Pronunciation: [ɪzˈalkə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
Izalco is a town in El Salvador with an interesting spelling. The first part, "Iza", is pronounced with a long "e" sound, as in "EE-zuh". Meanwhile, the second part "lco" is pronounced with a "k" sound, as in "AL-koh". The entire word is spelled as [iˈsalkoʊ] in IPA phonetic transcription. The name comes from the indigenous Nahuat language and translates to "place of the obsidian", which is a type of volcanic glass found in the region.
Izalco is a proper noun that refers to both a municipality and a stratovolcano located in El Salvador, a Central American country. The term commonly encompasses both the geographic feature and the nearby town that shares its name.
Geographically, Izalco is a highly active volcano, situated in the western region of El Salvador. It stands at an approximate elevation of 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) above sea level. Recognized as one of the most active volcanoes in the country, Izalco has experienced several significant eruptions throughout history, with its last recorded eruption dating back to 1966. The volcano's cone-shaped characteristics and regular volcanic activity make it a prominent landmark in the region, attracting tourists and geologists alike.
In addition to the geological feature, Izalco also serves as the name of a municipality that surrounds the volcano. The municipality encompasses several towns and villages and is home to a diverse population. With its rich volcanic soils, the area is known for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of coffee and sugarcane. The local economy is also supported by tourism, as visitors are drawn to the natural beauty and historical significance of the volcano. Izalco, therefore, serves as a significant cultural and economic hub within the region.
The word "Izalco" has its origin in the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of the region that is now known as El Salvador. "Izalco" is a combination of two Nahuatl words: "itzalli", which means "obsidian", and "co", which translates to "place". Therefore, "Izalco" roughly translates to "the place of obsidian" in English. This name likely refers to the volcanic activity and the presence of abundant obsidian rock in the area.
