The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador. It is the largest city in the country and is located in the central part of the country, in the Valley of the Hammocks. San Salvador has a population of about 1.7 million people. It is an important city for the country both culturally, politically, and economically. The city is known for its colonial architecture, Gothic cathedrals, museums, and the natural beauty of the valley. San Salvador became the capital of El Salvador in 1839, and it has maintained its importance in the region since the 16th century.