POPULATION:
7,465,357
LITERACY RATE:
40%
SELF DEFENSE FORCES:
El Salvadoran Armed Forces
LANGUAGES:
 Spanish (official),  Nahua (among some Amerindians), English
ETHNIC GROUPS:
Mestizo 90%, White 9%, Amerindian 1%
BORDERING COUNTRIES:
Guatemala, Honduras
El Salvador - When The US invaded Central America, a primary reason was to free El Salvador from the Civil war it had been engaged in for ever ten years.  The right wing government had long been fighting against communist and leftist forces known as the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN).  With the US forces stretched so thin, especially with conflict spreading into South America, the US was fighting an uphill battle against the El Salvadorans. When the bottom fell out, so did democracy in El Salvador.  The FMLN overthrew the government, with the aid of Russian supplied equipment, and instituted a sweeping policy change.  Russia, through bribery and political strategy, was able to place self proclaimed General Fernando Sargasso in the presidents chair. 

When the start of the Second South American conflict began, El Salvador refused to take sides, choosing instead to strenghten its own border.  They were in enough trouble of their own, as Russian advisors from El Salvador had been arrested in Honduras, working with local cartels their and allegedly attempting to incite an overthrow of the government, supposedly to further Russian influence in the region.  The threat of war with Honduras was rising. The Russians  actively fueled this threat, but kept open hostility from occuring.  The Neo-Sov advisors were making money hand over fist with the arms buildup in the region.

At the End of the second Conflict, the Long Walkers met hostile resistance at the El Salvadorian border, their admittance into the country was denied completely. 

Since then, Russian influence has increased to the point in El Salvador where the military itself has been supplanted by Neo-Sov troops, and the country has become Russia largest ally in the region.  This was especially important during the worldwide food shortages, as much El Salvadors fertile soil was turned into massive agri-complexes. 

Still there is resistance.  Communist rule in El Salvador is harsh and brutal.  Revolutionary groups gain in power everyday.  There are rumors of both American and European advisors working with these groups, and with a 3rd Central/South American Conflict on the horizon, the El Salvadoran government is growing increasingly paranoid and brutal about eradicating these elements.  El Salvador is not, as of yet, one of the countries targeted for invasion, but the long history between the US and the Soviets has all the makings of a very paranoid El Salvador.  Reported Russian troop buildup in El Salvador seems to back this up.

Other than its agricultural importance, El Salvador has also become a popular tourist destination for Neo-Soviets and European travellers.  Its many historical sites, and many museums dedicated to the victory over American supported forces is at least half as much of a draw as the beautiful beaches. 

(Written by Deric "D" Bernier.)