El Salvador Map

El Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated country that lies in the heart of Central America. El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839.  A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives,  was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.  El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras and lies on the Gulf of Fonseca,  as do Honduras and Nicaragua further south.