Approximately 21,041 square kilometers. Southern mountain range made up of more than twenty volcanoes. Eruptions rare, but earthquakes frequent because of location at conjunction of three geologic plates. Rio Lempa only navigable river. Numerous volcanic lakes in interior highlands.
Temperatures vary with elevation and show little seasonalchange.
Rate of annual growth estimated at 2.4 percent in 1980s. Some traces of Indian languages, but no segment of population linguistically distinct. Higher rate of literacy in urban than in rural areas. Public education system included one year of preschool, nine years of basic education, and three years secondary education. Major universities National University of El Salvador and Jesuit-run Central American University Jose Simeon Canas.