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El Salvador
Introduction El Salvador has a population of about 7 million in a relatively small land mass. It borders Guatemala in the north, Honduras in the east, and has its coastline with the Pacific in the west. In common with many countries in central America, El Salvador was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century and experienced colonial rule. It formed a part of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1821 and broke from Spain. Eventually it became fully independent in 1898. The capital San Salvador is situated in a valley about 30 miles inland and surrounded by volcanoes. It is one of the wealthiest in Central America and accounts for half the country`s entire economy. |
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Geography The country is separated by mountains into three main areas. These are the northern mountains, the central valleys, and southern coastal belt. Aptly designated the land of the volcanoes, the tiny El Salvador has a large number of lakes enclosed in craters. Lake Guija is the largest lake at nearly 20 sq. mi, and several lakes were established by the damming of the country`s only navigable river Lempa. A visit to the country`s Parque Nacional los Volcanes is a great way to see stunning peaks like the perfect cone of the active volcan Izalco, or Santa Ana and Cerro Verde. These three volcanoes shelter the sparkling clear waters of the popular lake Coatepeque, another spot for those memorable photos. |
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Economy The economy has been growing reasonably well in recent years, assisted by the government`s commitment to free market principles. It is under-pinned by a buoyant service sector which is about two thirds of the GDP. The industrial sector contributes 25% with agriculture lagging well behind at 11%. All these sectors have been badly hampered by natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. In common with many Spanish American countries the challenge has been to make their economy less dependant on the original dominant commodities. |
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Government The constitution of the current democratic republic was established in 1983. The president is elected for a 5 year term and leads a 84 member Legislative Assembly elected for 3 years. The early government was dominated by ARENA the Nationalist Republican Alliance of hard line conservatives who had strong support from the private and farming sectors. In recent times, in 2009, the centre left party, FMLN, edged ahead of ARENA to form a new government under the presidency of Mauricio Funes. The country continues to maintain strong relations with the USA. |
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San Salvador San Salvador is the capital and largest city in the country, with a population of about 2.5 million. It nestles in a seismic valley at 600 metres above sea level and under the shadow of the 2000 metre Quezaltepec volcano in the west. To the east of the city is the extensive volcanic Lake Illopango. It is a power house of the El Salvador economy representing 50% of the country`s wealth. The original historical city of the native Pipil peoples was called Cuzcatlan meaning `the place of the Diamond Jewels`. The city is renown for its resilience in quickly rebuilding following volcanic attacks and civil wars!
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10 Other interesting facts about El Salvador 1. |
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Other neighbours of El Salvador |
How to get to Buñol |
- from Valencia: (the easiest route) By train with line C-3 with train company Cercanias de Renfe
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Key Accessories for La Tomatina |
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Tomatina t-shirts and vest tops
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Other things to see in Valencia |
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