Photo: Renemgb · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
El Salvador
El Salvador places highest on Global Report on Food Crises (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Debt Service on External Debt (bottom 1%).
El Salvador in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
6,309,624
people
since 1950
Land area
20,720
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
12,050
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
72.1
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.678
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.303
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About El Salvador
Key facts about El Salvador
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- ISO code
- SLV · SV
- Domain · dialling
- .sv · +503
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is El Salvador’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
40thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
50thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
72ndof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
76thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint88thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
106thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
110thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint99thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
107thof 177
From 3 of 4 key statistics
128thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
129thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
135thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
139thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
126thof 171
From 4 of 4 key statistics
118thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
111thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for El Salvador’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for El Salvador in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where El Salvador stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which El Salvador sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where El Salvador does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 2 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0 · ▲ 38 pts since 2015
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 176 · 1.908 · 2025
world median 1.023 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2015
Position · derived 44th of 44 · 1 = worst · 3 · 2024
world median 22 (better)
Not ranked by the publisher · 100 · 2025
world median 95.3 (better) · ▲ 50 pts since 2015
Position · derived 19th of 190 · 90.83 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▲ 11 pts since 2014
Position · derived 23rd of 190 · 90.83 · 2024
world median 35.66 (better) · ▲ 13 pts since 2014
Where El Salvador struggles most8
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 8 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDebt Service on External Debtbottom 1%
Position · derived 1st of 109 · 1 = worst · 96.2 · 2024
world median 12.93 (worse) · ▼ 18 pts since 2014
- 4thPISA Mathematics Performancebottom 4%
Position · derived 76th of 79 · 343.47 · 2022
world median 442.09 (worse)
- 4thSchool Life Expectancybottom 4%
Position · derived 74th of 77 · 10.98 · 2024
world median 14.59 (worse) · ▼ 22 pts since 2014
- 6thPoverty Gap at $3.00 a Daybottom 9%
Position · derived 6th of 59 · 1 = worst · 1.74 · 2023
world median 0.345 (worse) · ▼ 11 pts since 2013
- 7th
Position · derived 169th of 175 · 0.018 · 2025
world median 0.676 (worse) · ▼ 48 pts since 2015
- 8thResearch and Development Spendingbottom 8%
Position · derived 77th of 84 · 0.102 · 2023
world median 0.814 (worse) · ▲ 4 pts since 2013
- 9thOpen Data Inventorybottom 5%
Rank 160th of 168 · 32 · 2024
world median 59 (worse) · ▼ 17 pts since 2015
- 10thPISA Science Performancebottom 12%
Position · derived 70th of 79 · 373.14 · 2022
world median 446.93 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so El Salvador can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
99th
of 141 · 1990
132nd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
82nd
of 173 · 2012
120th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
53rd
of 79 · 1990
92nd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
100th
of 132 · 2022
98th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
80th
of 140 · 1995
60th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
148th
of 172 · 2020
104th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where El Salvador has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation+62 pts since 2014
- Harmonized Test Scores+43 pts since 2017
Losing ground
Where El Salvador has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index-52 pts since 2012
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-51 pts since 2014
05In context
El Salvador and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for El Salvador
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions33
Agriculture Orientation Index67th of 132position · derived0.3Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 48% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
El Salvador 0.3 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency38th of 50position · derived54.53Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
bottom 24% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
El Salvador 54.53 · world median 65.82 (worse)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services32nd of 50position · derived45.36Public services score (0–100)2024
bottom 37% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
El Salvador 45.36 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework36th of 50position · derived60.41Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
bottom 29% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
El Salvador 60.41 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Central Bank Independence Indextop 32%0.683CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
top 32% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
El Salvador 0.683 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
No real change since 2013
Civic Space Ratings126th of 198position · derived35.15Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 37% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
El Salvador 35.15 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)132nd of 192rank0.328ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 31% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
El Salvador 0.328 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 44%99Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 44% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
El Salvador 99 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption141st of 211position · derived-0.547Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 33% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
El Salvador -0.547 · world median -0.197 (worse)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index120th of 181rank32CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 33% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
El Salvador 32 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt1st of 109position · derived · 1 = worst96.2Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
bottom 1% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
El Salvador 96.2 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)21st of 110position · derived · 1 = worst75.39External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
bottom 18% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
El Salvador 75.39 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
No real change since 2014
General Government Consumption65th of 132position · derived16.41General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 49% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
El Salvador 16.41 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index104th of 195rank38.88AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 47% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
El Salvador 38.88 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness130th of 209position · derived-0.235Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 38% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
El Salvador -0.235 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student46th of 68position · derived15.12Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
bottom 33% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
El Salvador 15.12 · world median 17.81 (worse)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Government Spending on Education80th of 123position · derived3.187Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 35% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
El Salvador 3.187 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index87th of 196position · derived0.704GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 44% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
El Salvador 0.704 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index169th of 175position · derived0.018Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
bottom 4% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.018 · world median 0.676 (worse)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▼ -48 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index150th of 176position · derived0.09Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.09 · world median 0.353 (worse)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▼ -45 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory160th of 168rank32ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 5% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
El Salvador 32 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index60th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.682Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
bottom 34% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
El Salvador 0.682 · world median 0.518 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment94th of 135position · derived8.47Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 31% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
El Salvador 8.47 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill26th of 168position · derived12.06Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 15% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
El Salvador 12.06 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality110th of 209position · derived-0.142Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 48% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
El Salvador -0.142 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law153rd of 211position · derived-0.706Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 28% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
El Salvador -0.706 · world median -0.102 (worse)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators83rd of 188position · derived73.74SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 44% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
El Salvador 73.74 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density111th of 139position · derived8.73Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 20% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
El Salvador 8.73 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index113th of 176position · derived0.321Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 36% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.321 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -29 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability141st of 206position · derived-0.748Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 32% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
El Salvador -0.748 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law52nd of 190position · derived88.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 28% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
El Salvador 88.75 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation36
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution117th of 139position · derived43.4Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 16% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
El Salvador 43.4 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings74th of 118position · derived5.595Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
bottom 38% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
El Salvador 5.595 · world median 8.389 (worse)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)94th of 158position · derived4.403Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 41% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
El Salvador 4.403 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic90th of 103position · derived255,017Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
bottom 13% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
El Salvador 255,017 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index102nd of 195position · derived105.36Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 48% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
El Salvador 105.36 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -46 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports117th of 170position · derived13.79Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 31% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
El Salvador 13.79 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index60th of 145rank0.346ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 41% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
El Salvador 0.346 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)78th of 138position · derived32.05Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 44% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
El Salvador 32.05 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit26th of 179position · derived55.25Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 14% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
El Salvador 55.25 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index119th of 195position · derived102.68Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 39% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
El Salvador 102.68 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -52 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 36%1.277FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 36% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
El Salvador 1.277 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
No real change since 2015
GDP Growth73rd of 186position · derived3.906GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 39% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
El Salvador 3.906 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)115th of 185position · derived12,050GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 38% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
El Salvador 12,050 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Gini Index15th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst39.8Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)2023
bottom 24% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)
El Salvador 39.8 · world median 33.72 (worse)
Best in the world 23 (India)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Global Innovation Index98th of 139rank22.24GII score (0–100)2025
bottom 30% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
El Salvador 22.24 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)58th of 102position · derived11,259GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 44% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
El Salvador 11,259 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)39th of 131position · derived26.33Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 29% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
El Salvador 26.33 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +58 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)103rd of 146position · derived17.36Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 30% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
El Salvador 17.36 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption19th of 131position · derived81.32Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 14% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
El Salvador 81.32 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports77th of 119position · derived0.44ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
bottom 36% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
El Salvador 0.44 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
ICT Services Exports67th of 118position · derived6.909ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 44% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
El Salvador 6.909 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)42nd of 138position · derived56.11Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 30% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
El Salvador 56.11 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)81st of 158position · derived24.48Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 49% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
El Salvador 24.48 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index128th of 175rank25.43LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 25% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
El Salvador 25.43 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index148th of 194position · derived98.89Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 24% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
El Salvador 98.89 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -37 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index79th of 139rank2.7LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 41% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
El Salvador 2.7 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)56th of 132position · derived12.67Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 42% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
El Salvador 12.67 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2015
Palma Ratio16th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst1.817Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)2023
bottom 25% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)
El Salvador 1.817 · world median 1.332 (worse)
Best in the world 0.771 (Slovakia)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Research and Development Spending77th of 84position · derived0.102Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
bottom 8% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
El Salvador 0.102 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants125th of 145position · derived55.47Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
bottom 14% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
El Salvador 55.47 · world median 701.95 (worse)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 39%2.16Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 39% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
El Salvador 2.16 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)125th of 180position · derived0.535Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 37% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
El Salvador 0.535 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)60th of 138position · derived88.16Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
top 43% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
El Salvador 88.16 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index53rd of 99rank62.5Trilemma score (0–100)2023
bottom 44% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
El Salvador 62.5 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked43rd of 182position · derived42.85Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
El Salvador 42.85 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture95th of 182position · derived13.85Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
El Salvador 13.85 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry53rd of 182position · derived23.14Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
El Salvador 23.14 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services85th of 182position · derived63.01Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
El Salvador 63.01 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio72nd of 182position · derived60.06Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
El Salvador 60.06 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate121st of 182position · derived49.05Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
El Salvador 49.05 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management30th of 86position · derived38.98Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
top 34% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
El Salvador 38.98 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager40th of 179position · derived25.56Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 22% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
El Salvador 25.56 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed114th of 168position · derived26,535GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 32% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
El Salvador 26,535 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate35th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst59.48Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 35% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
El Salvador 59.48 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate88th of 182position · derived62.11Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
El Salvador 62.11 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked124th of 182position · derived11.77Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
El Salvador 11.77 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate86th of 182position · derived35.66Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
El Salvador 35.66 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate132nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.303Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
El Salvador 3.303 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Vulnerable Employment86th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst30.82Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
El Salvador 30.82 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 43%2.502Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 43% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
El Salvador 2.502 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training30th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst20.54Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
bottom 30% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
El Salvador 20.54 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate136th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst7.809Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
El Salvador 7.809 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge21
Academic Freedom Index151st of 176position · derived0.165Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
bottom 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.165 · world median 0.619 (worse)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▼ -45 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate103rd of 172position · derived89.77Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 40% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
El Salvador 89.77 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling155th of 195position · derived11.11Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 21% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
El Salvador 11.11 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 28%45.79Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 28% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
El Salvador 45.79 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores67th of 172position · derived435.92Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 39% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
El Salvador 435.92 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +43 percentile points since 2017
Learning Poverty35th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst69.0710-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
bottom 27% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
El Salvador 69.07 · world median 34.02 (worse)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School93rd of 172position · derived7.637Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 46% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
El Salvador 7.637 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling139th of 193position · derived7.3Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 28% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
El Salvador 7.3 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary22nd of 121position · derived · 1 = worst15.26Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
bottom 18% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
El Salvador 15.26 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 25%2.54Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 25% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
El Salvador 2.54 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance76th of 79position · derived343.47Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 4% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
El Salvador 343.47 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
PISA Reading Performance68th of 79position · derived364.9Mean reading score2022
bottom 14% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
El Salvador 364.9 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
PISA Science Performance70th of 79position · derived373.14Mean science score2022
bottom 12% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
El Salvador 373.14 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate64th of 120position · derived64.74Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
bottom 47% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
El Salvador 64.74 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate100th of 165position · derived93.71Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 39% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
El Salvador 93.71 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
School Life Expectancy74th of 77position · derived10.98School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
bottom 4% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
El Salvador 10.98 · world median 14.59 (worse)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment97th of 109position · derived62.14Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
bottom 11% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
El Salvador 62.14 · world median 93.19 (worse)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio65th of 95position · derived32.83Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
bottom 32% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
El Salvador 32.83 · world median 52.77 (worse)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Attainment80th of 95position · derived33.81Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
bottom 16% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
El Salvador 33.81 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate118th of 164position · derived36.1Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 28% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
El Salvador 36.1 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 50%98.2415–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 50% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
El Salvador 98.24 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing20
Children with Functional Difficultiesbottom 48%12.8Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
bottom 48% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
El Salvador 12.8 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply85th of 155position · derived2,925Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 45% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
El Salvador 2,925 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months55th of 136position · derived45.3Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 40% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
El Salvador 45.3 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index92nd of 172rank0.362GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 47% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
El Salvador 0.362 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index59th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.032MPI (0–1)2025
top 46% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
El Salvador 0.032 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2018
Global Report on Food Crises44th of 44position · derived · 1 = worst3In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)2024
top 1% of 44 countries measured
Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)
El Salvador 3 · world median 22 (better)
Best in the world 3 (El Salvador)
No real change since 2017
Global Violent Deaths26th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst22.25Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 12% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
El Salvador 22.25 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index93rd of 172position · derived0.546HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 46% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
El Salvador 0.546 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2017
Human Development Index132nd of 193rank0.678HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 32% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
El Salvador 0.678 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate122nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst8.836Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 39% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
El Salvador 8.836 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
INFORM Severity Index46th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst2.9INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 43% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
El Salvador 2.9 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Age 65123rd of 222position · derived16.12Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 45% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
El Salvador 16.12 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth138th of 222position · derived72.1Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
El Salvador 72.1 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio105th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst39.11Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 46% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
El Salvador 39.11 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare63rd of 178position · derived3.79Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 34% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
El Salvador 3.79 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity29th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst15.4Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 22% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
El Salvador 15.4 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment72nd of 104position · derived · 1 = worst6.7Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 43% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
El Salvador 6.7 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five98th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst10Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 40% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
El Salvador 10 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate122nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst10.05Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 39% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
El Salvador 10.05 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children79th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst54.5Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
top 12% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
El Salvador 54.5 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital12
Access to Electricitybottom 36%98.7Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 36% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
El Salvador 98.7 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield93rd of 179position · derived2,777Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 48% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
El Salvador 2,777 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage65th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst19.7Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 44% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
El Salvador 19.7 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality80th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst17.83Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 47% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
El Salvador 17.83 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index61st of 184position · derived0.983Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 33% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
El Salvador 0.983 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index102nd of 169position · derived0.555IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 40% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
El Salvador 0.555 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received77th of 130position · derived1.587Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 41% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
El Salvador 1.587 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI96th of 156position · derived0.638PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 39% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
El Salvador 0.638 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day6th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst1.74Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 9% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
El Salvador 1.74 · world median 0.345 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (2 countries tied)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day12th of 58position · derived · 1 = worst4.64Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 19% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 58 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
El Salvador 4.64 · world median 0.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day17th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst29.94Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 27% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
El Salvador 29.94 · world median 7.82 (worse)
Best in the world 0.07 (2 countries tied)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Prosperity Gap15th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst3.553Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day2023
bottom 24% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day
El Salvador 3.553 · world median 1.754 (worse)
Best in the world 0.406 (Luxembourg)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions134th of 193position · derived2,192Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 32% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
El Salvador 2,192 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land72nd of 121position · derived2.01Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 41% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
El Salvador 2.01 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land45th of 209position · derived57.71Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 21% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
El Salvador 57.71 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person101st of 206position · derived0.114Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 49% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
El Salvador 0.114 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity167th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst113.97Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 14% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
El Salvador 113.97 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)101st of 190rank0.452ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 47% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
El Salvador 0.452 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita143rd of 210position · derived · 1 = worst1.416Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 32% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
El Salvador 1.416 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Ecological Footprint67th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst2.154Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 47% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
El Salvador 2.154 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
No real change since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 45%2.499Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 45% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
El Salvador 2.499 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare104th of 188position · derived74.6Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 46% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
El Salvador 74.6 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area113th of 210position · derived27.53Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 47% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
El Salvador 27.53 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster78th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst5,500New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 48% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
El Salvador 5,500 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -51 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production112th of 179position · derived317,277Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 38% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
El Salvador 317,277 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density70th of 188position · derived0.7Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 37% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
El Salvador 0.7 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation23rd of 190position · derived90.83Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 11% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
El Salvador 90.83 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index118th of 190rank43.81ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 38% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
El Salvador 43.81 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area110th of 150position · derived0.17Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 30% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
El Salvador 0.17 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita92nd of 181position · derived2,489Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 49% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
El Salvador 2,489 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation19th of 190position · derived90.83Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 9% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
El Salvador 90.83 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress78th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst12.72Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 44% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
El Salvador 12.72 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector70th of 171position · derived72.79Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 40% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
El Salvador 72.79 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 18%21.29Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 18% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
El Salvador 21.29 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▲ +62 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index36th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst14.41WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 18% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
El Salvador 14.41 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 41%104.8Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 41% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
El Salvador 104.8 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index88th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst19.6SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 37% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
El Salvador 19.6 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index134th of 176position · derived0.587Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 24% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.587 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index142nd of 176position · derived0.125Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.125 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▼ -41 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index146th of 176position · derived0.125Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.125 · world median 0.321 (worse)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index139th of 176position · derived0.356Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.356 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media146th of 176position · derived-1.232Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
bottom 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
El Salvador -1.232 · world median 0.565 (worse)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns8th of 176position · derived1.908Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 4% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
El Salvador 1.908 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indexbottom 29%0.2Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
bottom 29% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
El Salvador 0.2 · world median 0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index124th of 176position · derived0.159Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 30% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
El Salvador 0.159 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -35 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index140th of 176position · derived0.356Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
El Salvador 0.356 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
El Salvador 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▲ +38 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index87th of 149rank · 1 = worst90.75GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 42% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
El Salvador 90.75 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index79th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst4.2INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 42% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
El Salvador 4.2 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence112th of 211position · derived0.111Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 47% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
El Salvador 0.111 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 15%68,182Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 15% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
El Salvador 68,182 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumbottom 34%328Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
bottom 34% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
El Salvador 328 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 20%182Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 20% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
El Salvador 182 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs122nd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst3.175Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
top 30% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
El Salvador 3.175 · world median 4.456 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 41%54.1Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 41% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
El Salvador 54.1 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances74th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst2Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
top 21% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
El Salvador 2 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratebottom 15%-3.685Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
bottom 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
El Salvador -3.685 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Poverty & Inequality3
Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person43rd of 60position · derived11.88Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day2023
bottom 29% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day
El Salvador 11.88 · world median 22.76 (worse)
Best in the world 89.49 (Luxembourg)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linestop 36%27.2Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
top 36% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
El Salvador 27.2 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Societal Poverty Rate17th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst23.61Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 27% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)
El Salvador 23.61 · world median 17.2 (worse)
Best in the world 7 (Slovenia)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debtbottom 42%10.61Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
bottom 42% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
El Salvador 10.61 · world median 9.376 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Energy4
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 12%-5.055Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 12% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
El Salvador -5.055 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
▼ -65 percentile points since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 36%25.2Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 36% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
El Salvador 25.2 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scorebottom 42%38.27Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 42% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
El Salvador 38.27 · world median 48.23 (worse)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 39%27.39Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 39% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
El Salvador 27.39 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -33 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership90th of 140position · derived87.42Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 36% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
El Salvador 87.42 · world median 91.68 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership80th of 140position · derived73.16Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 43% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
El Salvador 73.16 · world median 78.78 (worse)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 46%15.76Births per 1,000 population2023
top 46% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
El Salvador 15.76 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratetop 48%7.519Deaths per 1,000 population2023
top 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
El Salvador 7.519 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 37%26.96Median age (years)2023
bottom 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
El Salvador 26.96 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 48%8Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
El Salvador 8 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitytop 18%304.52People per square kilometre of land2023
top 18% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
El Salvador 304.52 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 35%0.455Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
El Salvador 0.455 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 44%25.21Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 44% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
El Salvador 25.21 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 8%90.48Males per 100 females2023
bottom 8% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
El Salvador 90.48 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 29%49.73People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 29% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
El Salvador 49.73 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -33 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 44%1.775Live births per woman2023
bottom 44% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
El Salvador 1.775 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include El Salvador. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2010
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
- Political Violence by Non-State Actors · last seen 2024
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why El Salvador can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 39 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of El Salvador on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). El Salvador: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/el-salvador