International El Salvador relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 23 relations tracked

El Salvador is a country in Central America with a population of about 6.5 million people. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and east, Guatemala to the northwest, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

Population

6.5M#112 of 203

Land area

20.7K km²#149 of 203

GDP

$36.7B#109 of 197

Military expenditure

$425.2M#112 of 167

Global influence

#135Very Low

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Closest relations Strained relations El Salvador No data

El Salvador has a long history of political instability and conflict, including a civil war from 1980 to 1992. Since the end of the war, the country has made progress in establishing democratic institutions and improving its human rights record, but it still faces significant challenges, including high levels of crime and violence, poverty, and inequality.

The economy of El Salvador is primarily based on services, with a smaller contribution from industry and agriculture. The country is heavily reliant on remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, which make up a significant portion of its GDP.

El Salvador is a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Central American Integration System (SICA), regional trade and economic cooperation organizations. It is also a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Geography & terrain

The smallest mainland Central American country, shaped by a chain of volcanoes and a central highland plateau, with a coastal plain along the Pacific. Tropical climate, moderated by elevation inland. Coastline only on the Pacific (no Caribbean access). The volcanic highlands offer some defensible terrain, but the country's small size leaves little strategic depth for sustained resistance.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, El Salvador Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	San Salvador (570.5K people, 8.8% of total population)
Population	6.5M (#112 of 203 countries)
Land area	20.7K km² (#149 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	73 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	US Dollar
Main language(s)	Spanish
Government type	Presidential republic
Time zone	UTC-6.0
GDP	$36.7B (#109 of 197 countries)
GDP per capita	$5.8K (#119 of 198 countries)
International calling code	+503
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	1
Military expenditure	$425.2M
Land military expenditure (estimation)	$276.4M
Air military expenditure (estimation)	$85.0M
Naval military expenditure (estimation)	$63.8M
Military expenditure (% of GDP)	1.2%
Military expenditure per capita	$66
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member

Shares a land border with 2 countries — here is how those relations stand

El Salvador's relations with its neighbors

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #135 Very Low International Influence

El Salvador's actions have no significant effect on the world, and a very limited impact on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of El Salvador by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.