History: El Salvador in Central America became independent of Spain in 1821 and of the Central American Federation in 1839. It is the smallest and the most densely populated of the Central American States and the only one without an Atlantic coastline.

A 12-yearcivil war that killed 75,000 people ended in 1992. In 1998 Hurricane Mitch killed 200 and made 30,000 homeless. In 2001, earthquakes and drought caused heavy damage.

Food & Crops: The country is predominantly agricultural. The principal crop is coffee, which accounts for one half of exports. Other products are cotton, maize and sugar. Fisheries are being developed and figure prominently in the export list.

Industry: Food & beverages, textiles, petroleum products.