Ecuador Facts

Ecuador, state of northwestern South America, at the equator; 283,500 km², 17.1 million residents (2019).Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 km from the mainland. Administratively, Ecuador is divided into 24 provinces, of which the Galápagos Islands are one. The capital is Quito.

Country facts

• Republic of Ecuador / Republic of Ecuador
• Country abbreviation: EC
• Area: 283 500 km²
• Population (2019): 17.1 million residents
• Capital: Quito
• Main language: Spanish
• State: Republic
• Head of State and Head of Government: Lenín Moreno (President)
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 6,345
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 6,120
• Currency unit: US dollar
• Currency code: USD
• Country number (telephony): 593
• Internet domain name: ec
• Time difference compared to Sweden: −6
• National Day: August 10 (Independence Day, 1809)

Nature

• Land use: forest (36%), agricultural land (9%), other (55%)
• Highest mountain: Chimborazo (6 310 m above sea level)

Population

• Population density (2019): 60 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 1.5%; birth count 20 ‰, death count 5 5
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (29%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (7%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 74 years, women 80 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 14 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 23 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.752 (place 86 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 64%
• Most populous cities (2010): Guayaquil (2.3 million residents), Quito (1.6 million), Cuenca (328,800)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (7%), industry (33%), service (60%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 19,620 million
• Main export products: oil, oil products, bananas
• Main exporting countries: USA, Vietnam, Peru
• Imports (2017): US $ 19 310 million
• Main import products: machinery, fuel, chemical products
• Main importing countries: USA, China, Colombia
• Railway network (2017): 960 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Ecuador is located on the western coast of South America, straddling the equator, which gives it its name. The country is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands, which are located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) west of the mainland in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are famous for their unique biodiversity and were a significant influence on Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

Ecuador is a relatively small country in terms of land area, covering approximately 283,561 square kilometers (109,484 square miles). However, its location and topography make it a highly diverse nation, with varying ecosystems, climates, and geographical features within its borders. From the Amazon rainforest in the east to the Andes mountains in the central region, and the coastal plains and the Galápagos Islands in the west, Ecuador offers a broad array of landscapes and natural environments.

Topography and Natural Features

Ecuador’s topography is highly varied and is dominated by three distinct regions: the Amazon Basin (Oriental), the Andes Mountains (Sierra), and the coastal plains (Costa). The Andes mountains run from north to south through Ecuador, splitting the country into two main regions. The Sierra is characterized by high-altitude valleys and peaks, with several volcanoes, many of which are still active. Some of the most famous volcanoes include Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua. Chimborazo is the highest point in Ecuador, standing at 6,263 meters (20,549 feet) above sea level.

The eastern part of the country is part of the Amazon Basin, a vast area covered by tropical rainforests that contribute to Ecuador’s rich biodiversity. The Amazon region is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including numerous indigenous tribes. This part of the country is crucial for environmental conservation, as it is part of the larger Amazon rainforest, which plays a significant role in regulating the planet’s climate.

To the west, Ecuador’s coast is marked by tropical and subtropical climates, with lowland plains and small mountain ranges that run parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The country’s Pacific coastline stretches for about 2,237 kilometers (1,390 miles) and is home to beautiful beaches, mangroves, and wetlands, which are vital for the nation’s fishing industry and tourism.

Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are another important geographical feature, offering one of the most ecologically diverse environments in the world. The islands are located at the confluence of three ocean currents, creating a mix of tropical and temperate climates, which contribute to the islands’ extraordinary variety of species.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Ecuador’s climate is defined by its geography and elevation, leading to a wide range of weather conditions across different regions. The climate on the coast and in the lowlands is generally tropical, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) year-round. This coastal region has a wet season, which lasts from December to May, and a dry season from June to November.

In the Sierra, the climate varies depending on altitude. The highlands of the Andes, which include cities like Quito and Cuenca, have a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) year-round. The weather in these regions is influenced by elevation, and daily temperatures can fluctuate significantly, with warm days and cooler nights. Rain is more frequent in the afternoons, especially during the wet season from October to May.

The Amazon Basin in the eastern part of the country has a hot, humid tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The Amazon region experiences frequent rainfall year-round, with the wettest months typically being from March to May. This region is a critical component of Ecuador’s natural environment, as it contributes to the global water cycle and the Earth’s biodiversity.

Ecuador’s climate, with its varied microclimates and high levels of precipitation in certain areas, provides ideal conditions for diverse ecosystems. However, the country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding, which can significantly impact its population and infrastructure.

People

Population and Demographics

Ecuador has a population of approximately 17.7 million people, making it one of the more populous countries in South America. The population is a mixture of indigenous people, mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and European ancestry), Afro-Ecuadorians, and smaller groups of Europeans and Asians. The largest ethnic group is mestizo, comprising around 70% of the population. Indigenous groups, including the Quechua, Shuar, and Kichwa peoples, make up about 7% of the population, while Afro-Ecuadorians account for around 10%. There are also smaller communities of Asians, mainly Chinese and Japanese, due to migration over the last century.

The population is distributed unevenly, with most people living in the Sierra region, particularly in the capital city of Quito and the city of Guayaquil. Quito, located high in the Andes, is the country’s political, cultural, and historical center. Guayaquil, on the other hand, is Ecuador’s largest city and its main economic hub due to its proximity to the coast and port. Smaller towns and rural villages are scattered throughout the country, especially in the Amazon region and in the Andean highlands.

Ecuador has experienced significant urbanization in recent decades, leading to challenges related to migration from rural areas to cities, as well as increased pressure on urban infrastructure and public services. However, the rural population still plays a significant role in agriculture and the traditional way of life in the highlands and the Amazon.

Languages

Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language of Ecuador, and it is used in government, education, business, and media. The language reflects the country’s colonial past, as Ecuador was part of the Spanish Empire for several centuries. However, the country’s indigenous languages also hold official status and are spoken by various indigenous communities throughout the country. These languages include Kichwa (or Quechua), Shuar, and several others, spoken by smaller groups in rural areas, especially in the Sierra and Amazon regions. The use of indigenous languages is supported by Ecuador’s constitution, which recognizes the cultural and linguistic diversity of the nation.

In urban areas, particularly in Quito and Guayaquil, Spanish is the primary language of communication, and many Ecuadorians speak English as a second language, particularly those involved in tourism, business, or education. Indigenous languages are more commonly spoken in rural communities and play an essential role in the preservation of Ecuador’s indigenous cultures.

Religion

The majority of Ecuadorians are Roman Catholic, which reflects the country’s Spanish colonial heritage. Catholicism plays a central role in the culture, with religious festivals, holidays, and celebrations deeply integrated into the country’s social and family life. Easter and Christmas are widely celebrated with public events, mass gatherings, and processions. Quito, the capital, hosts one of the most significant religious events in the country, the Fiesta de la Virgen de Quito, which celebrates the city’s patron saint.

While Catholicism remains the dominant religion, Protestantism has gained ground, particularly in the coastal regions, with evangelical Protestant groups making up a significant portion of the population. There are also small communities of Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists, although their numbers are relatively low. Indigenous people often practice a blend of Catholicism and traditional religious beliefs, incorporating rituals, practices, and symbols from their native spirituality.

Religious tolerance is generally respected in Ecuador, and the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion. This has allowed for the coexistence of various religious groups and has led to a rich religious tapestry, where local beliefs and Catholic practices blend.

Economy

Overview

Ecuador has a mixed economy that depends on both the extraction of natural resources and agricultural exports. The country’s economic structure includes a combination of traditional industries such as agriculture, mining, and fishing, as well as a growing services sector that includes tourism, finance, and retail. Ecuador is also an oil-exporting country, and oil revenue plays a significant role in government finances, though the country has made efforts to diversify its economy to reduce its dependence on oil exports.

The country faces challenges such as income inequality, poverty, and a reliance on remittances from Ecuadorians abroad, particularly in the United States and Spain. However, Ecuador has made strides in improving education, infrastructure, and social services, contributing to overall economic growth. Ecuador’s currency is the U.S. dollar, which was adopted in 2000 after the country faced an economic crisis and hyperinflation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture remains an important part of Ecuador’s economy, particularly in the highland and coastal regions. The country is a significant producer of bananas, which is its top export product, along with cocoa, coffee, and flowers. Ecuador is also one of the world’s leading exporters of shrimp, and the fishing industry is a crucial contributor to the country’s export revenue.

Ecuador’s natural resources include petroleum, mining, and forestry. The country’s oil reserves are located primarily in the Amazon Basin, and oil is the most important export, accounting for a large portion of the government’s revenue. Ecuador has worked to develop its oil sector through foreign investment and partnerships, particularly with countries like China and the United States.

Mining, particularly for gold, silver, and copper, is another growing sector of the economy. Ecuador is increasingly investing in its mining industry as a means of diversifying its revenue sources and reducing its reliance on oil exports. The country also has significant biodiversity and natural resources, which contribute to its ecotourism industry, as tourists flock to the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and the Andes mountains.

Industry and Services

Ecuador’s industrial sector is relatively small compared to its neighbors, but it has been growing steadily in recent years. Manufacturing industries include the production of food and beverages, textiles, and chemicals, along with some electronics and construction materials. Ecuador has free trade agreements with several countries, which has provided access to international markets, helping to expand its manufacturing base.

The services sector has also expanded, particularly in tourism, finance, and telecommunications. Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, including the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, contributing significantly to the economy. The government has invested in infrastructure to support tourism, including airport improvements, road construction, and development of the country’s cultural and environmental heritage.

The financial services sector has been growing as well, with a steady increase in banking services, credit availability, and access to capital. Ecuador’s use of the U.S. dollar has provided stability to the economy, although it has also limited the country’s ability to control monetary policy.

Government

Political System

Ecuador is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a multi-party system. The President of Ecuador serves as both the head of state and the head of government, and is elected for a four-year term. The president has substantial executive powers, including the ability to propose laws, manage the military, and set foreign policy. The president is elected by direct popular vote, and there are no term limits for the office.

Ecuador’s legislature is unicameral, with a National Assembly that has 137 members. The members of the assembly are elected for a four-year term, with proportional representation ensuring that various political parties are represented. The assembly is responsible for approving laws, the national budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch.

The country’s judiciary is independent and follows a civil law system. The highest court in Ecuador is the National Court of Justice, and it is responsible for interpreting laws and settling disputes. The legal system also includes lower courts and administrative courts.

Legal System

Ecuador follows a civil law system based on the Spanish legal tradition. The country’s legal framework is designed to protect the rights of citizens and ensure fairness in legal proceedings. The legal system emphasizes the rule of law, with a focus on judicial independence and access to justice.

The judiciary is an independent branch of government, but it has faced criticism for inefficiencies and corruption in recent years. Reforms have been implemented to improve the functioning of the judiciary and enhance the legal framework, particularly in areas like human rights protection, labor rights, and access to justice for marginalized communities.

Ecuador’s legal system also includes provisions for indigenous peoples’ rights, particularly with regard to land, cultural preservation, and self-governance. The country’s constitution, amended in 2008, guarantees indigenous peoples the right to practice their own legal systems and recognize their cultural values.

Foreign Relations

Ecuador’s foreign policy is focused on maintaining good relations with its neighbors and promoting regional integration. The country is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and the Latin American Economic System (SELA). Ecuador has traditionally been a strong supporter of regional cooperation in Latin America, particularly in terms of trade, security, and environmental sustainability.

Ecuador has experienced both positive and challenging relationships with other countries, particularly in the context of regional politics and its stance on international issues. The country has occasionally had diplomatic disagreements with the United States, particularly regarding trade and policy on drug trafficking. However, Ecuador also maintains important relationships with countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

Ecuador is also heavily involved in environmental diplomacy, particularly in terms of its advocacy for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and its push for international recognition of the rights of nature. The Galápagos Islands, in particular, have become a key symbol in Ecuador’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and promote ecotourism.

Ecuador Map