El Salvador Introduction - 2023

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Background

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms. El Salvador is beset by one of the world's highest homicide rates and pervasive criminal gangs.

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Definitions and Notes

NOTE: The information regarding El Salvador on this page is re-published from the 2023 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of El Salvador 2023 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about El Salvador 2023 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.