El Salvador
Country statistics · 1990–present
El Salvador at a Glance
El Salvador is home to 6.3 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $7,171, it is a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Life expectancy at birth stands at 72.3 years, below the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 6.3 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 15.6 and a death rate of 7.5 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 8.1 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 52,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
El Salvador is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $47 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $7,171 per person, it is classified as a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.0% in 2029, representing modest growth. The unemployment rate is projected at 4.7% (2029 IMF projection), indicating a relatively tight labour market.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 72.3 years (2024), below the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $501 (2023), representing limited per-capita healthcare spending. The adult literacy rate stands at 89.8% (2024), reflecting a majority-literate adult population. 66.5% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access.