GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of El Salvador.
Capital
San Salvador.
Geography
As a country located in North America according to cheeroutdoor, El Salvador is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, Honduras to the northeast, and the Pacific to the south and west. Most of the country consists of volcanic highlands, which are surrounded by two almost parallel volcanic chains. The highest mountains are the volcanoes Santa Ana (2365 m), San Vincente (2182 m) and San Salvador (1943 m). Volcanic eruptions led to thick ash and lava deposits at high altitudes, which are ideal for growing coffee. The volcanic activity also created many mountain lakes. Numerous geysers are used to generate energy. Plains connect to the mountain ranges in the north and south.
Government
Presidential republic since 1983. Constitution of 1983. The 84 members of the National Assembly are elected every 3 years by general elections. President’s term of office: 5 years; Direct dial. Independent since 1821 (proclamation), finally since 1839 (former Spanish colony).
Head of state
Salvador Sánchez Cerén, since June 2014.
Head of government
Salvador Sánchez Cerén, since March 2014.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz. Adapter required.
Time zone
Central Standard Time: CET -7
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Spanish; indigenous languages (Nahua, Maya) are also spoken; English is the language of business.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into El Salvador duty-free in hand luggage (people aged 18 and over):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars;
2 l alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use;
Gifts up to a value of US $ 500.
Import regulations
Special permits are required for weapons and ammunition.
Prohibited imports
Meat and meat products that have not been heat sterilized or vacuum packed, as well as numerous types of plants and fruits.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Knowledge of Spanish is important. For business trips, the months September to March are the most favorable.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m.
Economy
Trade department of the Salvatorian Embassy
Joachim-Karnatz-Allee 47, D-10557 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 46 60.
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador (chamber of Commerce)
9a Avenida Norte y 5a C. Pte, Apartado 1640, San Salvador.
Phone: 22 31 30 00.
Internet: www.camarasal. com
Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador
CENTREX, Alameda Juan Pablo Segundo, Entre 15 y 17 Avenida Norte, San Salvador
Tel: 228 18 08.
Internet: www.elsalvadortrade.com.sv
Business contacts
Trade department of the Salvatorian Embassy
Joachim-Karnatz-Allee 47, D-10557 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 46 60.
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador (chamber of Commerce)
9a Avenida Norte y 5a C. Pte, Apartado 1640, San Salvador.
Phone: 22 31 30 00.
Internet: www.camarasal. com
Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador
CENTREX, Alameda Juan Pablo Segundo, Entre 15 y 17 Avenida Norte, San Salvador
Tel: 228 18 08.
Internet: www.elsalvadortrade.com.sv
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service to Europe, the United States and certain other countries.
Cellphone
GSM 850, 900 and 1950. Network operator is CTE Telecom PerosnalSA de CV. and Digicel SA de CV (Internet: www.digicel.com.sv).
Internet
Internet access is widespread in El Salvador. Internet providers are NetSat Express (Internet: www.netsatx.net) and Pointe Communications (Internet: www.telscape.com).
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
At the Mercado Cuartel (handicraft market) you can find many souvenirs, such as towels with Mayan patterns, candle holders, ceramics and pottery. Shop opening times: i. General Mon-Sat 9 am-12pm and 2 pm-6pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Theaters, dance halls with juke boxes, and nightclubs that also offer hot food and dancing are primarily concentrated in San Salvador. Membership is required to access some nightclubs. There are also cocktail bars and cinemas in all parts of the country, some showing English-language films with subtitles.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are plenty of good, cheaper and more expensive hotels in the capital, San Salvador. Day trips to the surrounding area can be made from here. Corsatur organizes group excursions to places of interest (see addresses). The Lago Coatepeque is a popular holiday area with good hotels, restaurants and inns.
Categories: Deluxe, 1st class and smaller hotels / pensions. Further information is available from the El Salvador Hotel Association, 63 Avenida Sur, Pasaje y Urbanización, Santa Mónica 12-A, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador. (Tel: 22 98 53 83, 22 98 53 84. Internet: http://www.hoteles-elsalvador.com/).
CULTURE
Religion
Catholics (83%); Protestant minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Everyday clothing is common. Taking photos: Be careful when choosing your subject. Military installations should not be photographed. Tip: 10% in hotels and restaurants, 15% for smaller bills. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless the taxi is hired for the whole day. Porters receive 3 C per item of luggage.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot subtropical climate with high daytime temperatures and cool nights. The coastal areas are particularly hot, the rainy season May – October. Cooler and more moderate climate at higher altitudes.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +503 Area (sqkm) 21041 Population 6141350 Population density (per sqkm) 292 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911