El Salvador is solidifying its footprint in the regional technology landscape, with 20.1% of its working-age population actively utilizing generative artificial intelligence tools during the second quarter of 2026. According to a global study published by Microsoft, the country climbed from 18.3% in the previous quarter, placing it 62nd worldwide and third in Central America, behind only Costa Rica (29.7%) and Panama (24.2%).

The report, compiled by the Microsoft AI Economy Institute, analyzes generative AI usage among individuals aged 15 to 64 across 148 territories. The indicator leverages aggregated telemetry data adjusted for operating system market share, device usage, internet penetration, and demographic metrics. Acknowledging the complexity of tracking global digital trends, the tech giant noted that “no indicator is perfect and this one is no exception,” as it continues refining its measurement models.

Across Central America, El Salvador outperformed neighboring economies, including Guatemala (17.3%), Honduras (14.5%), and Nicaragua (12.5%). Globally, the United Arab Emirates led the ranking with a 73.3% adoption rate, while Canada (37.3%, 15th) and the United States (31.3%, 21st) emerged as top adopters in the Americas. Within Latin America, Costa Rica, Uruguay (24.6%), and Colombia (24.5%) claimed the highest positions.