GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT
It is almost impossible to drive around El Salvador and not see a volcano off in the distance which gives this country its' character. Very few of the volcanoes show any signs of activity these days. Yet, the rich soil makes this the ideal location for growing coffee. The highest point in the country is El Pital (2,730 meters). There are over 300 rivers, and numerous lakes, some with geothermal springs.
There are really only two seasons in El Salvador. Summer and Winter. Summer brings heat and humidity along the coastal and lowland regions, but the nightly rains and thunderstorms cool everything down. The storms can be dramatic and power-outages are frequent, but short-lived. To escapte from the heat, Salvadorans take advantage of the many mountain retreats such as coffee farms, mountain inns, and cloud forests. Winter is mild with a constant average temperature of 69-72 degrees.
SAFETY, HEALTH & COMFORT
- Leave expensive jewelry behind and avoid wearing flashy clothes.
- Do not walk around with large amounts of cash. While credit cards are readily accepted in the capital, cash is the only form of payment in many small towns. ATM machines are widely available throughout the country. At present, Banco Cuscatlan (Yellow Jaguar icon) is the only bank that it is linked in to the American banking system.
- If you are planning any excursions away from your hotel or ocean resort, it is a good idea to hire a guide. Your concierge or hotel operator will be more than happy to arrange your activities. This is especially applicable if you do not speak any Spanish as few people in small villages speak English.
- Machetes and guns are a common sight in El Salvador. But not to be alarmed! Machetes are the tool of choice for workers in the agricultural industry. Men wear them attached to their belts and it is considered quite normal. Machetes are actually quite a remarkable tool. If you are lucky, you will see people peeling fruit without removing the slightest bit of pulp or cutting down 30 foot bamboo trees. They are indispensable. Note*Machetes are sold at street markets as souvenirs. They are allowed into the US as long as they have not been sharpened.
- Security is big business here and nearly every enterprise employs an armed security guard. It is en effective deterrent against crime and also creates thousands of jobs. When traveling along the two main highways, you will often see police blockades. These units are part of an intense program to prevent illegal contraband from passing through the country on its way to North America. If you get stopped, the officers are polite and will only ask to see your passport.
- Always drink bottled water. If you need ice, then ask if it was made with purified water. Nearly all hotels and resorts understand this, but it is good to inquire first. Avoid green leafy vegetables (salads) unless you are sure they have also been washed in purified water. Fruits should always be peeled. If do you get a touch of the stomach bug, pharmacies are everywhere and will provide you with the proper medication.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Remember you are closer to the equator and the sun can get very intense. If you come during the rainy season, then be prepared for mosquitoes along the coastal region. Most hotels have mosquito nets.
We hope this list is helpful and remember it is not necessarily location specific to El Salvador. They are good tips when traveling to any tropical destination.
Gateway El Salvador
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General Information
Just
the
Facts
Official Name: Republic of El Salvador
Capital City: San Salvador
Land size: 21,040.79 square km/8,123 Sq. miles
Coastal area: 2,321 km/1,442 miles
Population: 6,990,657
Main cities: San Miguel & Santa Ana
Currency: US dollar
Official language: Spanish
Time: GMT-6:00
Country code: 503
Tips: 15%
Borders: Guatemala & Honduras
Climate: Winter: May to October (rainy season)
Summer: November to April
Temperature: Average 21/30C 69/87F
GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT
It is almost impossible to drive around El Salvador and not see a volcano off in the distance which gives this country its character. Very few of the volcanoes show any signs of activity these days. The rich volcanic soil makes this the ideal location for growing coffee which has always been an important crop for El Salvador. The highest point in the country is El Pital (2,730 meters). There are over 300 rivers, numerous lakes, geothermal springs, waterfalls, and national parks that are home to many endangered species.
There are really only two seasons in El Salvador. Summer and Winter. Summer brings heat and humidity along the coast and lowland regions, but the nightly rains and thunderstorms cool everything down. The storms can be dramatic and power-outages are frequent, but short-lived. To escape from the heat, Salvadorans take advantage of the many mountain retreats such as coffee farms, mountain inns, and cloud forests. Winter is mild with a constant average temperature of 69-72 degrees.
Vice President
Salvador Sánchez Cerén
HISTORY
El Salvador has a long history. For an in-depth account, visit the The Library of Congress- El Salvador: A Country Study.
Originally inhabited by the Mayans and Nahuat tribes, the country was conquered
by the Spanish in 1524. In 1821, El Salvador won independence along with
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The 80's witnessed a civil war which ended with the signing of the Peace Agreement in 1992.
Today El Salvador enjoys a peaceful political climate and continues to renew itself by modernizing highways, technology, communications, and other infrastructures. Tourism is one industry that is currently in the center spotlight. José Napoleón Duarte, Minister of Tourism is working hard to implement several programs geared at placing El Salvador on the map.
ECONOMY
Agriculture has always been the dominant industry in El Salvador. Indigo was the first commodity produced but has since been replaced by coffee, sugar, cotton, and Balsam. In fact, El Salvador is the only country in the world that produces Balsam, an important product used in the medical industry.
In recent years, textiles, manufacturing, and the service industry are playing major roles in fostering enconomic growth. With lucrative incentives offered by the government, El Salvador continues to attract foreign interest.
One of the larger projects currently under way is the construction of The Port of La Union on the eastern border. With completion scheduled for May of 2008, this respresents an investment of $132 million by the Belgium-Japanese consortium TAO. It will be the largest port between Long Beach and Panama housing three terminals for cargo and cruise ships. Also underway, is a dry canal to connect The Port of La Union with The Port of Honduras. This will reduce transit time to 12 hours, whereas, crossing the Panama canal can take up to 72 hours.
José Napoleón Duarte-Minister of Tourism
President-
Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena Read bio...
