El Salvador

El Salvador has one of the richest histories in Central America. Its capital, San Salvador, is the oldest capital city in the region, and there are five archaeological sites in the country. El Salvador witnesses destructive volcanic eruptions and earthquakes all too often, and tropical storms can be brutal too. Pollution and deforestation are pressing issues around El Salvador enacted by the country's large manufacturing industry, with the lead export being textiles. El Salvador also grows a very sought-after type of coffee bean which is desired around the world. Agriculture is another large sector of El Salvador's economy, typically the cultivation of corn. This influences many Salvadoran dishes like pupusas and tamales, which are consumed on a very regular basis. Most Salvadorans are Mestizo, however, 15% of the country is White. Due to rapid emigration during intense periods of fighting in the late 1900s, many Salvadorans are found in the US, mostly Los Angeles, and neighboring countries. Salvadorans have a very rough personality as a result of centuries of conflict and turmoil, with the violent civil war of the late 20th century looming over the heads of many people. Since the war, the country has been plagued with other types of violence, mainly stemming from gangs. It was the most dangerous country in the world for a period until recently, when President Nayib Bukele implemented extreme measures to confront the problem head-on, issuing mass arrests and seeing unprecedented results. Education and healthcare are both inadequate, and development has been slow amid unrelenting economic downturns and conflict in the country. More than three-fourths of Salvadorans are Christian, playing a significant role in interpersonal and community relations. Archbishop Romero was a famous clergyman from San Salvador who worked to quell the violence of the Civil War in his country. He was assassinated during a service and died a martyr of peace. Many aspects of El Salvador are akin to the US, in part due to Salvadorans returning from the US. Fast food, cinemas, and malls line the streets of various urban centers. Folk music is the most truly Salvadoran genre of music, but Mexican and American artists are equally as popular. Soccer is far and away the most-spectated sport in El Salvador. Success has been scarce since the infamous 1982 World Cup run, though. Surfing, mostly pursued by tourists, is seen commonly along the water as El Salvador's coastline is perfectly fit for it.