Why visit
San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
El Salvador at a glance
Country center
13.8°, -88.9°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
21,041 km²
8,124 mi²
Country population
6.4 million
304/km²
Subregion
Central America
Currency
United States dollar ($)
USD
Dial
+503
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Salvadoran
Internet
.sv
UN
Member state
ISO code
SV / SLV
Where in the world
13.8° · -88.9°
El Salvador
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Did you know
- El Salvador was the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender (2021).
- The country is smaller than Massachusetts but has 25 volcanoes: it's called the "Land of Volcanoes".
- El Salvador has no Atlantic coast: it's the only Central American country with only Pacific coastline.
Bordering El Salvador
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about San Salvador
What currency is used in San Salvador?
San Salvador uses the United States dollar ($), ISO code USD.
What languages are spoken in El Salvador?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for El Salvador?
The calling code is +503.
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