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El Salvador, republic in north-eastern Central America, bounded by Honduras and Guatemala, on the extreme south-east by the Gulf of Fonseca and by the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador, the smallest and most densely populated Central American state, is the only one without a Caribbean coastline. San Salvador is the capital and largest city. El Salvador is the Land of Volcanoes; there is frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes (Feb., 2001) and volcanic activity. El Salvador, which means "the Saviour" and got his name when it achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost the lives of some 75,000 people, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms. This was the result of gross inequality between a small and wealthy elite, which dominated the government and the economy, and the overwhelming majority of the population, many of whom lived - and continue to live - in abject squalor. Poverty, unemployment, civil war, natural disasters and their consequent dislocations have left their mark on El Salvador's society, but with a little caution you can form your own opinion of this -against all odds- still beautiful country.

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San Salvador, which is the second largest city in Central America, the capital since 1839 and largest city of El Salvador. It's marked with a history of civil strife and natural disasters. The city is in the south -western part of El Salvador with a quite large population of 1 214 000 inhabitants. San Salvador is being characterised by pollution, bustle and destroyed buildings. Not only the Civil War, but as well the earthquakes have caused extensive damage over the years and the city has been rebuilt several times and the colonial buildings were replaced and only a few are being restored. The city is a blend of modern buildings and colonial architecture, broad plazas and monuments, amusement parks and shopping centres. Once you're in San Salvador pay attention to attractions like the cathedral Palacio Nacional which still s being renovated, the National Treasury and the National Theatre, the large shopping-street Plaza Barrios. Go have a look at one of the 25 volcanoes in El Salvador, Parque Zoologico (a zoo). The amusement park on San Jacinto Mountain gives a panoramic view of the city.