El Salvador: economy

What is El Salvador's GDP growth rate?

El Salvador's economy grew 5.1% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR). GDP reached US$10,060.6 million in the quarter, US$926.5 million more than a year earlier. Construction grew 11.2%, health 8.7% and electricity 8.1%; farming fell 0.9% and personal services 0.5%.

Year-on-year growth compares a quarter with the same quarter a year before. The BCR publishes quarterly GDP about three months after the quarter ends, and a monthly economic activity index in between. El Salvador uses the US dollar, so GDP is reported in dollars.

Official sources: BCR: GDP, second quarter of 2026

How fast is El Salvador's economy expected to grow?

The IMF World Economic Outlook projects real GDP growth of 4.5% for El Salvador in 2026 and 4.0% in 2027, after estimated growth of 3.9% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2024.

These are IMF projections and estimates, not official national results. The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador publishes the actual figures; it reported growth of 5.1% for the second quarter of 2026. Projections are updated twice a year and can change with new data.

Official sources: IMF World Economic Outlook: real GDP growth, El Salvador · BCR: GDP, second quarter of 2026

What is the inflation rate in El Salvador?

Consumer prices in El Salvador were 3.19% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) consumer price bulletin. Prices rose 0.32% during the month and 3.13% since December 2025. The index stood at 134.99 (December 2009 = 100).

The index is compiled by the National Office of Statistics and Censuses, part of the BCR. Transport prices were 8.23% higher than a year earlier and food and non-alcoholic drinks 3.65%. The bulletin is published about two weeks after the month ends, on the ONEC website.

Official sources: BCR: consumer price bulletin, August 2026 (PDF) · ONEC: CPI bulletin page, August 2026

How much money do Salvadorans abroad send home?

Family remittances to El Salvador totalled US$2,625 million between April and June 2026, according to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR). That compares with GDP of US$10,060.6 million in the same quarter.

Remittances are money sent by people living abroad to their families at home. The BCR records them in the balance of payments. They are a source of household income that supports spending at home, which is why the BCR mentions them when explaining GDP growth.

Official sources: BCR: GDP, second quarter of 2026

How fast is El Salvador's economy growing?

In 2025, real GDP growth in El Salvador was 3.9%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from -7.9% (2020) to 11.9% (2021). Latin America & Caribbean median: 2.7%; El Salvador is 10th highest of 31. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 71st highest.

How rich is El Salvador per person?

$5,767: that is GDP per person in El Salvador for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 26th highest of 31 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $10,989. World rank, highest first: 108th of 180.

What is El Salvador's GDP per capita at PPP?

The World Bank puts GDP per person at purchasing power parity in El Salvador at $14,101 in international dollars in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 25th highest of 30 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $22,756 in international dollars. Worldwide: 110th of 179.

How much does El Salvador export?

In 2025, exports of goods and services in El Salvador was 32.0% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 32.7% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 24.0% of GDP. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 30.0% of GDP, and El Salvador placed 7th highest of 17. World rank, highest first: 74th of 133.

Does El Salvador have a current account surplus or deficit?

In 2025, the current account balance in El Salvador was -3.5% of GDP, according to the IMF, a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -8.5% of GDP (2008) to 1.1% of GDP (2020). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -1.2% of GDP, and El Salvador placed 20th highest of 27. Worldwide: 89th of 132.

How much foreign investment does El Salvador receive?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 2.1% of GDP. The peak was 9.1% of GDP in 2007 and the low -0.6% of GDP in 2010. Latin America & Caribbean median: 2.5% of GDP; El Salvador is 21st highest of 31. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 88th highest.