El Salvador
North America · Central America
Bitcoin legal tender, dramatic security turnaround — small but now safe Central America.
Backpacker
Ideal destination
At a Glance
El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, a Pacific-coast nation of volcanoes, crater lakes, surf beaches, and colonial towns that is slowly finding its place on the traveller's map. The landscape is compact and varied, and the people have a directness and warmth that many visitors find refreshing. It suits active travellers who enjoy surfing, hiking, and engaging with a country on its own terms rather than a polished itinerary.
- Most densely populated country in Central America.
- First country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender — in 2021.
- Named after Jesus Christ — 'El Salvador' means 'The Saviour'.
Quick Facts
Capital
San Salvador
Language
Spanish
Currency
$ USD
Area
20,720 km²
Nomad Hub
Fixed Broadband
107Mbps
Mobile
42Mbps
GDP / Capita
$6K
PPP / Capita
$13K
Inflation
0.9%
Unemployment
3.3%
Innovation (GII)
22.2
GNI / Capita
$5K
Tax Revenue
21.5%
FDI Inflows
2.6%
Education Spend
3.3%
Cost of Living
39.6
Price Level Index
51th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
