What is the smallest country by area on the mainland of North America?

The smallest country by area on the mainland of North America is El Salvador.

El Salvador covers about 21,000 square kilometers, making it the smallest sovereign state on the North American mainland. It lies on the Pacific coast of Central America between Guatemala and Honduras, with a short coastline along the Gulf of Fonseca.

The wording “on the mainland” matters. North America includes the Caribbean islands, where smaller countries exist, including Saint Kitts and Nevis. Among mainland countries, however, El Salvador is smaller than Belize, whose area is roughly 23,000 square kilometers, and much smaller than Costa Rica or Panama.

El Salvador’s compact size contrasts with its dense population and highly varied landscape. Volcanoes, Pacific beaches, highland coffee regions, and fertile valleys occupy a country sometimes called the “Land of Volcanoes.” Its capital, San Salvador, sits near several major volcanic features.