El Salvador is the smallest of the Central American countries, and the most densely populated.
Beyond a central plain, the Sierra Madre Mountains cross the land (north and south), and they contain more than 20 volcanoes - some still active.
This country began as part of the Mayan . The Spanish came in the early 1500s and ruled for around 300 . But in 1821, El Salvador became free Spain, and eventually from the Central American Federation.
For much of the 20th Century, it suffered from decades of military wars and dictatorships, bloody civil wars and political corruption. Somehow, [?] proud, hard-working people survived, and they truly are the most valuable part of the country.
El Salvador is making [?] all the time. In the last twenty years it has [?] a strong move toward [?], so that every person will have the chance to [?] for a leader, countrywide modernization, and a reliable financial system. [?] is on the increase as many people come to El Salvador to visit each year. El Salvador [?] a beautiful country, rich in [?] traditions. It's generally and humid, with tropical conditions throughout the year. The official language is Spanish. The capital city is San Salvador.
The photo is of Diana Renee Valdivieso, Miss El Salvador of 2003.