This is one of the smallest countries of Central America.

It is about as large as Wales or the state of Massachusetts and is situated between 13° and 14°N. It is a mountainous country with the highest points reaching over 1,800 m/6,000 ft. It is the only country in this region with no coastline on the Caribbean Sea.

There is a narrow coastal plain on the Pacific shore and this forms the most extensive region of tierra caliente, with a typical hot, tropical climate and a single rainy season between May and October.

Annual rainfall in this lowland is similar to that shown in the table for San Salvador, which is in the lower part of the hill country; here daytime temperatures are similar but with much cooler nights than in the lowlands.

In the higher areas climatic conditions are similar to Guatemala City.

El Salvador Facts
* Population: 6.6 million (UN, 2004)
* Capital: San Salvador
* Area: 21,041 sq km (8,124 sq miles)
* Major language: Spanish
* Major religion: Christianity
* Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
* Monetary unit: US dollar
* Main exports: Offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, shrimp, textiles, chemicals, electricity
* GNI per capita: US $2,200 (World Bank, 2003)
* Internet domain: .sv
* International dialling code: +503

Important Rivers:
Rio Grande de San Miguel
Rio Goascorán
Rio Jiboa
Rio Paz
Rio Lempa

Important Lakes:
Lago de Coatepeque
Lago Guija
Lago Ilopango

Important Volcanoes:
Volcán de Santa Ana
Chinchontepec o Volcán de San Vicente
Chaparrastique de San Miguel
Izalco en Sonsonate
Quezaltepeque o Volcán de San Salvador