El Salvador
13 50 N, 88 55 W
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m
total: 545 km
border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km
known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land
arable land: 31.37%
permanent crops: 11.88%
other: 56.75% (2005)
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes
Hot, subtropical climate affected by altitude. Dry season or summer runs between November and April. Coastal areas are particularly hot, with a rainy season between May and October. Upland areas have a cooler, more temperate climate.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and rainwear during the wet season in coastal areas. Waterproof clothing is advisable all year round. Warm clothing should be taken for higher altitudes.
time difference: UTC-6
