making it the only nation in the region to be completely landlocked. This unique geographical feature sets El Salvador apart from its neighbors, as the other countries in Central America all have access to the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, El Salvador has a distinct culture and history that is unlike any other in the region.

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3. Land of the Volcanoes

El Salvador is a Central American country that is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, earning it the nickname "Land of the Volcanoes". The country is home to five volcanoes, including the San Miguel, Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde volcanoes, all of which are considered active. The San Miguel volcano is the most active, having erupted more than 20 times since the 16th century. The Izalco volcano is also known for its frequent eruptions, with its last eruption occurring in 1966. The Santa Ana and Cerro Verde volcanoes are also active, with the Santa Ana volcano having erupted in 2005 and the Cerro Verde volcano having erupted in 2012.

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4. A Nation Reborn

After three centuries of Spanish rule, El Salvador finally achieved its independence in 1821. This momentous event marked the beginning of a new era for the Central American nation, as it was now free to pursue its own destiny and shape its own future. The country has since gone through a number of tumultuous periods, including a civil war in the 1980s, but has emerged as a vibrant and diverse nation with a rich culture and a strong sense of national identity.

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5. The Soccer War: A Tragedy in Three Games

In 1969, El Salvador and Honduras went to war after a soccer match, which became known as the “Soccer War”. The war began when tensions between the two countries escalated after a three-game series between their respective national teams. The series was part of the qualifying rounds for the 1970 FIFA World Cup, and the Salvadoran team had won the first two games. After the third game, which was won by Honduras, a riot broke out in the stadium, leading to a full-scale conflict between the two countries. The war lasted for four days and resulted in thousands of casualties. The conflict was eventually resolved through diplomatic negotiations, but the “Soccer War” remains a reminder of the power of sports to incite violence.

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6. El Salvador After the Earthquake: Rebuilding a Nation

In 2001, El Salvador was struck by a devastating earthquake that left a tragic toll of 12,000 dead and countless more homeless. The magnitude of the quake was so great that it caused widespread destruction, leaving many of the country's citizens without shelter or basic necessities. The aftermath of the earthquake was devastating, with thousands of people left without homes, food, or water. The government of El Salvador responded quickly to the disaster, providing aid and assistance to those affected. Despite the efforts of the government, the earthquake left a lasting impact on the country, with many of its citizens still struggling to rebuild their lives.

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7. The Maya Legacy in El Salvador

The ancient Maya people were the first to inhabit El Salvador, a small Central American country located between Guatemala and Honduras. The Maya civilization flourished in the region for centuries, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy that still influences the country today. From the ancient ruins of Tazumal to the traditional Mayan cuisine, El Salvador is a living testament to the Maya's legacy.

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8. The Long and Troubled History of El Salvador

El Salvador has a long and tumultuous history of revolutions and wars against its Central American neighbors. In 1932, a peasant-led revolt against the government of President Maximiliano Hernández Martínez resulted in the Salvadoran Civil War, which lasted for three years and resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 people. In 1969, El Salvador was involved in the Football War with Honduras, a four-day conflict that was sparked by a soccer match between the two countries. In the 1980s, El Salvador was embroiled in a civil war between the government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, a guerrilla group that sought to overthrow the government. This conflict lasted for 12 years and resulted in the deaths of over 75,000 people.

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9. El Salvador's Coffee Economy

El Salvador is a country where coffee is an integral part of the economy. It is considered to be one of the most important pillars of the economy, with coffee production and export accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP. Coffee is grown in the highlands of El Salvador, and the country is known for its high-quality Arabica beans. Coffee production has been a major source of employment for many Salvadorans, and it has been a major contributor to the country's economic growth.

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10. El Salvador's Beaches: A Paradise for Surfers and Beach-goers

El Salvador is a paradise for beach-goers and surfers alike, boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Not only are these beaches a great place to relax and soak up the sun, but they also host the world's most prestigious surfing competitions. From the annual ISA World Surfing Games to the World Surf League, El Salvador's beaches are the perfect place to catch some waves and witness some of the best surfers in the world.