What I learnt about El Salvador
- A Land of Bold Contrasts: El Salvador is Central America’s smallest country, yet it bursts with geographic drama—from smoking volcanoes and Pacific beaches to misty mountain peaks. Its tropical climate shifts with elevation, offering microclimates across short distances. Despite being one of the most densely populated nations in the region, its landscape remains rich in natural beauty, shaped by centuries of geological activity and cultural fusion.
- A Nation Rooted in Resilience and Global Connection: With a youthful, urban population and a history shaped by Indigenous civilizations, colonialism, civil war, and migration, El Salvador is a country in motion. Its economy blends exports, remittances, and bold experiments like Bitcoin adoption. Culture pulses through food (pupusas!), music, faith, and storytelling, while family bonds and ties to Salvadoran communities abroad keep tradition and innovation closely intertwined.
Important Ideas and Facts: Geography and Climate:
- El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, but it’s bursting with geographic drama and cultural vibrance.
- With over 20 volcanoes, including iconic Izalco (once a lighthouse for sailors), the landscape is both majestic and volatile.
- The year is split into two seasons: a dry summer (verano) from November through April that offers sunshine-drenched days, and a rainy winter (invierno) from May to October, when afternoon showers turn the countryside lush and green. Temperatures hover around the 80s and 90s °F near the coast, while highland towns enjoy a cooler breeze in the 60s and 70s °F.
Demographics:
El Salvador is one of the most densely populated countries in the Americas, with the majority living in urban centers like the lively capital, San Salvador.
Most Salvadorans are mestizo, blending Indigenous and European heritage, and nearly a third of the nation’s income comes from remittances sent by relatives living abroad.
History:
Before the Spanish arrived, El Salvador was home to Indigenous civilizations like the Pipil, Lenca, and Maya, who built cities, traded across the region, and left behind stunning ruins like Tazumal.
Led by Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish overthrew Indigenous kingdoms and folded the territory into the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
El Salvador gained independence from Spain as part of the First Mexican Empire, then joined and later left the Federal Republic of Central America to become a sovereign nation in 1841.
Decades of military rule and social injustice exploded into a 12-year civil war(1979–1992) between the U.S.-backed government and leftist guerrillas. Over 75,000 people died before a UN-brokered peace accord ended the conflict.
Since 1992, El Salvador has built a multiparty democracy, though challenges like corruption, migration, and gang violence continue to shape its political landscape.
Economy:
El Salvador adopted the U.S. dollar in 2001, and in 2021, it became the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender, signaling a bold move toward digital finance.
The economy leans on textiles, coffee, sugar, and offshore assembly exports, with the U.S. as its top trading partner.
Money sent home by Salvadorans abroad—especially from the U.S.—accounts for nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP, fueling household spending and local businesses.
Culture:
The national dish, pupusas—thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork—is a beloved staple. Street food like yuca frita and drinks like kolachampan (a sugarcane soda) add local flavor.
Salvadoran culture blends Indigenous roots (like the Pipil and Lenca) with Spanish colonial influence, creating a rich mestizo identity that shows up in everything from language to festivals.
Religion—especially Catholicism and Evangelical Christianity—shapes daily life, while family ties remain central, with multigenerational households common.
El Salvador is a small yet vibrant country where volcanic landscapes, youthful energy, rich culture, and global connections shape a story of resilience and bold transformation.
What I read for El Salvador
Solito: A Memoir
Javier Zamora
Available in: Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
Genres: Memoir
Paperback: 416 pages
Audiobook: 17h 18m
Summary
Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora is about a nine-year-old kid named Javier. He travels from El Salvador to the US to be with his parents. His parents moved to the US years ago. Now, Javier has to make the tough journey with a bunch of strangers. Along the way, he gets close to people like Patricia. Her daughter Carla also becomes like a second family to him. The trip is full of challenges, like crossing borders and avoiding immigration officers. Despite all the tough times, Javier’s story is about family, strength, and what migrants go through.
Thoughts
Over the past year, I’ve delved into a lot of literature about migration from Central America. You might think that after reading so many books on this topic, you’d become desensitized. Yet, Solito: A Memoir still manages to leave a lasting impact. Perhaps it’s because the story is told from the perspective of a nine-year-old, or because the journey isn’t his choice—it’s a decision made by his family.
Javier shows remarkable maturity for his age, but his childlike innocence is evident throughout his narration. I was particularly moved by the theme of chosen family and how deep, human connections form during challenging times. It was heartbreaking to learn that these bonds didn’t continue once they reached the US. The author also does an excellent job of challenging stereotypes and assumptions, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Other books from the country
The Wind Knows My Name
Author: Isabel Allende
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paperback: 304 pages
Audiobook: 13h 45m
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the lives of several characters across different times and places. It begins with Samuel Adler, a Jewish boy sent from Nazi-occupied Vienna to safety in England, who grows up grappling with the loss of his family and identity. The story also follows Anita Díaz, a young girl from El Salvador, who escapes violence only to be separated from her mother at the U.S. border. Leticia, another key character, flees the violence in El Mozote and adapts to a new life in the U.S. Together, these characters navigate their struggles, highlighting themes of family, resilience, and the impact of historical atrocities. With touches of magical realism, Allende emphasizes the strength found in human connections and the enduring hope for a better future.
This is my second book by Isabel Allende, having previously loved The House of the Spirits. When I discovered that The Wind Knows My Name was set in El Salvador, I immediately added it to my reading list, and I’m glad I did. While this book doesn’t feature the magical realism that Allende is known for, it offers a compelling dive into historical fiction.
Allende skillfully weaves together multiple timelines and characters, which can be a challenging task, but she does it beautifully. The different storylines converge in a way that feels seamless and meaningful. I admired the sensitivity with which Allende wrote this story, capturing the harsh realities while also highlighting the human side of events. Despite the difficult themes, the book manages to instill a sense of hope for a better world. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength found in human connections.
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account
Author: Ernesto Saade
Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir
Paperback: 216 pages
Audiobook: NA
This was my first experience reading about migration, and it left a deep impression on me. Even though it’s told through the format of a graphic novel, the emotions and hardships came through powerfully. The artwork added a personal and emotional layer to their journey, it helped me visualize their fears, hopes, and the strong bond they shared. It opened my eyes to the risks many people take in search of safety and a better life, and I found myself thinking about Carlos and his mother long after I finished reading
This book beautifully captures her journey of discovering her identity, inner strength, and forming friendships, all while navigating life after her family relocates her from Kansas to Arizona during middle school. Aven’s positivity and resilience left a lasting impression on me, and I’m eager to dive into the next book in the series, where Aven faces the challenges of high school!
The Massacre at El Mozote
Author: Mark Danner
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Paperback: 320 pages
Audiobook: NA
*The Massacre at El Mozote* by Mark Danner is a detailed account of a tragic event that took place in El Mozote, a village in El Salvador, during the country’s civil war. In December 1981, the Salvadoran army’s Atlacatl Battalion killed hundreds of civilians, including many women and children. The book explores the events leading up to the massacre, the massacre itself, and the aftermath, including the struggle to uncover the truth and the political implications during the Cold War. Danner uses firsthand accounts, like those of survivor Rufina Amaya, to tell the story and highlight the broader themes of human rights and political agendas.
Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis
Author: Jonathan Blitzer
Genre: Non-Fiction, Politics
Paperback: 544 pages
Audiobook: 18h 13m
Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here by Jonathan Blitzer explores the complex histories and experiences of individuals affected by political and social upheaval in Central America. The book delves into the lives of people who have faced violence, displacement, and trauma, highlighting their struggles and resilience. Through personal stories, it sheds light on the broader issues of migration, identity, and the lasting impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
Do you have any other recommendation from this country? Please share it in comments.
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