The People of El SalvadorBefore the Spaniards conquered the area we now call El Salvador, the land was composed of two indigenous states. The Pepil tribe covered most of the territory before they were eventually conquered by the Spaniards. Mestizos are people mixed with both Spanish and Indigenous backgrounds. In 1883 after El Salvador became an independent republic, the Mestizos were treated unfairly. They were banished to work in rural areas and had little to no rights. Today 97% of the current population in El Salvador are known as mestizos. Over half of the Mestizos that live in El Salvador are below the national poverty line. These Mestizos that live below the national poverty line typically work in agriculture where they harvest fruits and vegetables or work in an industrial field assisting in shoe and textile production. Many Salvadoran's enjoy eating tradition meals like tamales alongside red beans. Salvadoran hobbies include dancing, listening to traditional Salvadoran music, or going for swim/hike in the oceans and forests of El Salvador. |
The Beauty in El SalvadorEl Salvador is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, lakes, mountains, and historic architecture. Playa El Tunco is a very popular beach for Salvadoran's and travelers. The pebbly black beaches are great for surfing and star gazing at night. they're also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets. Lake Coatepeque is one of the largest lakes in the country. Not only does the lake feature a breathtaking view of the mountains but it's a resultant crater lake that formed thousands of years ago. Suchitoto is a former colonial city that features well preserved Spanish colonial buildings. The city is also home to numerous festivals and is located in a bird migration zone. |
Current Problems that Continue to Plague El Salvador
Throughout El Salvador adequate human rights are still tainted. From 1980-1991 El Salvador was engaged in a civil war conflict. Throughout their war period numerous violations against human rights occurred. In 2017, The UN Committee On the Rights of the Child has called upon the Salvadoran government to locate the hundreds of children that "disappeared" during the civil war. Misplacement of children is just one example of El Salvador violating human rights. However, in the past few months women's rights have become an overwhelming concern. Physical abuse toward Salvadoran women has rose tremendously in the last few years. Few efforts to maintain the protection of woman's rights are being made by the Salvadoran government and only about two dozen cases of involving decapitation, mutilation, and murder were prosecuted this year. The injustice for women and children in El Salvador has resulted in numerous protests against the government.