Life in El Salvador: Every Number That Shapes It (1800–2100)

The statistical silhouette of El Salvador reveals a profound transformation in the human experience. In the 1950s, the average life expectancy at birth was 51 years, with child mortality at 180 per 1,000 births. Today, those markers have shifted to 75 years and 16 per 1,000 births. This evolution is mirrored in daily domestic life, where electricity at home moved from 40 to 97 %. As societies reorganize, the percentage of people living in cities climbed from 41 to 81 %, mapping a rapid transition from rural roots to modern urban infrastructure.

The historical trajectory shows a nation steadily expanding its human potential through education and economic output. While individuals in the 1950s averaged 3 years of schooling, that figure has risen to 9 years today. Income per person has grown from 4,000 to 14,500 intl-$, while the fertility rate dropped from 5.9 to 2 children per woman. Access to the digital world now touches 68 % of the population, a stark contrast to the 0 % recorded decades ago, signaling a new era of connectivity and global information exchange.

For a child born in El Salvador in the 2020s, the landscape is defined by these shifts. They can expect to live 75 years on an average income of 14,500 international dollars. While the homicide rate remains at 20 per 100,000, other indicators like extreme poverty, now at 4.5 %, suggest a narrowing of the most precarious gaps. With the average male height reaching 171 cm and annual working hours decreasing to 1,950 hours/year, you can see exactly where the birth lottery placed its people. Use our tools to see your parallel life in El Salvador.