El Salvador is divided into 14 departments and 44 municipalities, each offering a distinctive blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
San Salvador stands as the most populous department, with an estimated population of 1,730,449, and Cabañas, with 153,571 inhabitants, is the least populated.
San Salvador East ranks as the most densely populated municipality, with 773,058 inhabitants, while Chalatenango North holds the title of the least populous, with just 27,731 residents.
Government
The majority of governing in each department is done at the municipality level. The 14 departments have a governor; however, the governor has no say on how each municipality is governed.
The 14 departments have a governor, who is appointed by the president of the country and not elected by popular vote. The governor is the representative of the president of the Republic in the assigned Territory.
The municipalities are administrated by a mayor and its general council, who are elected by popular vote every three years; they create local ordinances and tariffs to pay for festivities or special projects.
Ahuachapan
Located in the western region of El Salvador, the Ahuachapan department boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant small towns.
The department of Ahuachapan is also known for its coffee production, astounding climate, and colorful communities. The towns of Ahuachapan, Apaneca, and Tacuba are some of the most visited by local and foreign tourists.
From its lush coffee plantations to its historic towns, Ahuachapan offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Salvadoran history and tradition.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahuachapan Center | Luis Carlos Milla Garcia | PCN | 180,790 |
| Ahuachapan South | Hugo Torrento | New Ideas | 114,603 |
| Ahuachapan North | Darwin Regalado | New Ideas | 72,418 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Herberth Sierra | New Ideas | 49,955 |
| Estuardo Rodriguez | New Ideas | 38,199 |
| Serafin Orantes | PCN | 32,923 |
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Tourism: A Journey Through Pristine Beaches, Colorful Towns, and Enchanting Parks
Cabañas
The department of Cabañas has two municipalities and is located in the north-central part of the country. The city of Sensuntepeque is the department’s capital city, with Ilobasco being the most populated and the most visited by tourists.
Cabañas is the least populated department and is classified as one of the poorest in the country. The department is mainly involved in agricultural production and the livestock industry; however, Ilobasco is known for its pottery industry.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabañas West | Lorenzo Rivas | GANA | 84,663 |
| Cabañas East | Edgardo Portillo | New Ideas | 68,908 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Menjivar | New Ideas | 19,838 |
| Nancy Alfaro | New Ideas | 19,310 |
SEE ALSO: Exploring El Salvador Culture: Embracing Vibrant Customs and Traditions with Warm-hearted People
Chalatenango
The department of Chalatenango is located in the northwest part of El Salvador, near Honduras. Chalatenango is well-known for its mountain terrain and colder climate.
Here, you will find popular destinations such as El Pital, La Palma, and San Ignacio. Chalatenango offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage to explore.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chalatenango Center | Martin Leiva | New Ideas | 83,077 |
| Chalatenango South | Milton Serrano | PCN | 67,358 |
| Chalatenango North | Mario Adelmo Urbina | PCN | 27,731 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reynaldo cardoza | PCN | 28,062 |
| Saul Mancia | New Ideas | 22,178 |
SEE ALSO: Small Towns in El Salvador: Experiencing Their Culture, History, Local Flavors, and Hospitality
Cuscatlan
The department of Cuscatlan is the smallest in the country. According to historians, Cuscatlan began in 1835, and its first capital city was the colorful town of Suchitoto. However, in 1861, the capital of the department changed to Cojutepeque.
The municipalities in the department are known for producing fruits, tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee, among other items. Also, Cojutepeque, which is the department’s capital, is famous for its chorizos or sausages
Now, on the touristic side of this department and its municipalities, you will find popular attractions such as the colorful town of Suchitoto, the man-made Lake Suchitlan, and the Guazapa volcano with its links to the civil war.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuscatlan South | Guadalupe Campos | New Ideas | 161,972 |
| Cuscatlan North | Carlos Sanchez | New Ideas | 105,825 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Janneth Molina | New Ideas | 40,883 |
| Jonathan Hernandez | New Ideas | 36,031 |
La Libertad
La Libertad is one of the most popular and densely populated departments in El Salvador. The department’s coastal area is home to some of the best beaches in El Salvador.
La Libertad is famous for many reasons, including the proximity to the nation’s capital, the upscale neighborhoods, the shopping malls, and the beaches.
The city of Santa Tecla, which happens to be one of the most developed in the country, is home to upscale neighborhoods, restaurants, hotels, universities, and much more; therefore, this is an area that most people want to live in.
La Libertad has some of the best places to live in El Salvador and also has fantastic places to visit as a tourist.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Libertad West | Janet Gonzalez | GANA | 180,850 |
| La Libertad Center | Noe Rivera | New Ideas | 162,371 |
| La Libertad South | Henry Flores | New Ideas | 142,268 |
| La Libertad East | Milagro Navas | ARENA | 115,828 |
| La Libertad Coast | Rafael Avalos Diaz | GANA | 103,551 |
| La Libertad North | Jorge Escamilla | New Ideas | 99,065 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Walter Aleman | New Ideas | 92,632 |
| Sharon Salazar | New Ideas | 89,120 |
| Ricardo Rivas | New Ideas | 85,620 |
| Salvador Chacon | New Ideas | 83,723 |
| Sandra Interiano | New Ideas | 74,551 |
| Norma Lobo | New Ideas | 73,794 |
| Francisco Lira | ARENA | 19,737 |
La Paz
Located in the central region of El Salvador, the La Paz department is known for its landscapes, historic towns, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
The municipalities’ economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of coffee, cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, and other crops. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role in driving the department’s economic growth.
In this department, you will find touristic spots such as La Costa del Sol, Los Blancos beach, Zunganera beach, among others. Additionally, the department shares part of Ilopango Lake and Chinchontepec volcano.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Paz Center | Armando Jiron | GANA | 129,767 |
| La Paz West | Salvador Menendez | GANA | 117,679 |
| La Paz East | Marcela Pineda | New Ideas | 112,099 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Walter Coto | New Ideas | 52,314 |
| Adolfo Rivas | New Ideas | 37,091 |
| Herbert Rodas | New Ideas | 33,176 |
La Union
The department of La Union is in the eastern part of the country; it is the easternmost of the Salvadoran departments, which ends at the Gulf of Fonseca.
The economy of La Union is mostly agricultural; nevertheless, it has the modern Port of La Union, that according to President Nayib Bukele, will serve as a point of economic and tourist development for the region.
Among the principal points for tourists are the beaches of El Tamarindo, Playas Negras, and Playitas. Furthermore, there is the Conchagua volcano, with its fantastic natural beauty and amazing views of the Gulf of Fonseca. Lastly, La Union is home to the Gulf of Fonseca, a fantastic bay shared with Honduras and Nicaragua.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Union South | Victoria Gutierrez | New Ideas | 120,969 |
| La Union North | Edwin Serpas | New Ideas | 107,690 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| William Soriano | New Ideas | 47,664 |
| Oscar Robles | New Ideas | 29,395 |
Morazan
The department of Morazan is located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Honduras. Morazan is well-known for its mountainous terrain, pleasant weather, and eco-touristic activities. This department and its municipalities offer plenty of activities for those looking to get away from larger cities.
Another reason this department and its municipalities are well-known is because of the civil war of the 1980s. Morazan was one of the main guerilla strongholds in the country; this department was where many of the most bloody firefights happened.
Also, this department is home to El Mozote, where one of the cruelest atrocities happened. According to historians, at El Mozote, the Salvadoran army massacred about 1000 locals, that included women, men, and even infant children.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morazan South | Cedrick Alexander Vasquez | PCN-PDC | 130,876 |
| Morazan North | Justino Vigil | New Ideas | 63,411 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Bladimir Barahona | New Ideas | 25,508 |
| Juan Rodriguez | New Ideas | 22,989 |
San Miguel
The department of San Miguel is home to the city of San Miguel, one of the largest in the country. The city of Ciudad Barrios, which is the birthplace of Saint Oscar Romero, is part of this department.
The principal attractions in the department and its municipalities are the El Cuco beach, the city of San Miguel, and the Chaparrastique volcano.
In addition to the principal attractions, the department is known for the San Miguel Carnival, which takes place in November in the city of San Miguel.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Miguel Center | Jose Alexander Torres | PDC | 280,635 |
| San Miguel West | Elias Villatoro | New Ideas | 102,016 |
| San Miguel North | Carlos Ernesto Mendez | PDC | 81,520 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Amaya | New Ideas | 59,566 |
| Caleb Navarro | New Ideas | 50,166 |
| Erick Romero | New Ideas | 49,594 |
| Reynaldo Carballo | PDC | 46,510 |
| Andres Miranda | New Ideas | 46,274 |
San Salvador
The department of San Salvador and its municipalities is where most Salvadorans live. In this department, you will find five of the most populated areas in the country, which are San Salvador, Soyapango, Apopa, Mejicanos, and Ciudad Delgado.
The department of San Salvador and its municipalities are home to the majority of Salvadorans. Within this area, you’ll discover five of the nation’s most populous areas: San Salvador, Soyapango, Apopa, Mejicanos, and Ciudad Delgado.
Furthermore, in this department, you will find most of the principal government buildings in the country, in addition to the top universities, hospitals, and office buildings.
The municipality of San Salvador Center is the central hub for everything related to medicine, health, government, and business.
The municipalities in this department are home to popular attractions such as Ilopango lake, the San Salvador Historic district, El Boqueron National Park, Los Planes de Renderos, museums, and much more.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Salvador East | Jose Chicas | New Ideas | 773,058 |
| San Salvador Center | Mario Duran | New Ideas | 560,294 |
| San Salvador West | Jose Urbina | New Ideas | 191,719 |
| San Salvador South | Mario Vasquez | New Ideas | 130,093 |
| San Salvador North | Jose Armando Barrera | GANA | 75,285 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Ernesto Castro | New Ideas | 385,813 |
| Alexia Rivas | New Ideas | 360,934 |
| Suecy Callejas | New Ideas | 349,911 |
| Rodrigo Ayala | New Ideas | 328,830 |
| Christian Guevara | New Ideas | 322,771 |
| Dania Gonzalez | New Ideas | 308,047 |
| Elisa Rosales | New Ideas | 306,202 |
| Ana Figueroa | New Ideas | 304,041 |
| Edgardo Mulato | New Ideas | 298,700 |
| Ruben Flores | New Ideas | 296,081 |
| Dennis Salinas | New Ideas | 295,135 |
| Francisco Villatoro | New Ideas | 291,076 |
| Diana Fuentes | New Ideas | 289,682 |
| Benjamin Zavaleta | New Ideas | 289,586 |
| Claudia Ortiz | VAMOS | 69,079 |
| Marcela Villatoro | ARENA | 38,502 |
San Vicente
Located in the central region of El Salvador, the San Vicente department is characterized by the cultural richness of its arts and crafts made in San Sebastian and stunning landscapes such as the San Vicente Volcano.
The San Vicente volcano, also known as Chinchontepec, is one of the most majestic volcanoes in the country, and the cities of San Vicente and San Sebastian are small towns with plenty of character and tourist appeal.
Historically, San Vicente and its municipalities played a significant role during the 1980s armed conflict; there was a military base with a helicopter landing area at the summit of the San Vicente volcano.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Vicente South | Josue Palacios | New Ideas | 106,480 |
| San Vicente North | Samuel Carrillo | New Ideas | 68,213 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Edgar Fuentes | New Ideas | 23,909 |
| Helen Jovel | New Ideas | 21,615 |
Santa Ana
The department of Santa Ana is located in the northwest part of the country; the capital city is Santa Ana, the third largest in El Salvador.
The department of Santa Ana is well-known for being one of the most important to the country’s economy. It is a top producer of high-end coffee beans and is home to many industrial factories.
Also, this department is renowned for its abundant tourist attractions, including some of the best Maya ruins in El Salvador, the stunning Coatepeque Lake, the majestic Santa Ana volcano, and numerous other captivating places.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana Center | Gustavo Acevedo | New Ideas | 250,318 |
| Santa Ana West | Jorge Castro | New Ideas | 141,030 |
| Santa Ana North | Carlos Landaverde | New Ideas-CD | 101,775 |
| Santa Ana East | Carolina Escobar | New Ideas | 67,385 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Felipe Interiano | New Ideas | 86,312 |
| Lorena Fuentes | New Ideas | 81,879 |
| Giovanny Zaldaña | New Ideas | 72,880 |
| Claudia Toleda | New Ideas | 62,868 |
| Evelyn Merlos | New Ideas | 58,986 |
Sonsonate
The department of Sonsonate is located in the western part of the country. Sonsonate was and continues to be the heart of the Pipil culture in El Salvador.
This department and its municipalities are home to several ancient traditions that locals continue to appreciate and teach to the new generations.
The department is renowned for its cultivation of coffee, sugar cane, coconuts, fruits, balsam trees, palms, tulle, and orchard plants.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonsonate East | Gabriel Serrano | New Ideas | 188,848 |
| Sonsonate Center | Jose Roberto Aquino | PDC | 159,001 |
| Sonsonate North | Hugo Zavaleta | New Ideas | 100,391 |
| Sonsonate West | Chris Aleman | New Ideas-CD | 58,442 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Martinez | New Ideas | 71,012 |
| Hector Sales | New Ideas | 63,043 |
| Mauricio Ortiz | New Ideas | 52,699 |
| Raul Chamagua | New Ideas | 52,569 |
| David Cupido | New Ideas | 44,350 |
Usulutan
Usulután Department holds the distinction of being the largest in the country in terms of territorial extension. It shares its borders, to the north and east, with San Miguel Department, and to the northwest and west, with San Vicente Department.
In the south, Usulutan presents an extension and coastline that opens to the Pacific Ocean, constituting the peninsulas of San Juan del Gozo and Jiquilisco Bay.
Usulután’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with a focus on staple crops such as grains, sugar cane, and coffee. Additionally, its thriving tourist destinations contribute significantly to its economic prosperity.
Some attractions worth exploring include Jiquilisco Bay, Espino Beach, and the Alegría Lagoon.
| Municipality | Mayor | Political Party | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usulutan East | Santiago Martinez | PDC | 159,251 |
| Usulutan North | Luz Maria Cruz Torres | FS | 111,878 |
| Usulutan West | Noemi Alfaro | New Ideas | 77,753 |
| Name | Political Party | 2024 Election Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Johana Hernandez | New Ideas | Usulutan |
| Angel Lobos | New Ideas | 42,158 |
| Raul Castillo | New Ideas | 38,375 |
| Maricela de Guardado | New Ideas | 32,528 |
El Salvador Departments and Municipalities.
In conclusion, the 14 diverse departments and 44 municipalities of El Salvador encapsulate the rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant communities.
Exploring these regions offers an immersive journey into the heart of Salvadoran history, tradition, and beauty.
If you need more information about each municipality, visit the Salvadoran Institute for Municipal Development or ISDEM.
