Life in El Salvador: Geography, People & Language
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. Located between Guatemala and Honduras, it possesses 21,041 square kilometers (about the size of Massachusetts) and is tropical, with an average temperature of 80 to 95 degrees (Fahrenheit).
The land is covered in mountains and tropical rainforests, with its highest peak being El Pital at 8,957 feet.
El Salvador is divided into three main regions: east, west and central. All three areas have main urban cities, such as Sonsonate and Santa Ana in the west, San Salvador in the center and San Miguel in the east. Surrounding these main metro areas are smaller towns and villages.
People in El Salvador
Since achieving its independence on September 15, 1821, El Salvador has been a mix of the descendants of European conquerors and the native people, with a mestizo population representing 86.3%, white 12.7% and Amerindian 0.2%. The population estimate is 6.4 million (March 2026).
Language & Commonly Used Phrases
The official language spoken in El Salvador is Spanish, with a few Salvadorans still speaking Mayan Nahuatl to keep the tradition alive and protect the historic value of the language.
Here are some commonly used phrases throughout El Salvador:
“Que Chivo!” is the Salvadoran equivalent of “how cool!” It usually expresses happiness or surprise at something.
“Que ondas!” is the most common Salvadoran greeting. It can be translated to “How you doin’?”
“Chuchito” is translated as “puppy.” If you say “chucho,” it means dog. Children usually call their pets chucho or chuchito if they are little. You can ask if the children have a puppy by asking if they have a “chuchito.”
Facts About El Salvador: Rural Facts
According to the most recent World Bank data, about 25% of the population lives in rural areas. Some of the most rural areas of El Salvador include Morazán, Chalatenango and Ahuachapán. These areas feature small, remote villages where many farming families live. These villages are also home to many families living in poverty.
Homes in Rural El Salvador
In rural areas, most houses are made of mud or adobe bricks. Many times, the structure is reinforced with pieces of wood as columns on the corners, while the roof is usually straw or aluminum if the family can afford it.
Homes are usually a square of about 20 feet by 20 feet, and sometimes they have a division in the middle to form two bedrooms or a bedroom and a living area. Some families will simply gather outside when spending time together.
As for bathrooms, many homes in rural El Salvador lack sewage systems or running water, so pit latrines are common.
Facts About El Salvador: Urban Facts
According to the most recent World Bank data, around 75% of El Salvador’s population lives in urban areas, with some of the largest being San Salvador, San Miguel and San Vicente.
Homes in Urban El Salvador
In urban areas, homes are typically made of bricks and cement. However, in the impoverished areas, where many Compassion centers are located, most houses are huts made of aluminum sheets, plastic and cardboard.
Church & Religion in El Salvador
The main religion is Catholicism, particularly due to the influence of the Catholic Church during the conquest era. According to recent data, approximately 43.3% identify as Catholic and 33.9% identify as evangelical Christian. Approximately 18.6% have no religious affiliation.
Food in El Salvador
El Salvador is home to incredibly delicious and unique cuisine. One of the most popular local dishes in El Salvador is the Quesadilla Salvadoreña, a sweet cheese pound cake.
Unlike the Mexican snack of the same name, Salvadoran quesadilla is a rich, sweet dessert cake often found in local panaderías, or bakeries. The queso in quesadilla is traditionally unsalted Salvadoran queso fresco, a fresh farmer’s cheese. But Parmesan cheese is often substituted.
Here’s how to make it:
2 c. all-purpose flour.
2 tsp. baking powder.
1/2 lb. grated queso fresco or parmesan cheese.
2 c. sugar.
4 eggs, beaten lightly.
1 c. whole milk.
2 sticks (1/2 lb.) of butter, melted.
2 tbsp. sesame seeds (optional).
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a bowl. Add the cheese, sugar, eggs and milk to a large bowl and beat until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the cheese mixture until they’re fully incorporated, and a smooth batter is formed.
Pour the batter into two well-greased loaf pans, filling them only halfway. If using sesame seeds, sprinkle them over the top of the batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Set on racks and allow to come to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Variations:
Try using different types of cheese for your quesadilla like grated cheddar, Monterey jack or grated feta cheese.
Many Salvadoran cooks substitute rice flour for the regular wheat flour.
Instead of milk, use crema agria or sour cream thinned with a little half and half.
Bake in round cake pans or in muffin tins.
Want to try another common Salvadoran dish? Whip up some pupusas! These dishes are so popular that they have their own national holiday. Here’s a recipe you can try!
Poverty in El Salvador & How You Can Help
While El Salvador is home to beautiful, sky-scraping mountains, mouth-watering dishes and a rich culture, it’s also a place where poverty is a daily battle for many.
This small country has the fourth-largest economy in Central America. But about one in every three Salvadorans lives below the poverty line. For families in poverty, accessing critical food, water, medical care and other necessities is nearly impossible.
But you can help! Sponsor a child living in poverty in El Salvador to offer them the hope and care they need to thrive.
