Date of independence, or formation date: 1841
Date when current borders were established: 1841
National day: Sept 15
Vehicle country identifying code: ES
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -6
International telephone dialling code: +503
Internet country identifying code: .sv

The smallest and most densely populated Central American republic, El Salvador won full independence in 1841. Located on the Pacific coast, it lies within a zone of seismic activity. Between 1979 and 1991, El Salvador was engulfed in a civil war between US-backed right-wing government forces and left-wing FMLN guerrillas. Since the UN-brokered peace agreement, the country has been concentrating on rebuilding its shattered economy.

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