What are the comparisons between Mexico and El Salvador?

Answer 1

First, the common traits. Mexico and El Salvador are both Latin American nations, with common history including being home to the ancient Mayan civilization, being conquered by Spanish conquistadors during the 16th to 18th centuries, and being grouped together on the same territory - Viceroyalty of the New Spain - until their independence from Spain on September of 1821. Right after the for independence, most of Central America, including El Salvador, split off from Mexico in 1821. Both countries are dominated by a Spanish-speaking, Roman Catholic population. Their ethnic make up is also very alike, with a majority of mestizos (Mexico: 80% El Salvador: 86%).

Now, on the differences. Both countries are presidential representative republics, but Mexico is a federal republic with 31 independent states and one federal district while El Salvador is conformed by 14 departments (or provinces). Finally, Mexico is more developed than El Salvador, being ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world, while El Salvador lies on the 98th position.

Finally, some statistics:

• Population (2013)
  • Mexico - 116,220,947
  • El Salvador - 6,108,590
• Land area:
  • Mexico - 1,964,375 sq km (758,449 sq mi)
  • El Salvador - 21,041 sq km (8,124 sq mi)
• Gross Domestic Product (2012):
  • Mexico - US$1,788 billion
  • El Salvador - US$47 billion
• GDP Per Capita (2012):
  • Mexico - US$15,600
  • El Salvador - US$7,600
• Median Age (2012):
  • Mexico - 27.7 years
  • El Salvador - 25.1 years