El Salvador
Republic of El Salvador
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
El Salvador is a Central America country of around 6.03 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 21,041 km², translating to a density of 287 people per km². Its capital is San Salvador, and Spanish is the official language, while the United States dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
6,029,976
Area
21,041 km²
Density
287/km²
World Rank
#115
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 15.8 per thousand against deaths at 7.5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 24.8% of residents under 15 and 8.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Central America
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currencies
- United States dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +503
- Top-Level Domain
- .sv
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 6,029,976
- Land Area
- 21,041 km²
- Population Density
- 287 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +53,064 people
- Daily Growth
- +145 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- 13.83°, -88.92°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $5.6k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 39.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
72.1 years
GDP per Capita
$5,580
Birth Rate
15.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
75.1%
Fertility Rate
1.78 births/woman
Infant Mortality
9.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.3%
Literacy Rate
89.8%
Internet Users
67.7%
Under 15
24.8%
Over 65
8.2%
Health Spending
9.3% GDP
Gini Index
39.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.5M
15-64 years
4.0M
65+ years
491K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 75.1% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, San Salvador, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 23934.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.5M
75.1%
1.5M
24.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 9.2 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 89.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in El Salvador
El Salvador has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that El Salvador is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.8 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, El Salvador participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 6,029,976 |
| 2030 | 6,243,608 |
| 2035 | 6,518,259 |
| 2040 | 6,801,908 |
| 2045 | 7,095,140 |
| 2050 | 7,398,541 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for El Salvador.
Largest Cities in El Salvador
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in El Salvador by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Salvador?
The population of El Salvador is approximately 6.0 million as of 2026, making it #115 in the world by population.
What is the capital of El Salvador?
The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.
What languages are spoken in El Salvador?
The main languages spoken in El Salvador are Spanish.
How big is El Salvador?
El Salvador covers an area of 21,041 km² with a population density of 287 people per km².
Is El Salvador growing or shrinking?
El Salvador is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 53,064 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in El Salvador?
The average life expectancy in El Salvador is 72.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of El Salvador?
The GDP per capita of El Salvador is $5,580.