El Salvador, located in Central America, has a rich history dating back to ancient times with the Mayan civilization. The country was later colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century and gained independence in 1821. El Salvador has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including social inequality, political unrest, and a civil war that lasted from 1980 to 1992, leaving deep scars on the country. In recent years, El Salvador has seen advancements in areas such as education and healthcare, but also continues to grapple with issues like gang violence and corruption. The country's economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly coffee and sugar exports, as well as remittances from Salvadorans living abroad.