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Topic 02 of 18 · Country Index 2026
El Salvador: Economy & Innovation
What does an economy do for the people inside it?
El Salvador is placed joint 88th of 176 countries on economy & innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: GDP per Capita (PPP) 12,050 (2025); Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit 55.25 (2025).
Share
Economy & Innovation
joint88th
of 176 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 12,050GDP per Capita (PPP), 2025GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
- 55.25Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, 2025Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
- 0.346Economic Complexity Index, 2024ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
- 43.4Account Ownership at a Financial Institution, 2024Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place El Salvador on economy & innovation — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
12,050
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Higher is better
El Salvador: 12,050. Across the 185 countries in this edition, values run from 1,067 (Burundi) to 139,593 (Singapore); the world median is 17,265.
- World median
- 17,265
- Best in Central America
- 37,516 Panama
- Land neighbours
- Guatemala 12,987 · Honduras 6,726
Key 2 of 4
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group
Latest reading per country, 2016–2025 · El Salvador’s is from 2023 · CC BY 4.0
55.25
Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Higher is better
El Salvador: 55.25. Across the 179 countries at their latest reading, values run from 2.113 (Pakistan) to 88.52 (Israel); the world median is 35.95.
- World median
- 35.95
- Best in Central America
- 68.26 Guatemala
- Land neighbours
- Guatemala 68.26 · Honduras 44.61
Key 3 of 4
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC0 1.0
0.346
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Higher is better
Ranked 60th of 145 by Growth Lab at Harvard University
El Salvador: 0.346. Across the 145 countries in this edition, values run from -3.53 (Chad) to 1.729 (Japan); the world median is 0.131.
- World median
- 0.131
- Best in Central America
- 0.942 Mexico
- Land neighbours
- Guatemala 0.055 · Honduras -0.291
Key 4 of 4
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
43.4
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Higher is better
El Salvador: 43.4. Across the 139 countries in this edition, values run from 14.83 (Niger) to 99.85 (Iceland); the world median is 72.83.
- World median
- 72.83
- Best in Central America
- 71.35 Costa Rica
- Land neighbours
- Guatemala 38.28 · Honduras 42.44
02Over time
Which way El Salvador is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
GDP per Capita (PPP)
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) · higher is better
El SalvadorWorld median
El Salvador rose from 7,545 in 2000 to 12,050 in 2025; the world median went from 10,589 to 17,265.
Every year’s figures
Year El Salvador World median 2025 12,050 17,265 2024 11,647 18,108 2023 11,404 17,686 2022 11,086 16,933 2021 10,810 16,260 2020 9,692 15,631 2019 10,544 16,761 2018 10,297 16,349 2017 10,065 16,129 2016 9,864 15,512 2015 9,646 14,857 2014 9,452 14,475 2013 9,329 14,681 2012 9,163 14,631 2011 8,946 13,916 2010 8,649 14,101 2009 8,494 13,655 2008 8,705 14,030 2007 8,549 13,755 2006 8,404 12,983 2005 8,051 12,023 2004 7,842 11,608 2003 7,780 11,183 2002 7,676 11,144 2001 7,580 10,907 2000 7,545 10,589 Economic Complexity Index
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) · higher is better
El SalvadorWorld median
El Salvador rose from -0.171 in 2000 to 0.346 in 2024; the world median went from 0.016 to 0.131.
Every year’s figures
Year El Salvador World median 2024 0.346 0.1310 2023 0.087 0.0710 2022 0.058 0.0580 2021 0.080 0.0010 2020 0.033 0.0470 2019 0.030 0.0300 2018 0.156 -0.0150 2017 0.164 0.0080 2016 0.097 -0.0660 2015 0.016 -0.0600 2014 0.045 -0.0190 2013 0.017 0.0140 2012 0.030 0.0060 2011 -0.203 -0.0140 2010 -0.045 -0.0020 2009 -0.128 0.0990 2008 -0.036 0.0700 2007 -0.099 -0.0080 2006 -0.014 0.0740 2005 -0.133 0.0510 2004 -0.107 0.0505 2003 -0.222 0.0450 2002 -0.198 0.0100 2001 -0.087 0.0470 2000 -0.171 0.0160 Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+) · higher is better
El SalvadorWorld median
El Salvador rose from 13.76 in 2011 to 43.4 in 2024; the world median went from 37.03 to 72.83.
Every year’s figures
Year El Salvador World median 2024 43 73 2021 36 74 2017 30 59 2014 37 52 2011 14 37
03In context
El Salvador beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 176 countries on economy & innovation, never a place within the region.
El Salvador and the countries it borders
Standing among all 176; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | GDP per Capita (PPP)GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) | Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of CreditFirms with a bank loan or line of credit (%) | Economic Complexity IndexECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) | Account Ownership at a Financial InstitutionAdults with an account (% of population aged 15+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | =88th | 12,050 | 55.25 | 0.346 | 43.4 |
 Guatemala | 95th | 12,987 | 68.26 | 0.055 | 38.28 |
 Honduras | 115th | 6,726 | 44.61 | -0.291 | 42.44 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 176.
Placed either side on economy & innovation
The countries immediately above and below El Salvador in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where El Salvador is ahead of the world, and behind
67 more statistics filed under economy & innovation, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median1
Statistics on which El Salvador does better than the middle country measured.
GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.3963.9063.396▲ Improved since 2015
El Salvador: 3.906 · world median 3.396 · GDP growth (annual %). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -5.847 to 19.34; higher is better.
Position 73rd of 186 · derived.
Behind the world median40
Statistics on which El Salvador does worse than the middle country measured.
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.23105.36106.23▼ Worsened since 2012
El Salvador: 105.36 · world median 106.23 · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 53.79 to 189.93; higher is better.
Position 102nd of 195 · derived.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.093-0.142-0.093▼ Worsened since 2015
El Salvador: -0.142 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.
Position 110th of 209 · derived.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1938.8840.19▲ Improved since 2020
El Salvador: 38.88 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.
Ranked 104th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · world median 46.6746.0746.67▼ Worsened since 2012
El Salvador: 46.07 · world median 46.67 · Productive Capacities Index (1–100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 17.8 to 71.02; higher is better.
Position 106th of 195 · derived.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.862.563.8No earlier reading
El Salvador: 62.5 · world median 63.8 · Trilemma score (0–100). World Energy Council, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 27.7 to 83.2; higher is better.
Ranked 53rd of 99 by World Energy Council.
ICT Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 7.4746.9097.474▼ Worsened since 2014
El Salvador: 6.909 · world median 7.474 · ICT services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 56.25; higher is better.
Position 67th of 118 · derived.
GNI per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 14,27311,25914,273▲ Improved since 2015
El Salvador: 11,259 · world median 14,273 · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1,181 to 116,633; higher is better.
Position 58th of 102 · derived.
Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 12,8009,60312,800▲ Improved since 2017
El Salvador: 9,603 · world median 12,800 · Actual individual consumption per capita (PPP, current international $). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 688.7 to 52,654; higher is better.
Position 100th of 173 · derived.
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · world median 12,8909,21912,890▲ Improved since 2012
El Salvador: 9,219 · world median 12,890 · GDP per capita (2011 international $). Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 596.39 to 149,171; higher is better.
Position 96th of 166 · derived.
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · world median 0.4850.4080.485No real change since 2013
El Salvador: 0.408 · world median 0.485 · Frontier Technology Readiness Index (0–1). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1; higher is better.
Position 101st of 170 · derived.
Logistics Performance IndexWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 2.92.72.9▼ Worsened since 2014
El Salvador: 2.7 · world median 2.9 · LPI score (1–5). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.9 to 4.3; higher is better.
Ranked 79th of 139 by World Bank Group.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.111.7816.1▼ Worsened since 2013
El Salvador: 11.78 · world median 16.1 · Value added per cubic metre of freshwater withdrawn (constant US$ per m³). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.38 to 1,378; higher is better.
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.08102.68106.08▼ Worsened since 2012
El Salvador: 102.68 · world median 106.08 · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 71.08 to 177.49; higher is better.
Position 119th of 195 · derived.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8149.4341.81No earlier reading
El Salvador: 49.43 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 70th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · world median 8.3895.5958.389▼ Worsened since 2011
El Salvador: 5.595 · world median 8.389 · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from -81.62 to 32.18; higher is better.
Position 74th of 118 · derived.
Business Ready: Public ServicesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 50.1345.3650.13No earlier reading
El Salvador: 45.36 · world median 50.13 · Public services score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 18.35 to 73.31; higher is better.
Position 32nd of 50 · derived.
ICT Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 0.9750.440.975▼ Worsened since 2014
El Salvador: 0.44 · world median 0.975 · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.45; higher is better.
Position 77th of 119 · derived.
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 46,48626,10146,486No real change since 2010
El Salvador: 26,101 · world median 46,486 · National comprehensive wealth per person (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 4,276 to 1,246,092; higher is better.
Position 100th of 150 · derived.
Income Share Held by Richest 10%World Bank Group · 2023 · world median 26.1829.6626.18▲ Improved since 2013
El Salvador: 29.66 · world median 26.18 · Share of national income or consumption held by the richest tenth (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 18.79 to 43.08; lower is better.
Position 20th of 60 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID)Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · 2023 · world median 3337.233▼ Worsened since 2013
El Salvador: 37.2 · world median 33 · Gini index of disposable household income (0–100), SWIID estimate. Frederick Solt, University of Iowa, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 22.3 to 51.2; lower is better.
Position 26th of 79 · derived, 1st = worst.
Digitally-Deliverable Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 25.4213.7925.42▼ Worsened since 2014
El Salvador: 13.79 · world median 25.42 · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.377 to 87.15; higher is better.
Position 117th of 170 · derived.
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 10.46.77710.4No earlier reading
El Salvador: 6.777 · world median 10.4 · Firms with an internationally recognised quality certification (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 45.77; higher is better.
Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · world median 28.5222.2428.52▲ Improved since 2022
El Salvador: 22.24 · world median 28.52 · GII score (0–100). World Intellectual Property Organization, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.94 to 65.96; higher is better.
Ranked 98th of 139 by World Intellectual Property Organization.
New Business DensityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 2.1871.1442.187No real change since 2014
El Salvador: 1.144 · world median 2.187 · New limited liability companies registered per 1,000 people aged 15–64. World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 26.76; higher is better.
Business Ready: Regulatory FrameworkWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 66.860.4166.8No earlier reading
El Salvador: 60.41 · world median 66.8 · Regulatory framework score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 46.21 to 78.34; higher is better.
Position 36th of 50 · derived.
Palma RatioWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 1.3321.8171.332▲ Improved since 2013
El Salvador: 1.817 · world median 1.332 · Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.771 to 4.193; lower is better.
Position 16th of 60 · derived, 1st = worst.
Liner Shipping Connectivity IndexUNCTAD · 2026 · world median 56.2125.4356.21▼ Worsened since 2016
El Salvador: 25.43 · world median 56.21 · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 4.13 to 1,319; higher is better.
Ranked 128th of 175 by UNCTAD.
Business Ready: Operational EfficiencyWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 65.8254.5365.82No earlier reading
El Salvador: 54.53 · world median 65.82 · Operational efficiency score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 40.36 to 87.33; higher is better.
Position 38th of 50 · derived.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6361,0091,636▲ Improved since 2014
El Salvador: 1,009 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 57th of 75 · derived.
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 107.0698.89107.06▼ Worsened since 2012
El Salvador: 98.89 · world median 107.06 · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 35.52 to 190.08; higher is better.
Position 148th of 194 · derived.
Gini IndexWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 33.7239.833.72▲ Improved since 2013
El Salvador: 39.8 · world median 33.72 · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 23 to 54.58; lower is better.
Position 15th of 60 · derived, 1st = worst.
Income Share Held by Lowest 20%World Bank Group · 2023 · world median 7.125.577.12▼ Worsened since 2013
El Salvador: 5.57 · world median 7.12 · Share of national income held by the poorest fifth (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 3.24 to 11.07; higher is better.
Position 46th of 60 · derived.
Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.6270.4570.627▼ Worsened since 2013
El Salvador: 0.457 · world median 0.627 · TFP level at current PPPs (USA = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.052 to 1.192; higher is better.
Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 52.3943.8752.39No earlier reading
El Salvador: 43.87 · world median 52.39 · Management practices index, medium and large firms (0–100). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 28.07 to 69.29; higher is better.
Position 136th of 169 · derived.
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 43.9475.3943.94No real change since 2014
El Salvador: 75.39 · world median 43.94 · External debt stocks (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 2.213 to 350.57; lower is better.
Position 21st of 110 · derived, 1st = worst.
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2024 · world median 701.9555.47701.95No earlier reading
El Salvador: 55.47 · world median 701.95 · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.446 to 18,130; higher is better.
Position 125th of 145 · derived.
Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · world median 27.540.7127.5▼ Worsened since 2010
El Salvador: 40.71 · world median 27.5 · Informal output, model estimate (% of official GDP). World Bank Group (Prospects Group), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 7.91 to 60.43; lower is better.
Research and Development SpendingUIS · 2023 · world median 0.8140.1020.814▲ Improved since 2013
El Salvador: 0.102 · world median 0.814 · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 6.346; higher is better.
Position 77th of 84 · derived.
Interest Payments on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 1.4514.5571.451No real change since 2014
El Salvador: 4.557 · world median 1.451 · Interest payments on external debt (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.069 to 17.92; lower is better.
Position 9th of 112 · derived, 1st = worst.
Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 12.9396.212.93▼ Worsened since 2014
El Salvador: 96.2 · world median 12.93 · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.285 to 96.2; lower is better.
Position 1st of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.
No better end26
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Household ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 62.0481.3262.04Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 81.32 · world median 62.04 · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 25.21 to 133.34.
Position 19th of 131 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1.2352.7871.235Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 2.787 · world median 1.235 · Creative goods exports (% of merchandise exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 37.23.
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 22.9326.3322.93Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 26.33 · world median 22.93 · Gross capital formation (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.679 to 45.27.
Position 39th of 131 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 41.7256.1141.72Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 56.11 · world median 41.72 · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.279 to 196.89.
Position 42nd of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 9.60216.79.602Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 16.7 · world median 9.602 · Services exports (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.085 to 166.21.
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · world median -0.2250.254-0.225Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 0.254 · world median -0.225 · Complexity Outlook Index (standardised; roughly −2.5 to +3). Growth Lab at Harvard University, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -1.682 to 2.878.
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 11.2612.6711.26Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 12.67 · world median 11.26 · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.481 to 43.97.
Position 56th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Trade (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 79.6888.1679.68Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 88.16 · world median 79.68 · Exports plus imports (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.382 to 396.65.
Position 60th of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.95760657.95No real change since 2014
El Salvador: 760 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Tax Revenue (% of GDP)OECD · 2024 · world median 21.8523.5921.85Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 23.59 · world median 21.85 · Total tax revenue, all levels of government (% of GDP). OECD, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.11 to 45.18.
General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2116.4116.21Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 16.41 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.
Position 65th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.5230.5230.523Moved since 2013
El Salvador: 0.523 · world median 0.523 · Price level of household consumption (US output price level in 2021 = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.177 to 65.54.
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 24.6524.4824.65Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 24.48 · world median 24.65 · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.228 to 75.09.
Position 81st of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 36.3432.0536.34Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 32.05 · world median 36.34 · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.103 to 199.76.
Position 78th of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6.5724.4036.572Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 4.403 · world median 6.572 · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 47.59.
Position 94th of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 3.662.163.66Moved since 2012
El Salvador: 2.16 · world median 3.66 · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 29.52.
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · world median 2,2407692,240Moved since 2022
El Salvador: 769 · world median 2,240 · Articles with at least one author at an institution in the country (full counting). OpenAlex (OurResearch), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 1,094,890.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7080.5351.708Moved since 2011
El Salvador: 0.535 · world median 1.708 · Natural resources rents (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.03.
Position 125th of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 1.9681.2771.968No real change since 2015
El Salvador: 1.277 · world median 1.968 · FDI inflows (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -32.97 to 2,221.
Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 22.0617.3622.06Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 17.36 · world median 22.06 · Gross savings (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -21.13 to 47.82.
Position 103rd of 146 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 103.2393.78103.23Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 93.78 · world median 103.23 · Terms of trade index (2015 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 38.2 to 1,448.
Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.3061.2863.306Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 1.286 · world median 3.306 · Annual change in the GDP implicit deflator (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -7.93 to 227.09.
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 67.1727.767.17No real change since 2014
El Salvador: 27.7 · world median 67.17 · Commodity exports (% of merchandise exports, three-year average). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.605 to 99.77.
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 0.3060.150.306Moved since 2015
El Salvador: 0.15 · world median 0.306 · Export concentration index (0–1, normalised Herfindahl–Hirschman). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.059 to 0.933.
Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1,827,788255,0171,827,788Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 255,017 · world median 1,827,788 · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 17,263 to 299,703,800.
Position 90th of 103 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 6.1710.0356.171Moved since 2014
El Salvador: 0.035 · world median 6.171 · Creative services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.002 to 63.91.
No current reading for El Salvador
Foreign Value Added Share of Gross Exports, Merchant Fleet by Country of Ownership and Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Economy & Innovation among El Salvador’s 16 topics
Economy & Innovation is El Salvador’s 5th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Energy33rd of 1653/3 keys
- Work & Labour50th of 1824/4 keys
- Gender & Equality74th of 1834/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture90th of 1844/4 keys
- Economy & Innovationjoint 88th of 1764/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing107th of 2004/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability106th of 1864/4 keys
- Peace & Security107th of 1773/4 keys
- Digital & Technology120th of 1984/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital128th of 1963/3 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 136th of 1934/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties141st of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions139th of 1944/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality115th of 1592/3 keys
- Mobility & Trade130th of 1774/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge156th of 1984/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on economy & innovation
The three countries placed highest of 176, and the leaders El Salvador can most readily be measured against.
1
AustriaWestern Europe
1st of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
GermanyWestern Europe
3rd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Americas
Canada18th4/4 keysHighest in Central America
Costa Rica=57th4/4 keysThis page
El Salvador=88th4/4 keys
Positions out of 176 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about El Salvador and economy & innovation
On economy & innovation
China Leads Global High-Technology Exports
The world’s ten largest high-technology exporters as a treemap, with the rest of the world beside them. Each country’s figure is its own most recent year, between 2022 and 2024.
On economy & innovation
India vs Pakistan 2025: Comparison of Hunger Index, Happiness, HDI, Rule of Law, Literacy & GDP
India and Pakistan on six published measures: hunger, happiness, human development, rule of law, literacy and GDP per capita, each from its own publisher and year.
On economy & innovation
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
08Questions
El Salvador on economy & innovation: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does El Salvador rank on economy & innovation?
El Salvador is placed joint 88th of 176 countries on Economy & Innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (GDP per Capita (PPP), Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, Economic Complexity Index and Account Ownership at a Financial Institution). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest GDP per Capita (PPP) figure for El Salvador?
12,050 in 2025 (gDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 17,265.
What is the latest Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit figure for El Salvador?
55.25 in 2025 (firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 35.95.
How does El Salvador compare with Guatemala on economy & innovation?
Guatemala is placed 95th of 176, and El Salvador joint 88th. GDP per Capita (PPP): Guatemala 12,987, El Salvador 12,050; Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit: Guatemala 68.26, El Salvador 55.25; Economic Complexity Index: Guatemala 0.055, El Salvador 0.346; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution: Guatemala 38.28, El Salvador 43.4.
How have El Salvador’s economy & innovation figures changed?
GDP per Capita (PPP) rose from 7,545 in 2000 to 12,050 in 2025; Economic Complexity Index rose from -0.171 in 2000 to 0.346 in 2024; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution rose from 13.76 in 2011 to 43.4 in 2024.
Which economy & innovation statistics are missing for El Salvador?
No current reading is published for El Salvador on Foreign Value Added Share of Gross Exports, Merchant Fleet by Country of Ownership and Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
The total size of an economy is deliberately left out: a very large economy spread over a very large population is not doing more for each person. Growth rates, trade shares and the structure of output (how much is farming, industry or services) are published here as context, because they describe an economy's shape rather than how well it serves people. Jobs and wages have their own topic, Work & Labour.
How the Economy & Innovation standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The economy & innovation method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- GDP per Capita (PPP) — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Economic Complexity Index — Growth Lab at Harvard University, CC0 1.0
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
The other 67 statistics on this page come from 15 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
El Salvador’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- El Salvador (banner) — Renemgb, CC0
- Austria — chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Germany — dronepicr, CC BY 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). El Salvador: Economy & Innovation — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/el-salvador/economy