TM
CultureGrams World Edition
Republic of
2014
El Salvador
History Native Peoples and Colonization Various native civilizations (including Maya, Lenca, and Nahuat) inhabited the area long before Spanish colonization. Ruins of their cultures remain at Tazumal, Joya de Cerén, and Quelepa. The Pipil, of Aztec origin, were those who encountered the Spaniards. The indigenous people called their land Cuscatlán. In 1524, Pedro de Alvarado conquered the area on behalf of Spain, which ruled for almost three hundred years. The indigenous population was nearly wiped out under harsh colonial rule. For most of its early history, El Salvador was a minor province of Guatemala. Attempts by Father José Matías Delgado to gain independence from Spain in 1811 and 1814 were unsuccessful but earned Delgado national recognition. A wider regional attempt to gain independence was successful in 1821, but two years of instability followed as Mexico's emperor Agustín de Iturbide tried to annex Central America. When his empire collapsed, El Salvador and its neighbors formed the United Provinces of Central America, which disbanded in 1838. El Salvador claimed sovereignty in 1841 but was dominated intermittently by Guatemala until near the end of the century. Birth of the Nation The 1871 constitution marked the true birth of the nation. During the relatively stable period that followed (1871–1931), most present-day large businesses and educational, artistic, and government institutions were formed. A new wave of upwardly mobile European and Palestinian immigrants also arrived during this time; their descendants comprise the bulk of today's affluent urban class. Much of their prosperity was
BACKGROUND Land and Climate Area (sq. mi.): 8,124 Area (sq. km.): 21,041 El Salvador is just smaller than Israel or the U.S. state of Massachusetts. A narrow band of coastal lowlands is divided from the north and the mostly mountainous east by a central plateau. El Salvador is called Land of the Volcanoes for its more than two hundred extinct volcanoes that have enriched the country's soil. Some mountain peaks rise to between 6,000 and 8,000 feet (1,829–2,438 meters). Although deforestation has taken a heavy toll on the country's forests, the government and private citizens are working now to protect endangered animal and plant species through projects such as reforestation. The climate is tropical in the lowlands, with an average annual temperature of around 85°F (29°C); semitropical on the plateau, with lower temperatures and less humidity; and temperate in the mountains. Temperatures rarely fluctuate more than 10 degrees year-round. El Salvador has only two seasons: a rainy season, from May to October, and a dry season. Most of the rain falls in short evening storms, though some rainstorms can last for days. San Salvador, the capital, lies on a plateau at the foot of the San Salvador Volcano. Small earthquakes are not uncommon; one region or another suffers a significant quake every 30 years or so. Hurricanes and tropical storms frequently cause flooding.
1
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
built on the coffee industry. However, coffee became so successful that the government seized Pipil lands on which most of it was grown, marginalizing small farmers. Conflicts In 1932, coffee prices collapsed, and already harsh treatment of natives was exacerbated, so the farmers rebelled. Many Pipil joined Augustín Farabundo Martí, a communist, in destroying property and killing scores of people. They were defeated quickly by government forces, who killed at least 10,000 indigenous people. Their culture nearly died with the massacre, as the indigenous people feared to be thought of as anything other than Spanish. For more than 50 years, El Salvador was plagued with internal strife and military dictatorships. Governments were hard on those who voiced dissent. A rebel movement born in the 1960s began to mature in the late 1970s. In 1979, a rival faction of the military overthrew the government. The next year, rebel groups formed the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), named for the executed leader of the 1932 rebellion. The FMLN launched a civil war to force a change in leadership. In the midst of war, a new constitution was adopted (1983), and the Christian Democratic Party's candidate, José Napoleón Duarte, was elected president in 1984. His government was accused of serious human-rights violations, corruption, and other abuses of power. Alfredo Cristiani of the National Republican Alliance (ARENA) became president following the 1989 elections. Violence marred the elections, peace talks broke down, and the war intensified. Cristiani reopened discussions with FMLN leaders in 1990, and both sides accepted the United Nations as a mediator. Eventually, key concessions from both sides led to a 1992 UN-sponsored peace agreement between the leftist FMLN and the right-wing government. As many as 75,000 people died during the years of violence. Peace Formal peace was declared in December 1992 amid huge celebrations. As part of the peace agreement, the FMLN became a legal political party, the size of the military was dramatically reduced, and a civilian national police force was established. The government has developed better trade relations with its neighbors, controlled inflation, and improved democratic institutions. In 2009, ARENA rule was disrupted when elections brought to power an FMLN presidential candidate, Mauricio Funes, for the first time in 20 years. The slight majority ARENA won in 2012 legislative elections was not enough to hamper FMLN rule. Recent Events and Trends • Gang truce: In March 2012, the two largest gangs in El Salvador announced a truce in exchange for government support in improving prison conditions and rehabilitating prisoners. The truce has greatly reduced the country's murder rate, which was the world's second highest in 2011. • Volcano eruption: In December 2013, the Chaparrastique volcano began erupting, causing an evacuation of over 2,000 people. Chaparrastique is the most active of the more than 20 volcanoes that dot El Salvador.
THE PEOPLE Population Population: 6,108,590 Population Growth Rate: 0.29% Urban Population: 65% The majority of Salvadorans (86 percent) are mestizos, or people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, while about 1 percent are of pure indigenous blood. Most of the other people are of European descent, though there is also a Palestinian presence. Nearly two-thirds of all people live in urban areas. Major cities include the greater San Salvador area, Santa Ana, and San Miguel. Close to two million Salvadorans reside in the United States. Language Spanish (also called Castellano) is the official language. The formal Spanish form of address for “you” (usted) is used to show respect or with people one does not know well, while the more familiar tú is reserved for close friends and family. Salvadorans may also use caliche, a term used to describe slang spoken in El Salvador and elsewhere in Central America. Examples include chinear (to hold in the arms) and chuche (pork). Only a few thousand people continue to speak the indigenous language Nahuat, though some caliche words are related to the language. Nahuat is an official subject at schools in some rural communities. School instruction is in Spanish, although English is strongly emphasized. Many Salvadorans with more formal education speak English in addition to Spanish. Because the demand for bilingual employees is increasing, it is common for university students and young professionals to study English during their free time. Many English words have been merged with Spanish, creating anglisismos (anglicisms). Examples include plis (please), escan (scan), and cel (cell phone). Religion El Salvador is a Christian nation; approximately 57 percent of the people belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Another 24 percent belong to a variety of other Christian faiths, including several Protestant movements whose memberships are growing. Roughly 17 percent of the population claims no religion. The state itself is secular; the only reference to religion in the constitution is a provision preventing clergy from holding public office. Still, priests usually pray or speak at school ceremonies and public meetings. General Attitudes Salvadorans are proud of their country's accomplishments. Having endured 12 years of war, they look forward to a future of peace and democracy. Past feelings of hatred and revenge gradually are being replaced with more hope, optimism, and cooperation. Parents hope for a bright future for their children, even as they struggle with the devastation of war and natural disasters. However, a high crime rate has also created an environment of fear, in which security is prized. 2
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
Because criminals are seen as dishonorable, maintaining one’s honor and good reputation by being honest, loyal, and responsible is considered important. Though Salvadorans believe that positive change can come about by helping one another, they often attribute the bad things that happen to fate or destiny. Salvadorans have a strong work ethic. Honest work is more important than income in determining social standing. All family members contribute to the family's well-being. Social status is also measured by occupation and landownership. Personal relationships and friendships are valued, and good-natured teasing is a common element of friendship. Devotion to the group is more important than individualism. Time is considered flexible: people are more important than schedules, and social events usually begin later than planned. Salvadorans share a sense of camaraderie with their Central American neighbors. Similar foods, music, and popular culture are popular throughout the region. Though friendly rivalries exist, Salvadorans often express interest in their neighbors’ politics and economies and in the success of their soccer teams. Some Salvadorans are offended when people from the United States introduce themselves as Americans because Salvadorans also consider themselves Americans (people living in the Americas). It is best to identify oneself as a U.S. citizen (estadounidense).
formal parting terms, while less formal good-byes are Chao and Nos vemos (See you later). When addressing people older than themselves, Salvadorans show friendly respect by using the title Don (for men) or Doña (for women) with the first name (e.g., Doña Mélida). Niña, a less formal title, is also used for women. Among peers, professional and courtesy titles are used alone, with the family name (e.g., Señor Moreno), or with full names (e.g., Doctora Isabel Pérez López). Only close friends and relatives address each other by first name. Gestures In wealthy circles, using excessive hand gestures is considered poor taste. But for many Salvadorans, hand gesturing is such an essential part of communicating that people jest they could not talk if their hands were tied. Although pointing directly at people with the index finger is impolite, pointing at objects or animals is acceptable. One points at an angle to the street to hail a taxi or bus. To indicate “no,” one wags the vertical index finger from side to side. Touching the tip of the thumb and index finger together while facing the palm inward means “money,” but facing the palm outward means “okay.” A person can beckon to a friend with a hand wave, but strangers are summoned verbally. People commonly catch the attention of friends with a hissing noise; hissing at strangers, however, is considered rude. Nevertheless, men may hiss at women passing them on the street and often comment on their appearances.
Personal Appearance Because of the warm climate, summer clothing is suitable all year. Women’s clothing is often tight and commonly includes slacks or pants, tank tops, and low-cut shirts. Older rural women still wear skirts daily. Men typically wear khakis or, more casually, jeans, with a leather belt and a button-up or polo shirt. Shorts are reserved for young boys and athletes. During the dry season, light jackets are sometimes necessary at night. Though the poor do not have extensive wardrobes, they keep their appearance neat and clean. Daily showers are considered a must. People without running water will go to considerable lengths to bathe themselves, or at least their children, as frequently as possible.
Visiting Friends and relatives visit one another frequently as a way to maintain strong relationships. Most people drop by without prior arrangement, although urban residents with phones try to call ahead when possible. Hosts usually serve guests refreshments or coffee. Visiting in the evening or on weekends is most popular. Visitors from out of town or who have not visited for a while commonly bring small gifts—fruit, pastries, and so on. Guests are expected to show dignity, courtesy, warmth, and friendship. It is appropriate to stand when a woman enters the room and when meeting other people. In rural areas, it is common for people to walk into each other's homes without knocking. Polite hosts entertain guests until the guests are ready to leave. At the end of a visit, hosts walk visitors to the door and wait there while they walk or drive away.
CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES Greetings In urban areas, a brief, firm handshake is the customary formal greeting. People sometimes also slightly nod the head. Members of the opposite sex usually do not shake each other's hands. Weaker handshakes are common in rural areas. It is considered rude not to shake the hands of everyone present. Children appreciate adults shaking their hands. In cities, friends and relatives of the opposite sex kiss lightly on one cheek. Friends or relatives who have not seen each other for a while exchange hugs. Placing an arm around the shoulders of another person shows friendship. Friends often stand very close when conversing. The most common daily greetings include Buenos días (Good morning), Buenas tardes (Good afternoon), and Buenas noches (Good evening). Adiós or Hasta luego are
Eating Families usually eat at least the main meal together, whether it is at midday or in the evening. In urban homes, food usually is served on dishes from which diners choose their portions. In rural homes, plates are more often served prepared. At the beginning of a meal, people say Buen provecho (roughly, “Enjoy your meal”) to each other. Guests compliment their hosts on the meal as a way of assuring the hosts they feel welcome. Hosts usually offer second helpings and feel complimented when they are accepted. However, one is careful in a poorer home not to eat too much since the family may not have much food. Hosts will continue to offer food until the guest says No, gracias; estoy satisfecho (No, 3
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
thank you; I am satisfied). It is less common to say Estoy lleno (I am full). In rural areas, the wife will eat alone after the guests have been properly fed and attended to. Men commonly stand when a woman leaves the table.
they often choose careers related to children or otherwise considered appropriate for women, such as design. Though men consider it a matter of pride to provide financially for their families, the weak economy means that a large number of women are also employed in the labor force. They may till the ground, clean homes, sew, run a small store (tienda) inside their home, sell food or handicrafts in markets, or work as skilled laborers. Women hold positions of power in politics, education, and medicine. Rural women often work alongside their husbands in the fields, especially during harvest seasons. The majority of families belong to the peasant class (campesinos, who work on the land but do not own it) and the blue-collar working class. The gap between rich and poor is wide and expanding. Domestic violence, which is considered acceptable in some lower-class urban areas, is a serious problem. El Salvador has a high violent crime rate, and women are victims of many of those crimes.
LIFESTYLE Family Structure The family is highly valued in El Salvador. The nuclear family is the basis of society, though it is not uncommon for extended families to live together or near each other. Urban families usually have three children, while rural ones have an average of six or more. Single parents, especially mothers, are common, and many unwed women give birth at young ages; due to the influence of the Catholic Church, birth control is not widely accessible or accepted. Some men consider it a sign of virility to father children with more than one woman. Parents and Children Families spend time together, sharing meals, attending religious services, and often going on at least one weekly outing—to shopping centers, beaches, lakes, and other locations. Children are important contributors to family incomes, and family members are expected to support each other throughout their lives. Children, even at a young age, are expected to help care for younger siblings. Rural children participate in household chores such as water collection, cleaning, and farming as soon as they are physically able. Lower-class urban children are expected to find work shining shoes, gardening, washing cars, or selling wares at markets or on the street. Middle- and upper-class children are only responsible for their studies. Most young adults remain at home until they marry. Excepting urban professionals, unmarried adults with children also usually live with their parents, and the extended family shares the responsibility of caring for the child. Elderly parents often move in with their married children. Genders Roles Gender roles are strictly defined. The father typically is head of the family and the financial provider. Women care for the children and household. In affluent families, mothers may supervise empleadas (paid housekeepers and nannies). Children, even at a young age, are expected to help care for younger siblings. Rural children participate in household chores such as water collection, cleaning, and farming as soon as they are physically able. Lower-class urban children are expected to find work shining shoes, gardening, washing cars, or selling wares at markets or on the street. Middle- and upper-class children are only responsible for their studies. Boys are raised to be strong, courageous, unemotional, and competitive, while girls are encouraged to focus on their appearances and be polite, more emotional, and dependent on others. Families who cannot afford educations for all their children often send only their sons to school, as boys are expected to have formal careers when possible and girls are primarily urged to prepare for marriage and domestic responsibilities. Young women aspire to marry and start families at a young age. If they do pursue higher education,
Housing Urban El Salvador has problems with overcrowding. In cities, Salvadorans live very close to each other, with many individuals living in a single house; areas for different families may be divided by curtains or short walls, with many families sharing just one room. Adjacent townhouses, usually made of cinderblocks, are the most common form of dwelling. Many are two storeys, with a living room, kitchen, and open-air corridor on the ground floor and bedrooms on the second floor. Most houses also have an outdoor patio, on which can be found a pila—a large cement sink where the family's clothes and dishes are washed—and a latrine or outhouse. Floors are usually tiled, with carpet and marble reserved for the very wealthy. Because of the heat, Salvadoran homes have many windows to allow air to circulate. Rural In rural areas, homes are more basic. Often, they are made of adobe (mud bricks), concrete blocks, wood, or corrugated metal. Rural homes are generally one-room structures with two doors, two windows, and an earthen floor. In many such houses, beds and perhaps a table are the only pieces of furniture. Often strung up outside are a number of hammocks, on which family members take their siestas (afternoon naps). Rural families are typically quite large, with an average of six or more children. In these cases, family members often share beds and sleeping quarters. Kitchens are usually built outside the main structure. They are made of corrugated tin, bamboo, adobe, or wood. Women cook on a comal (a large metal griddle) over an outdoor fire. Most, but not all, rural houses have a latrine. Dating and Marriage Dating and Courtship Dating for both genders often begins after the 15th birthday, when girls celebrate with a quinceañera (15 years) party—the traditional entrance for young women into the social world. However, some youth begin dating earlier without parental permission. Dating is mostly done in groups and in public settings. It is uncommon for young women to date on their 4
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
own; they are often chaperoned by an elder sibling or cousin or even a parent. In the past, a boy was expected to ask a girl’s father for permission to date her, but this is no longer the case. Young people form romantic relationships with neighbors, classmates, and the children of their parents’ friends. Youth socialize at community gatherings and holiday festivities such as birthday parties, fairs, holy day celebrations, and carnivals. Organized dances are among the most popular activities. In the absence of formal events, young people may visit each other at home or spend time in city parks. In more affluent circles, they commonly go to shopping malls, where they may go to cafés, watch movies, or simply walk around. After a couple has dated casually for a while, the boy might ask the girl to be his steady girlfriend. Steady dating relationships are taken seriously and are expected to lead to marriage if the couple is considered old enough and financially ready. Marriage in Society Until marriage, young people are expected to live at home and refrain from sexual relations; however, many are sexually active without their parents’ knowledge. While some young couples choose to live together before marriage, this decision is rarely accepted by their families. Couples may marry as young as age 18, though most are in their early or mid-twenties. Campesinos (the peasant class, who work on the land but do not own it) in rural areas and poor urban residents often enter into common-law relationships because they cannot afford the expense of formal weddings. Common-law marriages (acompaniamientos) are legally recognized after a couple has lived together for two years and offer the right to alimony but do not give individuals full spousal rights regarding taxes, medical benefits, and emigration. Divorce is legal and increasingly considered acceptable for men, but a stigma is attached to divorced women. Weddings Weddings usually involve two ceremonies. First, a couple participates in a legally mandatory civil ceremony, which is attended only by close family members and friends. Following this is a formal religious ceremony, which even among the secularized population tends to follow Catholic traditions. Usually a large reception attended by the entire community accompanies the marriage. Guests eat, drink, and dance—often to cumbia music—throughout the night and into the early morning hours. In some rural areas, family and friends of the bride may celebrate at the bride's home, while the groom's family and friends may celebrate separately at his home.
hospitals, and when a baby is born, it is common for all immediate and many extended family members to be present (most of them in the waiting room). Family and friends visit the mother and child after they have returned home, bringing gifts to the baby. Catholic babies are baptized. This event, along with First Communion and confirmation, which follow around the ages of 10 and 16, is usually accompanied by a party. Milestones Adults may celebrate their own birthdays by meeting friends at a bar or restaurant, and they typically hold parties for their children. A special effort is made for a girl's 15th birthday ( quinceañera), which is traditionally seen as a coming-of-age party and includes food, dancing, pink decorations, and a special dress for the birthday girl. Children's parties usually include food, cake, and piñatas. Graduations from each major level of schooling tend to be celebrated, especially if the graduate is the first in the family to complete high school or university studies. Young people are legally considered adults at age 18; however, socially, marriage—at any age—marks the beginning of adulthood. Death Death is commemorated at the community level. When a person dies, the body is laid out in the family home or a funeral home for a viewing period of 24 hours. Family, friends, and neighbors stop by to express condolences. The immediate and much of the extended family remain for an all-night vigil. Traditionally, the family of the deceased provides tamales (cornmeal dough stuffed with a filling), sweet bread or pastries, and coffee for all the mourners. After the 24 hours is over, the body is taken to a church, where a service is held. The funeral party then moves to the cemetery for the burial, bringing with them colorful flowers. Catholic families who can afford to do so hold a special mass on each of the nine days following the funeral. Anniversary masses may be held in the years following the death as well. On Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead, 2 November), family and members of the community gather to pray and sing on behalf of the deceased. Diet Salvadoran food is much less spicy than that of many other Latin American countries. Most people eat red beans (frijoles) cooked in many ways, thick corn tortillas, rice, eggs, and fruit. Tropical fruits such as papaya and mango are most common, though people also enjoy watermelon, apples, and strawberries. Frequently eaten vegetables include potatoes, beets, carrots, corn, squash, tomatoes, onions, avocados, and lettuce. One of the most common dishes is pupusas (thick tortillas stuffed with meat, beans, or cheese). People who can afford it consume beef, chicken, or fish regularly for lunch and/or dinner. Poorer rural families eat tortillas, whatever they can grow, and an occasional pig or chicken, a number of which usually are kept around the house as domestic livestock.
Life Cycle Birth A woman customarily waits three months to announce her pregnancy; when she does, the news is greeted with much celebration. Urban women may have several baby showers, thrown by family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or classmates, whereas entire communities may throw a shower for an expectant rural mother. Most births take place in
Recreation Sports The national sport is soccer (fútbol). Salvadorans of all ages 5
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
frequently join in informal matches, played on public fields, on empty lots, and in parks and other open spaces. Organized local leagues are common; even rural areas support local club teams. Those without access to a ball may make one out of plastic shopping bags. Salvadorans are also avid spectators of the sport. Families, friends, and sometimes entire communities gather to watch important national and international matches. Fútbol fans commonly follow La Liga (the Spanish League), rooting for either the Madrid or Barcelona team. Basketball (baloncesto) is another popular sport, especially at the school league level. Most towns have a gym and athletic field. Young women play baseball or softball. Leisure In their leisure time, people like to visit, cook together, enjoy movies or music, or just relax. Many Salvadorans enjoy dancing at parties, discos (in larger cities), or dance halls (in smaller towns). People commonly take day trips to various locations within the country. These may consist of group bus trips or outings with friends and family. Popular destinations include small colonial towns, which host festivals celebrating national heritage, crafts, and food; mountains and volcanoes that offer hiking and camping; and beaches that people visit to surf, fish, and sunbathe. Vacation An extended trip to the beach is popular during spring break (which coincides with Semana Santa, the week before Easter). Groups of family members and friends pitch in to rent beach houses together, making such vacations affordable for many. Road trips to neighboring Central American countries are also popular vacations among middle-class Salvadorans. The few who can afford to do so take trips to U.S. cities such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, or Los Angeles. Among the working class and campesinos, vacations are rare. Instead, families and communities may pool their resources in order to take an excursion to the national zoo, the nearest mall for an afternoon of window shopping, or the beach to get oysters or enjoy the sunshine and fishing.
popular among all segments of the population. Holidays National holidays in El Salvador include New Year's Day; Easter Week (Semana Santa); Labor Day (1 May); Mother's Day (10 May); Father's Day (17 June); August religious festivities (the first week of August); Independence Day, which commemorates the day five Central American countries separated from Spain (15 Sept.); Columbus Day (12 Oct.); and Christmas. Mother's Day Mother’s Day is an important holiday for Salvadorans. Some schools host a special breakfast or brunch for mothers, after which students return home. Other schools close entirely to allow students to spend the day with their mothers. Mothers and grandmothers are given gifts and treated to one or more meals throughout the day. A popular way to recognize mothers is with a mariachi band hired to play and sing a few songs at the woman’s home. August Festivities The August religious festivities celebrate San Salvador’s patron saint, El Salvador del Mundo (“The Savior of the World,” or Jesus Christ). They culminate with La Bajada (The Descent), during which a statue of Christ dressed in purple robes is carried along the major streets of the capital city to the Metropolitan Cathedral. There it is lowered into a globe or chalice and reemerges wearing white robes, representing transfiguration. This week in August is also a time of many secular festivities, such as fairs and outdoor parties. Businesses close for most of the week, and many people leave the city and head for the beach. Coastal towns often host dance parties during this period. Christmas On Christmas Eve, families attend Mass or other religious services in the afternoon or early evening. At midnight, a traditional dinner of tamales (cornmeal dough stuffed with a filling) or pan con pavo (turkey sandwiches) is eaten and presents are exchanged. People set off fireworks they have purchased from stands in the weeks before. Family members celebrate and talk into the early morning hours. Friends may also visit each other or attend dance parties at discos or community centers. Christmas Day is typically spent relaxing at home and perhaps attending religious services. Festivals The Salvadoran love for beauty and fun finds expression in the many colorful festivals during the year. Most towns have a holy day or week during which they celebrate their patron saint. Celebrations include a street fair with rides, food, drinks, and dancing and often culminate with a parade. A town queen is crowned in a beauty pageant. People commonly cook tamales during these holidays.
The Arts Traditional handicrafts and arts are popular. Ilobasco, a little town in the center of the country, is known for its beautiful pottery, especially sorpresas (surprises)—small egg-shaped cases that display miniature scenes and figures of everyday life. Another town, San Sebastian, is known for its brightly colored, hand-woven blankets and hammocks. Colorful wooden crafts are common in La Palma. National issues and daily life have been subjects for Salvadoran writers for centuries. Religious subjects are popular for sculpture and painting. A sculpture of Christ called Salvator Mundi in San Salvador's cathedral is one of the few major works left after natural disasters ruined older works. Scenes from Christ's life were often the subject of colorful paintings by one of El Salvador's most prominent contemporary artists, Fernando Llort. Salvadorans enjoy both traditional and popular musical styles. Cumbia (a type of Latin music) is a favorite among all ages, while young people often listen to reggeaton (dance music that combines Latin rhythms and hip-hop). Dancing is
SOCIETY Government Head of State: Pres. Mauricio Funes Head of Government: Pres. Mauricio Funes Capital: San Salvador 6
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador coffee during school vacations. El Salvador also exports sugar, cotton, shrimp, and clothing. Important domestic industries include food processing, cement, textiles, and petroleum processing. While agriculture employs about one-fifth of the workforce, the economy is becoming increasingly oriented toward manufacturing and services. In 2001, El Salvador adopted the U.S. dollar (USD) as its currency.
Structure El Salvador is a democratic republic, divided into 14 departments and 267 municipalities. The executive branch is led by a president and a vice president, who are elected on the same ticket and serve a five-year term. Neither president nor vice president can serve a consecutive term. The unicameral national Legislative Assembly has 84 members, who are elected directly by popular vote through proportional representation to serve three-year terms. Although still weak, municipal power and autonomy, strengthened in the 1983 constitution, have been increasing steadily since 1990. Political Landscape The rightist National Republican Alliance (ARENA) holds the largest number of seats in the Legislative Assembly, and the left-leaning Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) holds the second largest. Corruption is common in multiple levels of government and threatens the country's stability and growth. In 2012, two of El Salvador's most dangerous gangs agreed to a truce, which dramatically lowered the number of gang-related deaths. Internal security, economic development, and drug smuggling remain challenging issues facing the Salvadoran government. Government and the People Freedoms of press, assembly, association, education, and religion are generally respected. Though the constitution states that each citizen is equal and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or religion, El Salvador's indigenous population experiences many social inequalities. In 2012, about 51 percent of registered voters participated in legislative and local elections. Starting in the 2014 election, Salvadoran nationals living abroad will be allowed to participate in national elections. The voting age is 18.
Transportation and Communications Internet Users (per 100 people): 18 Cellular Phone Subscriptions (per 100 people): 134 Paved Roads: 26% Because few Salvadorans own cars, most travel by bus. Rural people also travel on foot or by pickup truck. Taxis are available in larger cities. El Salvador has one of the best systems of roads in Central America. Road construction and maintenance are paid for by a gasoline tax. Highways run along the coast and connect major cities. Though many bridges and roads were damaged in recent years by hurricanes and earthquakes, these have been repaired. Some rural roads are unpaved and can be impassable during the rainy season. European firms have greatly improved the country's communications infrastructure. Though many Salvadorans are without landlines, cellular phones are common in urban areas and in some rural areas as well. Relatives who live apart and friends in rural areas still communicate through telegrams. Salvadorans in major cities have access to the internet. The free press is growing, and there are several daily newspapers in addition to a few smaller ones. Of the eleven television stations in El Salvador, nine are privately owned. There are also many private radio stations.
Economy GDP (PPP) in billions: $45.98 GDP (PPP) per capita: $7,700
Education Adult Literacy: 81.1% Mean Years of Schooling: 7.5
Because of war and natural disasters, El Salvador has had one of the weakest economies in Latin America, but the economy recently has become more stable. Economic growth is still low, but inflation is under control. Problems remain in areas such as income inequality, unemployment and underemployment (which affect more than half of the population), land reform, deforestation, and pollution. Opportunities for personal advancement are limited. Much of the population is without access to the education, health care, and economic opportunities needed to rise above poverty. Training programs have been established to teach new skills, but a shortage of skilled labor remains a challenge. Salvadorans depend heavily on foreign aid and remittances from family members who have emigrated to the United States. In 2006, El Salvador became the first Central American state to formalize the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States. Coffee is the most important export, accounting for roughly one-third of all export earnings. It is grown on steep mountainsides: the higher the altitude, the higher the coffee-bean quality. Children often help their parents pick
Structure Elementary school (grades kindergarten–ninth) is compulsory and free. Primary school is followed by an optional two years of technical school or three years of bachillerato, the college track. Hundreds of private schools, virtually all located in San Salvador, serve the country. Their quality is proportional to their cost, with the most expensive offering prestigious, higher-quality educations to those middle-class and wealthy students who can afford them. Many private schools are associated with Christian churches. More expensive bilingual institutions feature curriculums and academic calendars aligned with those in the United States or United Kingdom. The normal Salvadorian school year begins in mid-January and runs through October. Access Secondary schools require entrance exams and the payment of fees. Many eligible youth do not attend school beyond ninth grade, often because they cannot afford school tuition and fees or must begin working and contributing to the family income. For others, especially those in rural areas, schools are 7
TM
CultureGrams
El Salvador
located too far away to be accessible. Literacy rates in rural areas are far below those in urban areas. The government provides students with uniforms, and school supplies may be donated to those who can’t afford them. Due to the effects of war, many public schools are of poor quality. Resources are scarce, and some schools must use photocopies in the place of textbooks. Teachers are paid very little; in rural areas, some are unable to afford even daily transportation to and from school and therefore do not provide class on a regular basis. School Life Teachers hold respected positions in society and are expected to serve as examples to their students. They often serve as mentors, advising students on both academic and personal issues outside of class. It is not uncommon for students’ families to invite teachers to dinner or to give them small gifts for holidays or birthdays. In communities without sufficient facilities, schools double as community centers, complete with activities such as bingo nights, dances, charity events, holiday parties, and fairs. Classroom instruction tends to emphasize lectures, note-taking, and memorization. Though students may participate in group projects and complete presentations and essays, grades are primarily based on major exams. Students and parents alike often prioritize family time over homework; youths rarely study for more than an hour each day. Learning is often seen as a collaborative effort, and students often help each other in ways that would be considered cheating elsewhere by sharing notes and homework and copying each other’s exams. The rare student who does not participate in such behavior may face social ostracism. Plagiarism is not uncommon and, even at the university level, may be overlooked by instructors. Higher Education El Salvador has one open enrollment national university, which charges tuition on a sliding scale according to students’ ability to pay; the country has dozens of private universities. In all, there are 45 colleges or universities (public and private) in the country. Affluent Salvadorans commonly attend universities abroad.
Embassy of El Salvador, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 595-7500; web site www.elsalvador.org.
Country and Development Data Capital Population Area (sq. mi.) Area (sq. km.) Human Development Index Gender Inequality Index GDP (PPP) per capita Adult Literacy Infant Mortality Life Expectancy Currency
CultureGrams
San Salvador 6,108,590 (rank=107) 8,124 (rank=151) 21,041 107 of 187 countries 82 of 148 countries $7,700 83% (male); 80% (female) 19.05 per 1,000 births 67 (male); 77 (female) U.S. dollar
TM
ProQuest 789 East Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 USA Toll Free: 1.800.521.3042 Fax: 1.800.864.0019 www.culturegrams.com © 2014 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by any means without strict written permission from ProQuest.
Health Medical care is free at all state health facilities, but many were damaged either during the war or by natural disasters. Urban clinics and hospitals are in poor condition; rural areas often lack clinics altogether. Patients often must provide their own sheets, syringes, and medicine. In cities, a large, higher-quality, private healthcare system is available to those who can afford it. The government is trying to improve health conditions through free immunizations, hygiene and sanitation education, water and sewage system development, and more modern hospital administration. Still, cholera, malaria, measles, intestinal disorders, dengue fever, and other diseases have increased recently, particularly in rural areas.
AT A GLANCE Contact Information 8
