Welcome to the fascinating story behind El Salvador—Spanish for "The Savior"—a name reflecting deep religious devotion rather than explorers, landmarks, or indigenous terms like many of its neighbors.
Our journey begins in 1525 when Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado established a settlement called San Salvador (Holy Savior). This naming wasn't random but part of Spain's larger mission to spread Catholicism throughout their conquests. As Spanish control solidified and centuries passed, what began as a city name expanded to represent the entire territory. When independence arrived in 1821, the country officially became El Salvador while its capital retained the original name San Salvador—a fascinating dual naming system preserving both historical identities.
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