|
Canada's wealth and stability enable us to offer a welcoming hand to people from other countries. Your interest in reading this booklet may arise from being involved in an organized HOST program, in which you have the opportunity to meet people arriving from El Salvador and introduce them to life in Canada. You may be an employer who is prepared to offer a much-needed job to a new arrival, or have Salvadoran students at your school. Whatever your source of interest, this profile will help you learn something about Salvadorans’ culture and country.
Many Salvadorans previously came to Canada as refugees, but today, they often arrive to join their family members or come as independent professionals. Salvadorans newcomers will likely be anxious as you would be if you moved to a new city or country. They will need basic information about what their new community is like, where to buy groceries, which schools their children will attend, where they can go to church and how to get around the city. You can help your new friends settle by answering their questions. You will also find that you have much to learn from them.
Although this cultural profile provides insights into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from El Salvador.
| Summary Fact Sheet |
|
| Official Name |
Republic of El Salvador
(Republica de El Salvador) |
| Capital City |
San Salvador |
| Type of Government |
Republic |
| Population |
6.2 million |
| Area |
20,935 sq. km |
| Major Ethnic Groups |
Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Amerindian), Amerindian, European |
| Language |
Spanish |
| Religion |
Christianity |
| Unit of Currency |
Colon, American Dollar |
| National Flag |
Tricolour consisting of a white stripe between two horizontal blue
stripes. The national motto, Dios Union Y Libertad (God, Unity and
Liberty), appears in the centre of the white stripe. |
| Date of Independence |
September 15,2021 |
|
| Did you know? |
|
The name El Salvador means "the savior."
|
|
| Did you know? |
|
El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America, with an average of over 290 persons per square kilometre; by contrast, Canada's population density is less than three persons per square kilometre.
|
|
|