La Paz Department

La Paz Department occupies El Salvador's central coastal plain, its agricultural economy producing basic grains, sugar, and livestock. Zacatecoluca serves as departmental capital for a territory that bridges the metropolitan area around San Salvador and the eastern departments. The department's position along the Pacific lowlands creates vulnerability to flooding that 2024's severe weather demonstrated—agricultural damage contributed to that year's growth slowdown.

The Comalapa International Airport (Oscar Arnulfo Romero International) lies within La Paz, providing El Salvador's primary air gateway. This infrastructure gives the department economic importance beyond its agricultural base, with airport services and logistics employment. The Pan-American Highway crosses the territory, reinforcing transit corridor functions.

Sugar cane cultivation and processing provide seasonal employment that agricultural diversification has not fully replaced. The coastal areas support artisanal fishing, though overfishing and climate shifts challenge sustainability. La Paz demonstrates the central Salvadoran pattern: proximity to metropolitan economy creates some opportunities while traditional agriculture provides declining returns.