El Salvador has a population of around 6.5 million — though estimates vary significantly because a large Salvadoran diaspora lives abroad, particularly in the United States. The diaspora sends back substantial remittances that are a major part of the national economy.
The vast majority of Salvadorans are mestizo — of mixed indigenous and European descent. A small indigenous population, primarily Pipil, maintains cultural traditions in parts of the western highlands around Nahuizalco and Izalco, where some aspects of the original Nahuatl language and customs survive. The country's pre-Columbian heritage was long suppressed following the 1932 peasant uprising and massacre (known as La Matanza), which caused many indigenous Salvadorans to hide their identity. There has been a gradual revival of indigenous culture in recent decades.
Spanish is the language of everyday life. English is spoken in tourist areas, larger hotels, and among younger professionals in the cities.
The civil war of 1979–1992 left deep scars. Around 75,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands fled the country. The war's legacy — in politics, culture, and family separations — is still felt. Salvadorans are generally willing to talk about it, and the subject comes up naturally.
Salvadorans are known for warmth and directness. Sharing food — especially pupusas — is central to social life. In comedores (small local restaurants) and market stalls, you will often find yourself invited into conversations over a meal. Religion plays a significant role; the country is predominantly Roman Catholic, with a large and growing evangelical Protestant community.