El Salvador
The Land of Volcanoes
The Basics
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America but it is a country with a beautiful landscape, volcanoes, black sand beaches, cloud forests, mountains you can hike, warm-hearted people, a tropical climate and hot, rainy weather. El Salvador's beaches are considered surfing heaven with uncrowded waters and world class breaks.
Language
Spanish is the main and official language of El Salvador so be sure to at least know a little bit of Spanish.
Folkways
About 90 percent of Salvadorans are mestizo, descendants of Spanish and Indian ancestors.
Taboos
Shake hands and say mucho gusto which means nice to meet you in Spanish the first time you meet someone. Don't take pictures of El Salvadorans without permission, especially children and religious ceremonies.
Sub cultures and culture change
Sub cultures
Half of the people live in the countryside. They are poor and don't have electricity or running water. The government offers free education up to the ninth grade.
Culture change
Men and women had the traditional gender roles where the man went to work and the woman stayed home and did all the cleaning and took care of the kids. Today more middle-class and upper-class women now go to work and are increasingly becoming doctors, dentists, or teachers.