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Essential Information Location: On the Pacific Ocean coast in Central America, south-east of Guatemala and south of Honduras. Area: 21,040 km 2 / 13,045 miles2 (about the size of Wales or Massachusetts). Population: 6.2 million. Language: Spanish. Currency: US $ and the colon (now almost obsolete but still legal tender) Fixed rate of US $1.00 = ¢8.75 Climate: Tropical wet Average temperature: 28ºC/ 82ºF Rainy season: May-April Dry season: November-April International phone code: 503 Time: GMT – 7 hours
El Salvador is one of the seven countries that make up the Central American isthmus. It is the smallest in area but has the highest population density. In 2001 the economy was tied to the US dollar so that El Salvador now figures among the most stable and dynamic economies of Latin America. An improving infrastructure with a modern international airport, efficient communications technology its low cost of living and its geographical location within easy flying time from many US locations makes El Salvador an attractive place to work and explore.
RURAL CULTURES El Salvadorian culture stretches way back into the pre-Christian era when Olmecs and Maya built strong and long lasting civilizations here. Archeological sites hare revealed 10,000 years of habitation with a high level of sophistication in architecture, crafts and science. Most towns can boast of colonial buildings or churches that date back to the early decades of European colonisation. There are towns which flourish as market centres for the villages and rural settlements that lie in the vicinity, from which people arrive on market days laden with locally grown produce and handmade goods. There are extensive coffee plantations, agricultural and fishing settlements, and a cuisine that pays tribute to the tradition of growing maize and beans as well as to the wealth of the sea. The richness of Salvadorian culture is also evident in the heritage contained within the churches, museums and galleries that preserve a richness and variety of artifacts and creations waiting for you to discover.
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS Few countries in the world have such a varied natural heritage within such a small area. There are numerous volcanic peaks and craters, lakes and beaches waiting for you. Within a day you can have ridden horseback in a coffee plantation, dived into crater lakes and slipped over the waves of the Pacific on a surfboard. Follow this with a night camping in a misty forest inhabited by rich fauna, and you have El Salvador in a nutshell.
BEACHES El Salvador possesses 321 km of sunny coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean and fringed by tropical undergrowth. Most beaches are relatively un-used as tourism is still in its embryonic state. There are spectacular cliffs and volcanic sands where huge breakers are a paradise for surfers; there are also lazy, gentle beaches of golden sand lapped by calmer ocean waves. You can choose to stay in budget accommodation or the best hotels and dine in beach bars or high class restaurants to the accompaniment of mariachi or merengue bands. For your time and commitment as a volunteer, El Salvador will repay you with the beauty of her landscapes and the friendliness and generosity of her people. GETTING THERE Flights that are routed via Houston, Texas connect with flights to San Salvador. Continental (and American) Airlines operate such routes from the UK via Newark and Houston. There are overland routes in several places that cross the borders with Guatemala & Honduras by international bus.
The cost of living Living costs are cheap compared with the UK. In El Salvador the US dollar is the principal unit of currency. Typical costs are on follows: Cinema ticket: $3 Large bottle of mineral water: 50 cents Cup of coffee: 40 cents Can of Cola: 50 cents Medium priced restaurant meal: $2 Bus journey up to 1 hour: 25 cents. San Salvador to Guatemala city by direct express coach: $7 Bottled beer: 57 cents. Night in a three star hotel with private bathroom: $45 Pizza and chips in a fast food restaurant: $3 One hour in an internet café : $1
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