El Salvador was a Spanish colony until 1821. Part of the United Provinces of Central America in 1823–1839, it became fully independent in 1841.

• 1932 Army crushes popular insurrection led by Farabundo Martí.
• 1944–1979 Army rules through PCN.
• 1979 Reformist officers overthrow PCN government.
• 1981 FMLN launches civil war.
• 1989 Arena wins presidency.
• 1991 UN-brokered peace. FMLN recognized as a political party.
• 2000, 2003 FMLN wins Assembly elections.
• 2001 Devastating earthquakes kill hundreds. Dollarization of economy.
• 2004 Arena retains presidency.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004