United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ With the adoption of the US dollar as its currency, El Salvador has lost control over monetary policy and must concentrate on maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy. GDP per capita is roughly only half that of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, and the distribution of income is highly unequal. The trade deficit has been offset by annual remittances of almost $2 billion from Salvadorans living abroad and external aid. The government is striving to open new export markets, encourage foreign investment, modernize the tax and healthcare systems, and stimulate the sluggish economy. ”

“ Exports - commodities: offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, shrimp, textiles, chemicals, electricity Exports - partners: US 67.8%, Guatemala 11.5%, Honduras 5.9% (2003) Imports: $5.466 billion (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels, foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity Imports - partners: US 50%, Guatemala 8.1%, Mexico 5.5% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $2.061 billion (2003) Debt - external: $6.575 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: total $252 million ”

“ El Salvador
local short form: El Salvador
local long form: Republica de El Salvador Government type: republic Capital: San Salvador Administrative divisions: 14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) ; Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate, Usulutan Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Constitution: 23 December 1983 Legal system: based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law ”