Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
august 29
The republic of El Salvador is the smallest and most densely pop-
ulated of the Central American countries I am running through.
Since independence, its major primary industry has been coffee-
growing. Tragically, throughout its history it has been torn asunder
by government corruption, armed insurrection and coups d'état.
Thousands died in the civil war that was waged from 1980 to 1992
between left-wing and communist guerrilla groups and the right-
wing, US-backed Salvadoran government. The war ended when the
government agreed to give its political opponents a say in the run-
ning of the republic and to rein in the brutal police and military.
Although the civil war is over and El Salvador is embracing industry
and tourism, it remains a lawless land, with a high murder rate and
gang activity. It pays to keep your wits about you. I'm grateful for our
police escort.
Because of its location smack-dab on the Pacific Ring of Fire, El
Salvador has suffered numerous earthquakes, one in 1986 causing
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