Central America.

GMT - 6.

21,040 sq km (8,124 sq miles).

6.9 million (2005 estimate).

328 per sq km.

San Salvador. Population: 2.2 million.

El Salvador is located in Central America and is bordered north and west by Guatemala, north and east by Honduras and south and west by the Pacific Ocean. Most of the country is volcanic uplands, along which run two almost parallel rows of volcanoes. The highest are Santa Ana at 2,365m (7,759ft), San Vicente at 2,182m (7,159ft) and San Salvador at 1,943m (6,375ft). Volcanic activity has resulted in a thick layer of ash and lava on the highlands, ideal for coffee planting. Lowlands lie to the north and south of the high backbone.

Republic.

President Elias Antonio Saca since 2004.

Broadcaster-turned-politician Tony Saca won a five-year term after presidential elections in 2004. It was the fourth successive victory for the right-wing Arena party. Saca pledged to crack down on criminal gangs, to strive for transparency in government and to strengthen bonds with the USA. Saca has rejected calls to scrap amnesty laws, which protect former officials from prosecution. He owns a radio network and backs the free-market policies of his predecessor Francisco Flores.

The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken.

The majority are Roman Catholic; a small percentage Protestant.

115 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs used are American-style (with two parallel flat blades with or without a circular grounding pin).

Visitors should not point their finger or their foot at anyone. First names should not be used to address someone unless invited to do so. Conservative casual wear is acceptable. Men and women who already know each other greet with a kiss on the cheek. A handshake is always offered as a greeting. Siesta is still a tradition from around 1200-1400.

Photography: Sensitive (eg military) areas should not be photographed.