What countries border Ecuador?
What is the current weather in Ecuador?
What is Ecuador famous for?
What is the capital of Ecuador?
Capital | Quito |
Government Type | presidential republic |
Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
Total Area |
109,483 Square Miles 283,561 Square Kilometers |
Location | Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru |
Language | Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) |
GDP - real growth rate | -2.3% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $11,000.00 (USD) |
What is the population of Ecuador?
Ethnic Groups | mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3% |
Nationality Noun | Ecuadorian(s) |
Population | 16,904,867 |
Population Growth Rate | 1.4% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | Guayaquil 2.287 million; QUITO (capital) 1.622 million |
Urban Population | 67.500000 |
What type of government does Ecuador have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023); Vice President Verónica ABAD Rojas (since 23 November 2023); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023); Vice President Verónica ABAD Rojas (since 23 November 2023) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 August 2023 with a runoff on 15 October 2023 (next to be held on 28 February 2025); note – on 18 May 2023, Ecuador’s National Electoral Council announced that the legislative and presidential elections—originally scheduled for February 2025—would be held on 20 August 2023 with a runoff on 15 October 2023 after former president Guillermo LASSO dissolved the National Assembly by decree on 17 May 2023; though eligible for a second term, LASSO announced that he would not run in the 2023 election; President Daniel NOBOA Azin will serve out the remainder of the current presidential term (2021–2025) election results: 2023: Daniel NOBOA Azin elected president; percent of vote in the second round - Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 33.6%, Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 23.5%, Christian Gustavo ZURITA Ron (Construye) 16.4%, Jan Tomislav TOPIĆ Feraud (Por Un País Sin Miedo) 14.7%, Otto Ramón SONNENHOLZNER Sper (Avanza) 7.1% other 4.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 51.8%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 48.2% 2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.7%, Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.7%, Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.4%, Xavier HERVAS Mora (ID) 15.7%, other 12.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%, Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5% |
Suffrage | 18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-18, over 65, and other eligible voters, voluntary |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years |
National Holiday | Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809) |
Constitution |
history: many previous; latest approved 20 October 2008 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic through a referendum, by public petition of at least 1% of registered voters, or by agreement of at least one-third membership of the National Assembly; passage requires two separate readings a year apart and approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, and approval by absolute majority in a referendum; amendments such as changes to the structure of the state, constraints on personal rights and guarantees, or constitutional amendment procedures are not allowed; amended 2011, 2015, 2018 |
Independence | 24 May 1822 (from Spain) |
What environmental issues does Ecuador have?
Overview |
Ecuador straddles the Equator, its namesake, on the west coast of South America. Two north-south ranges of the Andes Mountains divide the country into three distinct sections: the Costa, a belt of tropical lowlands 10–100 miles wide along the Pacific coast, where Guayaquil, the major city, is located; the Sierra, a highland plateau 3,000–10,000 feet high, where Quito is located; and the Oriente, jungle lowlands east of the Andes that make up about half the country’s area. In addition, the Galapagos Islands (Archipelago de Colon) lie 640 miles off the coast. The nine main islands are inhabited by some 15,000 people and an amazing variety of wildlife that has fascinated scientists ever since Charles Darwin visited there in 1836. Most of Ecuador is covered by equatorial forests. The rest consists of cultivated agricultural areas, some arid scrubland near the coast, and barren mountain ranges with 22 peaks over 14,000 feet high. These peaks include Chimborazo (20,561 ft.) and Cotopaxi, which is the second highest active volcano in the world (19,347 ft.). The spectacular array of snowcapped volcanoes stretching north and south of Quito has been called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," and on a clear day the view from an airplane is breathtaking. On the Pacific slope the principal rivers are the Esmeraldas and the Guayas. Eastern Ecuador is part of the Amazon watershed. Its principal rivers are the Napo and Pastaza Rivers. None of the Amazon tributaries in Ecuador are navigable by oceangoing vessels. |
Climate |
Because of variations in altitude, Ecuador has a variety of climates. The lowlands are generally hot and humid. Temperatures on the coast are moderated by the Humboldt Current to a range of 65°F to 90°F. Temperatures in the Sierra are generally cool, ranging from 35°F to 75°F. Due to the altitude and thin air, temperature in direct sunlight can reach 85°F at midday. In the evenings it can range from pleasantly cool to very chilly. The tallest mountains are always snowcapped, but it never snows in the inhabited altitudes, although it hails occasionally. During the Sierra dry season, from June through September, gusty winds are common. In Quito the temperature pattern rarely changes from day to day or month to month. Mornings are cool and crisp, and midday is agreeably warm, unless skies are overcast. Fog and mist may occur in the mornings or evenings as low-lying clouds spill over the sides of the valley. Since Quito is such a short distance from the Equator, sunrise and sunset vary only slightly from 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Average annual rainfall in Quito is 50 inches, with 43 inches falling from October through May, and 7 inches from June through September. Relative humidity averages 75%. Occasional tremors are registered in the area; these may or may not be perceptible to residents. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are infrequent but do remain a possibility. |
Border Countries | Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km |
Environment - Current Issues | deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands |
Environment - International Agreements |
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Terrain | coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente) |
How big is the Ecuador economy?
Economic Overview |
Ecuador, a country rich in natural resources and diverse ecosystems, has an economy that heavily relies on oil exports, agriculture, and remittances. While these sectors provide substantial revenue, the nation faces several economic challenges, including dependency on volatile oil prices, political instability, and the need for diversification. In this article, we explore the various facets of Ecuador's economy, the hurdles it confronts, and the potential pathways for sustainable growth. The Backbone of Ecuador's Economy: Key Sectors Oil and Energy Oil remains the cornerstone of Ecuador's economy, accounting for a significant portion of export revenues and government income. As a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Ecuador plays a role in global oil production. However, this reliance on oil makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. The country's financial stability is often at the mercy of these external shocks, emphasizing the urgent need for economic diversification. Agriculture Agriculture is another vital sector, with bananas, coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and flowers being major exports. Ecuador is notably one of the world's top banana exporters, which highlights its importance in global agricultural markets. This sector not only generates significant foreign exchange but also employs a substantial portion of the population. However, agricultural productivity is subject to climate change and global market conditions, which can pose risks to economic stability. Tourism Tourism in Ecuador has seen considerable growth, driven by its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, such as the Galápagos Islands. The government has been actively promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism to diversify the economy. The tourism sector's expansion promises new jobs and increased foreign exchange earnings, making it a critical area for future economic development. Manufacturing and Industry Ecuador's manufacturing and industrial sectors, including food processing, textiles, and chemical products, are less developed compared to its neighbors. Enhancing industrial capacity and value-added production is essential for economic diversification. The government aims to attract foreign investment and foster innovation in these areas to boost industrial growth. Services The service sector, encompassing banking, finance, and retail, plays a significant role in the economy. Remittances from Ecuadorians living abroad contribute notably to household incomes, reflecting the sector's importance. Strengthening financial services and expanding digital infrastructure are key to enhancing the service sector's contribution to the economy. Economic Challenges Debt and Fiscal Issues Ecuador's high levels of public debt have led to financial instability, necessitating austerity measures and international assistance. Managing debt and achieving fiscal balance remain critical challenges for the government. Efforts to reduce debt include structural reforms, fiscal consolidation, and seeking support from international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Economic Diversification The overreliance on oil exposes the economy to external shocks, highlighting the need for diversification. Developing sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and tourism is crucial for reducing dependency on oil and achieving sustainable growth. Initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage entrepreneurship are vital for diversification. Political Instability Political changes and instability have often affected economic policies and investor confidence in Ecuador. Consistent and transparent policies are essential to foster a stable business environment and attract foreign investment. Political stability is a cornerstone for sustained economic growth and development. Social Issues Poverty and inequality remain significant issues in Ecuador. Although the government has implemented various social programs to address these challenges, further efforts are necessary to ensure inclusive growth. Enhancing education, healthcare, and social protection systems are key to reducing poverty and improving living standards. Recent Developments and Future Prospects Economic Reforms The government has been implementing a series of reforms to stabilize the economy. These include tax reforms, improving the business climate, and enhancing transparency. Collaboration with international organizations like the IMF has provided financial support and policy guidance, aiding in economic stabilization and growth. Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Ecuador's economy, particularly the tourism sector. The government's recovery efforts have focused on vaccination drives, economic stimulus packages, and support for affected businesses. The post-pandemic recovery presents an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient and diversified economy. Green Economy Ecuador is increasingly focusing on sustainable development and the green economy. Investments in renewable energy and conservation efforts, especially in the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands, are integral to this strategy. Promoting sustainability can attract eco-conscious tourists and investors, contributing to long-term economic growth. Conclusion Ecuador's economy is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges yet brimming with opportunities. The country's reliance on oil underscores the need for diversification, while political and social issues demand comprehensive reforms. By embracing sustainable development, fostering innovation, and ensuring political stability, Ecuador can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future. As the nation navigates these economic waters, the potential for growth and development remains promising. |
Industries | petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals |
Currency Name and Code | US Dollar (USD) |
Export Partners | US 39.5%, Chile 6.2%, Peru 5.1%, Vietnam 4.3%, Colombia 4.3% |
Import Partners | US 27.1%, China 15.3%, Colombia 8.3%, Panama 4.9% |
What current events are happening in Ecuador?
Source: Google News
What makes Ecuador a unique country to travel to?