A beautiful country in the heart of Central America, El Salvador is visited by thousands of people every year. One of the top facts about El Salvador for travelers is its low cost of living. This is one reason that attracts large families and budget travelers for their holidays.
If you are planning a trip or just looking to learn more about the country, here are some interesting El Salvador facts for a good introduction.
Historical Facts About El Salvador
The Central American country has some rather dramatic stories in the past, which is why it is intriguing to look into some of the historical facts of El Salvador.
It Was Once A Part Of A Larger Country
Everyone knows about the United States Of America but not many people know that there was once a country in Central America called the United Provinces Of Central America. It was later named the Federal Republic of Central America.
El Salvador was an important part of this Union so much so that San Salvador was the entire Union’s capital from 1834 to 1841. The country still has a coat of arms with five flags and volcanoes. These five things represent the five countries that were a part of the Federal Republic of Central America.
There Are A Lot Of Volcanoes In El Salvador
The large number of volcanoes in the country has garnered it the nickname “Land of the Volcanoes”. If you are an adventure lover then you can also try to climb these volcanoes but be very careful while you do so. Some volcanoes in the country are still active.
El Salvador Faced A War Due To Soccer Matches
Many countries have faced wars due to political reasons, but very few of them faced casualties because of a soccer match. El Salvador and Honduras competed in a series of three games that was going to decide which team would qualify for the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
El Salvador won the first two games, while Honduras won the last one. On the last day, a conflict occurred in the stadium, leading to a war of four days between the countries. Mass casualties happened due to this incident.
Africans Make Up The Lowest Percentage of The Population
The country officials banned people of African descent from entering El Salvador for five decades. This explains why the African population in El Salvador is less than 1%. Many other races also faced such restrictions.
Cultural Facts About El Salvador
The rich and passionate culture is one of the most exciting facts about El Salvador for visitors. Despite its fair share of challenges and crime, you can also find warm and vibrant people.
It Has A Rich Maya Legacy
Many people are not aware that the Mayans were the first to live in El Salvador. You will notice traces of their legacy in different structures in the country. One of the most famous examples of such structures is the Tazumal ruins.
Various dishes in El Salvador are also derived from the traditional cuisine of the Mayans. If you’re interested in the Maya civilization, you should definitely visit El Salvador.
Pupusa Is Its National Dish
One of the appealing facts about El Salvador is its delicious national dish – a thick griddlecake. Pupusa is made of rice flour or cornmeal, depending on the region. An interesting thing about it is that there is even a national day for celebrating the dish in the country.
Pupusa is mainly served with coleslaw or salsa. Most people eat it by hand, which is the original way of having this item.
There Is One UNESCO World Heritage Site Here
Joya De Ceren is a famous landmark in El Salvador that many people visit every year. It was buried under ashes because of a volcanic eruption in the 7th century.
This is actually an ancient Mayan site and has been excavated. You can learn more about the farming methods of the Maya people by visiting this pre-Hispanic farming village.
People In El Salvador Love Listening To Cumbia Music
One of the facts about El Salvador culture to know is that people love a music genre that originated in Colombia – Cumbia.
Cumbia involves different music styles, such as European, African, and Amerindian. Flutes, accordions, and maracas are the main instruments used in this music genre.
Many people in South America also listen to Cumbia and enjoy dancing to the beat.
Simple Facts About El Salvador For Kids
Below are some fun facts about El Salvador to pique the interest of young ones.
The Country’s Name Translates To “The Savior”
Many Europeans have set foot in El Salvador, but the Spaniards were one of the first among them. Pedro de Alvarado gave a lengthy name to this territory that translated to the region being the province of Jesus Christ, who is known as the savior of the world.
Since the lengthy name was shortened to El Salvador, the translation was reduced to the country being called the savior.
It Is The Smallest Central American Country
This nation may be small, but it is also the most densely populated country in Central America. The country has a population of around 6.5 million, the majority of which includes people of mixed descent.
The World’s Largest Pretzel Was Made Here
You may think of a European country when it comes to pretzels due to their origin. However, the largest pretzel was made in the capital city of El Salvador in 2015. The pastry weighed about 1,728 pounds, as per the Guinness Book of World Records.
Useful El Salvador Facts For Travelers
Here are some interesting facts about El Salvador that can be helpful for planning what to do in the country.
Surfing Is A Popular Activity Here
Many people consider El Salvador to be a world-class destination for surfing because of its clean beaches and various surfing spots. These include Las Flores, El Zonte, and El Sunzal. The country also hosts many international surfing competitions that tourists love to watch.
A Rare Species Of Black Hawk Eagle Is Found In El Salvador
A key piece of information on El Salvador is that it is home to more than 500 species of birds. The National Park Cerro Verde is the primary location where you can see plenty of wildlife. There are also three volcanoes in this unique park, which explains why it is a key attraction in the country.
The Dry Season Is The Best Time To Visit This Country
Since outdoor activities are popular in this Central American nation, one of the important El Salvador facts to know is the country’s climate and weather.
The rainy season is also called winter and lasts from May to October. This may seem odd to you because most other countries experience summer during these months.
The dry season occurs from November to April and makes traveling easy because of little to no rain.
US Dollar Is The Primary Currency In El Salvador
Another great news for American travelers in El Salvador is that you don’t have to face the trouble of exchanging currencies. You can use your US dollars for spending and transactions.
The colon was the country’s previous national currency; it was replaced by the dollar in 2001.
There Are Five National Parks In El Salvador
Cerro Verde, Montecristo, El Boqueron, El Imposible, and Walter Thilo Deininger Parks are the pride of El Salvador. They have various hiking trails, ziplines, and other activities for tourists and locals.
El Salvador Has Many Archaeological Sites
One of the exciting facts about El Salvador is that its archaeological sites are exquisitely beautiful. They are also insightful in learning about different civilizations that lived in this nation over the past few centuries.
Other Interesting Facts About El Salvador
People Here Are Friendly
English may not be the dominant language in El Salvador, but it is easy for tourists to explore this country. One of the reasons behind this is the friendly nature of the locals. They will try to help you, and some of them may even invite you to their homes.
Many Spanish Words Have A Different Meaning In El Salvador
One of the funny facts about El Salvador is that its Spanish words have different variants than other countries. For example, empanada in this country is a dessert instead of a turnover pastry. Quesadilla is also a cake instead of a dish consisting of tortilla and cheese.
Flor De Izote Is Its National Flower
Flor de Izote may be a flower, but it is also edible. Some people in this nation pickle the flower before eating. Others may also steam it with eggs for a flavorful breakfast. You can also add this item to soups to enhance their taste.
Discovering More Fun Facts About El Salvador
El Salvador is known for its surfing and diving culture, outdoor activities, and deep history spanning the Mayan civilization. It’s a country with a vibrant culture and plenty of exciting activities for travelers. These are just some of the incredible facts about El Salvador.
You can learn about the country’s past by visiting historical landmarks and exploring the Mayan legacy. Don’t forget to also indulge in some of the delicious traditional food on offer. You will no doubt discover more amazing facts about El Salvador through your exploration.
