San Miguel, El Salvador

Capital City

With a population of 232,887, this city in eastern El Salvador is a bustling commercial hub, but the heavy bureaucracy and occasional volcanic eruptions are a persistent headache for residents. The services sector has boomed in recent years, fueled by remittances from Salvadorans living abroad that make up around 18% of the national GDP. However, the climate can be a challenge, as a devastating volcanic eruption in 1655 nearly destroyed the entire city. For those who can navigate the bureaucratic hurdles and accept the risks, San Miguel offers economic opportunity, but it's not for the faint of heart.