1. BY PARKER MCLAUGHLIN 1 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

2. Cities and Languages The smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. Capital: San Salvador is the largest city followed by Soyapango, and Santa Ana. Official Language: Spanish. 2 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

3. Economy and Currency GDP: $21.1 billion. Primary currency used: U.S Dollar.  Secondary: Salvadorian Colon (SVC). (very little in circulation) El Salvador switched to the U.S Dollar to increase the ease of world trade. 3 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

4. Exports Main Exports include:  Offshore assembly parts  Coffee  Sugar  Textiles/Apparel  Gold  Ethanol  Iron and Steel 4 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

5. Imports 29% of all Imports come from the United States. Main Imports include:  Raw materials  Fuel  Foodstuffs  Electricity A trade (surplus/deficit) is present. Due to the use of the U.S Dollar, few trade barriers exist. 5 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

6. Population and Employment Population: 6,052,064 (July 2010 Estimate). Major Occupations of Salvadorians:  Manufacturing  Farming The major source of income is from exports. El Salvador is an agricultural and industrial. 6 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

7. Corporations The 3 largest companies based in El Salvador include:  TACA Airlines  CTE (Telecommunications)  Siman Department Stores 7 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

8. Political Conditions Type of government:  Republic. The political system is stable. Current Chief of State (serves as president as well):  Mauricio Funes Cartagena 8 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/es.html

9. Culture and Business Today Salvadorian business etiquette:  Men and women dress conservatively.  Do not point at others.  Eye contact shows that one has confidence.  Yawning in public is considered rude.  Make appointments at least one month in advance. Women are not often seen in higher level of business such as manager or supervisor. 9 http://news.yahoo.com/topics/el-salvador

10. Current Events Current headlines include:  WikiLeaks: El Salvadorian President Threatened by His own Party.  El Salvadorian Artist begins worldwide exhibition tour.  El Salvador and Cuba? An Alliance Still in the Air This country is important because it contributes to the United States economy directly, as it uses the US dollar as their currency. It also trades with the United States frequently. I chose this country because it seemed like an interesting place, that isn’t really spoken about in the news often. 10 http://news.yahoo.com/topics/el-salvador