(as of April 3)
United States Dollar(English) United States dollar, from him. Taler - thaler) - US currency, one of the main reserve currencies of the world (1 dollar = 100 cents). Designation: or USD. It is a debt obligation of the US Federal Reserve System, accountable to the US Congress in accordance with the current Federal Reserve Act.
The US dollar is also used in some other countries. For example, Marshall Islands,.
Denominations
All federal US notes issued starting in 1861 are still legal today means of payment. Since 1971, the backing of the US dollar with gold reserves has been abolished.
Banknotes of the following denominations are available and issued in free circulation:
- 1 dollar;
- 2 dollars (irregular release);
- 5 dollars;
- 10 dollars;
- 20 dollars;
- $50;
- 100 dollars;
The highest denomination dollar bill, $100,000, was issued in 1934. These banknotes were never made available to the general public and were used for payments between government financial structures. Today the largest banknote has a denomination of $100. Banknotes in denominations of $500, $1000, $5000 and $10,000 were issued until 1946, and since 1967 they have been officially withdrawn from circulation (due to the use of electronic bank payments). However, all dollars ever issued by the United States remain legal tender.
Appearance, design
About 35 million banknotes of various denominations are issued daily in the United States, with a total value of approximately $635 million. 95% of banknotes printed annually are used to replace worn-out currency. In 2005, the cost of producing one banknote was approximately 5.7 cents.
The basic design for most dollar bills was established in 1928. The banknotes feature portraits of US statesmen:
- The country's first president, George Washington George Washington) appears on the $1 bill
- Third President Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson) - on the $2 bill
- 16th President of the United States, winner of the war between North and South, Abraham Lincoln (eng. Abraham Lincoln) - on the $5 bill
- One of the "Founding Fathers" of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton) - on the $10 bill
- The seventh President of the United States and one of the creators of the modern dollar, Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson) - on the $20 bill
- 18th President of the United States and Civil War hero Ulysses Grant Ulysses Grant) - on the $50 bill
- Scientist, publicist and diplomat Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin) - on the $100 bill.
On rare banknotes:
- President William McKinley William McKinley) - on the $500 bill
- President Grover Cleveland Grover Cleveland) - on the $1000 bill
$1000 1928 Cleveland bill (now out of circulation)
$1000 bill 1918 design The bill features the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.
- President James Madison James Madison) - on the $5000 bill
- Head of the Treasury Department during the administration of President Lincoln, and subsequently head Supreme Court USA Salmon Chase Salmon Chase) - on the $10,000 banknote. Salmon Chase was the first to order the inscription “In God We Trust” to be placed on American money. In God We Trust) - it began to be minted on coins in denominations of 2 cents in 1864. It appeared on paper dollars in 1957, and has been in constant use since 1963. Interestingly, the first $1 bill, issued in 1863, did not contain an image of George Washington, but a portrait of Salmon Chase.
- President Woodrow Wilson Woodrow Wilson) - on the $100,000 bill.
On the other side of the bills are images illustrating US history. On the rather rare $2 banknote - the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on the $5 - the Lincoln Memorial located in Washington, on the $10 - the US Treasury building, on the $20 - the White House, on the $50 - the Capitol, on the $100 - Independence Hall, a building located in Philadelphia , in which the Declaration of Independence was signed. The time indicated by the clock on the tower back side$100 bills - 14 hours 22 minutes, although in some sources you can find that the time on the clock is 16 hours 10 minutes. This can easily be refuted by examining the image in high resolution.
On back side The $1 banknote bears the Great Seal of the United States; on the left is a truncated pyramid of thirteen steps, with a number at the base (the year the United States was founded, indicated in Roman numerals). There is no official explanation why the most common US banknote has such strange symbols. It is generally accepted that the pyramid symbolizes future growth USA and the pursuit of excellence. The "All-Seeing Eye" of the "Great Architect of the Universe" in a triangle framed by the sun's rays (a very ancient religious symbol), symbolizes the divine power watching over the world. On top of the pyramid there is a Latin inscription of 13 letters "Annuit Coeptis", which means “He Approves Our Acts”, under the pyramid is another Latin saying “Novus Ordo Seclorum” - “ New order For Ages”, symbolizing the advent of the “American era”. It is known that almost all symbols, slogans and the number 13 are used by the Freemasons, who were the “Founding Fathers” of the United States.
But the reasons why the dollar turned green are still known. In 1869, the US Treasury signed a contract with the Philadelphia company Messers J. M. & Cox to produce money paper with special watermarks in the form of barely noticeable vertical stripes 2-3 inches wide. Around the same years, the Treasury began printing dollars using green ink for the first time. The reason for the innovation is the appearance of photography: old-style banknotes made with black ink, where green was applied only along the edges, made it very easy to reproduce photos in this way. Since green dye was already used in production, there was no need to select colors and purchase new dyes. In this regard, the already existing green dye began to be used in large volumes. IN last years dollar bills again acquired new colors - shades of yellow and pink.
Banknote production and security
Dollars have traditionally been protected from counterfeiting. The paper used to make banknotes is produced by only one company, which is prohibited from selling it to anyone except the US federal authorities. The ink formula is a secret of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Bureau of Engraving and Printing ). In 1990, the United States began producing dollars that were additionally protected using microprinting and security threads. In 1996, the protection of the dollar was further strengthened. In 2003 appeared a new version$20 bills, in 2004 - $50, in 2005 - $100, in 2006 - $10, in 2008 - $5
Once upon a time, the territory of modern El Salvador was called the “Land of Jewels.” This name can be confidently used even now, because the country has preserved unique cities of the Mayan and Aztec Indians, Spanish forts and churches. If we add to this list high volcanoes, unique natural parks with rare animals, birds and plants, as well as colorful festivals and snow-white beaches, then it is clear that the ancient name is still relevant today.
Geography of El Salvador
El Salvador is located in Central America. El Salvador borders Honduras to the north and Guatemala to the west. In the south the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean. total area– 21,040 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 545 km.
More than 85% of the territory of El Salvador is occupied by mountain ranges and volcanic highlands, only a not very wide lowland stretches along the coast. There are 20 volcanoes in this country, and two of them (San Miguel and Izalco) are active. The highest local peak is Mount Cerro El Pital, located near the border with Honduras, whose height reaches 2,730 meters.
The Rio Lempe River flows from north to south and flows into the Pacific Ocean. This is the only navigable river in the country.
Capital of El Salvador
San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador. More than 600 thousand people now live in this city. The Spanish founded San Salvador in 1525.
Official language
El Salvador has one official language – Spanish.
Religion
The majority of residents (about 53%) are Catholics, another 27% are Protestants.
Government of El Salvador
According to the current Constitution of 1983, El Salvador is a presidential republic, headed by a President, he is elected by direct universal suffrage for 5 years (one term only).
The unicameral parliament is called the Legislative Assembly, it consists of 84 deputies (they are elected for 3 years).
Basic political parties– Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, National Republican Alliance, National Reconciliation Party and Christian Democratic Party.
Administratively, this state is divided into 14 departments, which in turn are divided into 262 municipalities.
Climate and weather
The climate is tropical with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. It is at this time of year that almost all of the annual precipitation occurs. Hurricanes are a very rare occurrence.
The dry season occurs from November to April (this time of year is considered summer there).
The average annual air temperature on the Pacific coast is +25-29C, in the central regions - +23C, and in mountainous areas - +12-23C.
If you go to El Salvador in July or August, you can save a lot of money because... There are not very many tourists there at this time of year, and therefore hotels reduce prices.
Ocean off El Salvador
In the south, El Salvador is washed by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the coastline reaches 307 km.
The water temperature near the coast in January-March is +27C, and in July-September - +28C.
Rivers and lakes
There are about 300 rivers in El Salvador. The largest of these is the Rio Lempe River, which originates in Guatemala and then flows through the north, center and south of El Salvador into the Pacific Ocean.
This country has several beautiful lakes that are located in the craters of a volcano. The largest of them is Lake Ilopango (70 sq. km.).
Culture of El Salvador
The Flower and Palm Festival is held in May every year, and at this time tourists can see the most beautiful local plants.
One of the most popular Salvadoran festivals, Agostinas, is held every August, and Independence Day is celebrated on September 15 every year.
On August 31st every year, the city of Nejapa celebrates the Fire Festival. On this day, thousands of tourists come to Nejapa to watch people juggle fireballs.
All local festivals are accompanied by colorful street processions, dance and music performances.
Kitchen
Salvadoran cuisine is similar to those of neighboring countries, with a heavy emphasis on corn, beans, zucchini and tomatoes. In general, Salvadoran cuisine was influenced by the culinary traditions of the Mayans and Spaniards.
Traditional local dishes - "Pupusas" (corn tortillas filled with cheese or beans), "Curtido" (coleslaw, most often served with "Pupusas" corn tortillas), chicken with onions, roast turkey with sauce, "Salsa roja" (sauce, often served with corn tortillas), Semita cookies.
Traditional soft drinks - coffee, fruit juices, Kolachampan (non-alcoholic sugarcane flavored drink), traditional alcoholic drinks - Tic tac and torito (strong alcoholic drinks made from sugarcane).
Sights of El Salvador
Stone heads of the Olmec era (the so-called “jaguar people” who lived there about 3-4 thousand years ago) are “scattered” throughout the territory of modern El Salvador. Many historical monuments in this country also remained after the Mayans and Aztecs.
Tourists are recommended to see the Metropolitan Cathedral in San Salvador, the ruins of the Mayan settlement of Hoya de Ceren, the ruins of the ancient Indian city of San Andres, the Torre Quiosco tower in San Vincent, the ancient Spanish church in the village of Cacaopera, the ruins of the ancient Indian city of Chihuatan .
Tourists who come to El Salvador must visit local national parks and reserves, although there are not so many of them there. The largest and most beautiful of them are the national parks of Cerro Verde, Bosque el Impossible, the Balboa Natural Park and the Bosque Montecristo Nature Reserve.
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Santa Ana, Soyapango, Mexiconos, San Miguel, and the capital is San Salvador.
Salvadoran beaches are great not only for swimming, but also for surfing. White soft sand and clear waters of the Pacific Ocean make El Salvador an ideal place for a beach holiday, although, of course, the infrastructure there is not very developed (but many beaches have small restaurants).
The Top 8 best beaches in El Salvador, in our opinion, include the following:
- La Libertad
- Playa El Sunzal
- Playa El Tunco
- Costa del Sol
- Playa El Zonte
- Playa El Majahual
- Playa El Cuco
- Playa San Diego
Souvenirs/shopping
The official currency of the country is the colon (SVC), equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 colones, as well as coins in denominations of 1 colon, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavo.
Since January 2001, the US dollar has been introduced into circulation as the second currency, and since 2004 the colon has been withdrawn from circulation. Currently, colones have completely stopped circulating throughout the country; all transactions and official prices are issued in dollars, but some private stores continue to indicate prices in both colones and US dollars.
Banking and currency exchange
Banks are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 13.45 to 17.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 13.00. Sunday is a day off. Most banks are closed on the last two days of the month or decade.
Currency exchange can be done in banks or exchange offices(casas de cambio), as well as in large hotels and airports.
Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and travel agencies accept payment. credit cards the world's leading systems, in the provinces their use is difficult and often simply impossible. There are a limited number of ATMs (cajeros electronicos) in the cities; in the provinces they can only be found in the bank offices of La Union, La Libertad, Acajutla and other port cities.
Travel checks can be cashed at any large bank or hotel if you have a passport. The cash out rate and commission vary greatly not only between different banks, but also between different branches of the same bank. To avoid additional expenses Due to exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended to take checks in US dollars with you.
Arthur Karimov | December 2009
Story
In the early 1890s, coins of various origins and shapes, of variable weight and fineness (moneda macuquina, moneda vencilla), as well as money from other countries were in circulation on the territory of El Salvador - “North American dollar, Chilean, Peruvian coin, Guatemalan gold coin” .
On October 1, 1892, the government of the country decided to replace the Salvadoran peso, which was in circulation from the 19th century to 1919, but currency reform took place in 1919. Initial exchange rate was set at 2 colones = 1 US dollar. In addition, gold and silver “tostón” coins remained in circulation until the 1920s.
In 1921, the government carried out a financial reform, according to which the ancient coins: "cuartilos", "raciones", "medios" and "reales" were withdrawn from circulation. The reform was supported by banks, but peasants and small traders (for whom gold and silver coins were not only a means of payment, but also the main means of savings and savings) opposed it, and spontaneous unrest swept across the country, during which several protesters and police were killed. In 1931, the government abandoned the gold standard, and in 1934 the exchange rate was 2.5 colones per US dollar.
Coins and banknotes
Initially, banknotes were issued by three private banks (Banco Salvadoreño, Banco Occidental and Banco Agricola Comercial), but since June 19, 1934, the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador) became the sole issuer. The Central Bank printed banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 100 colones.
From the 1940s to 1968, El Salvador's economy developed quite steadily, mainly due to export industries Agriculture and partly - the manufacturing industry. But in the summer of 1969, after the end of the war with Honduras, the country found itself in a difficult situation: the price of a military victory was the complication of diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, economic difficulties and the need to repatriate a significant number of refugees on their territory.
In 1979-1992, the situation became even more complicated, a protracted civil war led to the destruction of the country's economy, the formation of colossal foreign debt (the US government provided El Salvador with financial and economic assistance in the amount of more than $4.5 billion, in addition, loans were made in other countries , for example, for 21 million dollars in Israel), which should have been paid.
As a result, the country was unable to maintain the course national currency(in 1992, inflation was more than 20%). In 1976, banknotes of 2 colones were withdrawn from circulation, in 1982 - 1 colone, in 1995 - 50 colones, in 1997 - 200 colones. In 1990-2004, the following were in circulation: coins of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos, 1 colon; banknotes of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 colones.
Abandonment of the national currency
In 2001, the government of El Salvador decided to completely abandon the national currency and issue money by 2003. Since January 2001, $ (US dollar) has been introduced into circulation as the main currency; in 2004, the colon was completely withdrawn from circulation.
From the beginning of 2004 to the present, only the US dollar, issued by the Federal backup system; The Salvadoran government currently has no control over money supply in the country. Now in El Salvador the colon has completely ceased circulation; all transactions and official prices are made in dollars. Some prices in private stores “out of habit” are set in both dollars and colones.
Have you decided to organize a holiday in El Salvador? Looking for the best hotels in El Salvador, last minute tours, resorts and last minute deals? Interested in the weather in El Salvador, prices, cost of travel, is a visa needed for El Salvador and would it be useful? detailed map? Would you like to see what El Salvador looks like in photos and videos? What excursions and attractions are there in El Salvador? What are the stars and reviews of hotels in El Salvador?
El Salvador is a country in Central America, bordered by Honduras in the east and north, and Guatemala in the west, and washed by the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Most of the country is a volcanic highland, the surface of which, with an average height of 600–700 m, decreases to the southeast and is deeply dissected by river valleys. Within the highlands rise two chains of volcanic cones, mostly extinct. The height of these cones is from 1200 to 2381 m (Santa Ana volcano in the west of the country). Lakes are found in intermountain depressions filled with volcanic ash. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur.
Salvador airport
El Salvador International Airport
Hotels in El Salvador 1 - 5 stars
El Salvador weather
The climate is tropical trade wind. In most of the country (with the exception of the highest ranges on the border with Guatemala and volcanic peaks) temperatures are constantly above 18°C. In the city of San Salvador, the average annual temperature is 23°C, with the difference between the average temperatures of the warmest and coldest months not exceeding 3°C.
From May to October, heavy rainfall falls throughout the country, brought by winds from the Pacific Ocean, but the rest of the time dry northern winds prevail and there is almost no rain. In San Salvador the average annual amount precipitation is 1750 mm, of which 1600 mm falls during the rainy season.
Language of El Salvador
Official language: Spanish
His local dialect of Spanish, Salice, is used in everyday communication. In central areas and resort areas, many Salvadorans understand English language, the languages of the local Indian tribes are still spoken in the province, primarily Nahuatl, or Nahua.
Currency of El Salvador
International name: USD
Currency exchange can be done at banks or exchange offices, as well as at large hotels and airports.
Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and travel agencies accept credit cards from the world's leading systems for payment; in the provinces, their use is difficult and often simply impossible. Cities have a limited number of ATMs.
Travel checks can be cashed at any major bank or hotel if you have a passport.
Customs restrictions
Transit of currency is not limited.
Without imposing a duty, you can enter: alcoholic beverages - up to 3 liters. (persons over 18 years old), candy, chocolate, etc. - up to 2 kg, cigarettes - up to 200 pcs., or 50 cigars, or 500 gr. tobacco All items that are brought with you must be indicated in the declaration, which must be filled out upon entry. If you have computers, optics, photo, audio and video equipment, then you can import these items, but only 1 unit of each.
The transit of: weapons, drugs and a number of medicines, archaeological valuables, antiques, rare animals and birds, their stuffed animals and skins is prohibited.
Mains voltage
Tips
In good restaurants, tips amount to up to 10% of the bill; some restaurants include payment for services in the bill up front, which is usually clearly indicated. It is also customary to tip the porter ($1 per seat) and the guide. Taxi drivers usually do not expect a tip unless the car has been rented for the day. It is usually recommended to agree on the amount of payment for the trip in advance, before getting into the car.
Purchases
Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 08.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00. Many grocery stores are open until 19.00-21.00. The traditional siesta for the countries of the region usually occurs in most establishments from 12.00 to 14.00, although many large retail outlets leave several shifting employees in the hall during this time. Some private shops, mainly in small towns, close for breakfast (usually from 9.00 to 10.00-11.00), but in this case they work without a break.
You can bargain in all markets and in most private shops. For handicraft products, the price is usually set quite rigidly and it is unlikely that it will be possible to “bring it down”.
VAT (IVA) of 10% applies to all goods and services. However, in some cases, sellers “forget” to indicate it on the price tags, so when purchasing something you should first make sure of the final purchase amount.
Office hours
Banks are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 13.45 to 17.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 13.00. Sunday is a day off. Most banks are closed on the last two days of the month or decade.
Photo and video shooting
It is not recommended to photograph military installations, transport hubs and law enforcement officials. If necessary, take a photo local resident You should definitely get his permission to do this in advance (this is usually completely free, although a small fee for filming will be gratefully accepted).
Safety
El Salvador remains a fairly dangerous place to travel. More than half of the population constantly carries firearms or bladed weapons. It is recommended to always take a taxi after dark, even if traveling a short distance. Not recommended for display large sums cash or expensive photo or video equipment, watches or jewelry. You should always take security measures against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas or on transport. A specific type of local crime is thriving - bus robberies.
Code of the country: +503
Geographic first level domain name:.sv