El Salvador/Society

Society in El Salvador

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
6.3M(2023)
Population Growth
0.5%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.77(2023)
Death Rate
7.5 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-23.1K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
72.1 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
10.4 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
39 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
9.8%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
90%(2023)
Primary Enrollment
81%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
65.7%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
32.2(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3.2%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
67.7%(2023)
Access to Electricity
98.3%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
98.6%(2022)
Urban Population
4.8M(2023)
Rural Population
1.6M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for El Salvador

  • El Salvador has an estimated population of 6.3M
    2023
    , with a modest annual growth rate of 0.5%
    2023
    , suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.8 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Net emigration of approximately 23K individuals annually (or 3.7 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 72.1 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 10.4 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 39 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 9.8% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 90%
    2023
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 81% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 66%
    2023
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.2% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 75% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 98% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.