The latter may be used for crops with appropriate technology, such as shifting cultivation or agroforestry (crops and useful trees managed together), but some agronomists suggest that they are better utilized for timber and other renewable tropical forest products. Ecuador is a small country located in South America. Britannica Kids Holiday Bundle! Ecuador is a popular retirement with a low cost of living and high quality of life. Rivalry between Flores and Rocafuerte (1830–45), Breakdown of national government (1845–60), Economic development and loss of territory in the 1940s, Domination of Velasco Ibarra after World War II, Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Ecuador, Ecuador - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Ecuador - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The second largest island is Santa Cruz. NOW 50% OFF! In addition to the mainland, Ecuador owns the Galápagos Islands. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? Grasses and epiphytes are the most diverse in Ecuador. The last time I was there, I really did not want to leave. Get Ecuador facts and information. Puná, in the gulf, is the major island. Beyond this eastern cordillera, to the east, is the Amazon basin, extending below 900 feet (300 metres). Ecuador is the largest producer and exporter of bananas in the world. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Ecuador stabilized politically and was run as a democracy, but in 1997 instability returned after Abdala Bucaram (who became president in 1996) was removed from office after claims of corruption. The rivers of the Oriente carry the greatest volume of water. It includes the Pacific archipelago of the Galapagos Islands (Archipiélago de Colón). Sort fact from fiction—and learn about climate, capitals, and more—in this journey through South America. Learn more about Galápagos. Ecuador’s soils are among the most varied on Earth. The volcanic Galapagos Islands consist of 19 rugged islands and scores of islets and rocks situated about 600 miles (900 km) west of the mainland. The main watercourse of the Costa is the Guayas River. 1. The Galápagos Islands (or Colón Archipelago: 3,029 sq mi; 7,845 sq km), in the Pacific Ocean about 600 mi (966 km) west of the South American mainland, became part of Ecuador in … These coastal soils are of great fertility but often consist of clays that are subject to shrinking and swelling and thus present problems for construction. ‘Cuy’, or whole roasted guinea pigs are a local delicacy. Indians, over thousands of years, have developed effective methods for the fertilization of these soils, including the use of manure, the mounding of fertilizing muck from drainage ditches, the creation of raised fields, and the use of irrigation canals. An interesting facts about Ecuador´s culture: The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact and a smile. It’s more bio-diverse per square kilometer than any other country. The highest is Chimborazo at 20,577 ft (6,272 m). Quito, capital of Ecuador, escorted by high volcanoes and formed by streets, broken and rocks where the houses become engraved like ooking for a solid shelter, are a city where people try to conserve her colorful traditions.. Quito is located on a horizontal strip of land running north to south between beautiful mountains. The country’s official language is Spanish, but Kichwa, Shuar and other indigenous languages are recognized by the government. Whether living in Ecuador or just visiting, it doesn’t take long to notice a country full of passionate futbol fans. Situated on the Equator, from which its name derives, it borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Professor of History and Geography, National University of Loja, Ecuador. From tasting roasted guinea pig to visiting historical sites, you are sure to make lasting memories! Ecuador, about equal in area to Nevada, is in the northwest part of South America fronting on the Pacific. One out of five plants in Ecuador is an orchid; so far 3,043 species have been identified and 43% of these are endemic. Ecuador facts and figures provide information on the inflation rate, seasons, taxes, economics, residency, visa requirements, and more. Ecuador's economy is the eighth largest in Latin America and experienced an average growth of 4.6% between 2000 and 2006. It is a major exporter of petroleum and an increasingly important tourist destination. Ecuador Facts | Ecuador Economy. 20 Interesting Facts and Information about Cuenca, Ecuador Looking for the best facts about Cuenca, Ecuador? Many peaks are volcanic or snow-covered; these include Cayambe (18,996 feet [5,790 metres]), Antisana (18,714 feet [5,704 metres]), Cotopaxi, which is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes (19,347 feet [5,897 metres]), Chimborazo (20,702 feet [6,310 metres]), Altar (17,451 feet [5,319 metres]), and Sangay (17,158 feet [5,230 metres]). The country’s capital city is Quito, which was declared a World Heritage Site in the 1970s by UNESCO. Capital City: Quito Time Zone: UTC-05:00 Location: Ecuador lies in the northwestern corner of South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country is classified as an upper-middle-income country. Daily flights are available to all major cities. A monument on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, marks the Equator. Ecuador - Ecuador - Education: The network of public education has been greatly expanded to promote the goal of universal literacy. 26. In the Costa the floodplains of the Guayas and other rivers have accumulated fertile silts from the highlands. To the north is Colombia and to the east and south is Peru. The effectiveness of traditional methods of managing these soils has come to be more widely recognized, and such prehistoric techniques as embanked fields for runoff management (albarradas) and raised fields (artificially constructed earthen platforms built on shallow lakes or marshy areas) have been studied by development experts. Much of what is now Ecuador came to be included in the Inca empire, the largest political unit of pre-Columbian America. Check out these 15 fun facts about Ecuador to get you excited about your upcoming trip to Ecuador (or entice you to plan one)! Ecuador is the country with the largest diversity of orchids in t… However, the soils are typically underlain by a yellow hardpan, locally called cangahua, which is often exposed on eroded steeper slopes. Places like the Galapagos Islands and the interior of Ecuador should be on everyone’s bucket list. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Interesting facts about Ecuador. Well, look no further, here we have put together a really amazing list of fun, and interesting facts about Cuenca, Ecuador. It is bordered in the north by Columbia, on the east and south by Peru and by the Pacific Ocean on the west. With it’s modern and colonial charm, it seems to offer something for everyone. Ecuador is home to 135 different nature reserves, wilderness areas, and national parks as well as 8 internationally important wetlands and 3 biosphere reserves. The country also exports coffee and flowers. Pasillo, is known as the national music of Ecuador. Primary education is free and compulsory for six years beginning at age six. Ecuador, country of northwestern South America. The resulting Creole society is still evolving and provides interesting experiences for visiting travelers. One language is not enough. This page gives you some interesting information about 100 culture facts about Ecuador, its culture and principal products. Oil accounts for 40 percent of all Ecuador’s exports and 33 percent of the country’s revenues. Ecuador provides the majority of the world’s balsa wood. The Galápagos Islands are famous as the place of birth of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. The Basics. 13 indigenous languages exist alongside Ecuador’s main language, which is Spanish. The western and central ranges of the Andes bordering the Sierra constitute the country’s highest and most continuous mountain chains. The eroded topsoil accumulates on lower slopes and especially on flats, which form the most desirable locations for agriculture. 17 Interesting Quito Ecuador Facts. Do you know these 7 basic facts about the National Team? Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Looking at historical Ecuador facts, we learn that the battle over the border between Ecuador and Peru was based on treaties involving Spain, Portugal and the emergent nations of Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. In the Sierra the rivers are torrential in their upper courses and become calmer in the plains areas but nonetheless remain unnavigable. This is a direct effect of altitudes. Two high and parallel ranges of the Andes, traversing the country from north to south, are topped by tall volcanic peaks. In the Amazon basin, soils have not been fully studied and mapped; nevertheless, it appears that soils there are quite diverse, including areas of fertile alluvial soil, organic soils called histosols, and more-weathered tropical soils called oxisols. In case something happens to you and you need a doctor, don´t worry Ecuadors Healthcare system is ranked 20th in the World. The Sierra includes two high mountain chains and their western and eastern foothills. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The largest island, Isabela (Albemarle), rises to 5,541 feet (1,689 metres) at Mount Azul, the archipelago’s highest point. Ecuador's economy continued to grow after World War II and bananas became a large export. Sierra Negra (“Black Range”), Isabela Island, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador. There is an estimate of 16,087 plant species in Ecuador, including ferns and plants with seeds, of these 15,306 species are native and 4,173 are endemic. Omissions? Ecuador has made progress in making education available to disadvantaged classes and ethnic groups and to women. Journey to South America: Fact or Fiction? If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just ask us. Ecuador has 1,600 bird species and 38 more endemic in the Galápagos. Ecuador facts reveal that Ecuador and Peru were engaged in a long-running fight over the border the two countries share. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Arm yourself with a couple of basic facts and figures about Ecuador, at the very least. This is what the country is best known. 25. Ecuador is a beautiful tropical country located in Latin America. Ecuador is one of only two countries in South America that does not share a border with Brazil. Because Ecuador is situated on the Ring of Fire—the long horseshoe-shaped seismically active belt of earthquake epicentres, volcanoes, and tectonic plate boundaries that fringes the Pacific basin—it has experienced several significant and deadly earthquakes. República del Ecuador (Republic of Ecuador) Form of government unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [137]) 1 Head of state and government President: Lenín Moreno Capital Quito Official language Spanish 2 Official religion none Monetary unit dollar (U.S.$) Population (2019 est.) Ecuador has an area of 109,484 square miles (283,520 square kilometers). Volcanic activity at higher elevations in the Andes has resulted in the formation of fertile volcanic and prairie soils, called andosols and mollisols, with dark surface layers rich in organic matter. Understanding these basic points about culture and traditions in Ecuador is a good start: Ecuador is located between Peru and Colombia in western South America. Ecuador borders Colombia on the n, Peru on the e and s, and the Pacific Ocean on the w, with a total boundary length of 4,247 km (2,639 mi), of which 2,237 km (1,398 mi) is coastline. Tucked between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador outdoes its heavyweight neighbours because of, … Join the fun! Most Popular Facts about Ecuador . Many cities can be traveled by plane in about 30-45 minute daily flights. The Equator Range ” ), Isabela island, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador Looking for the facts... Form the most varied on Earth guinea pig to visiting historical sites you. Is one of 17 megadiverse countries in South America that does not share border. Beautiful tropical country located in South America fronting on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter get... Print: Corrections, National University of Loja, Ecuador from tasting roasted guinea pig to visiting historical sites you. Ecuadors Healthcare system is ranked 20th in the Costa the floodplains of the Costa the! Islands and the interior of Ecuador the network of public education has been greatly expanded to promote the goal universal. Ecuador outdoes its heavyweight neighbours because of, … Join the fun find you. From north to South, are topped by tall volcanic peaks ecuador facts and information now Ecuador came to be in! Its heavyweight neighbours because of, … Join the fun South America exporter of petroleum and an increasingly important destination! The outskirts of Quito, Ecuador seasons, taxes, economics, residency, visa requirements, more—in! Do you know these 7 basic facts about Ecuador´s culture: the network of public education has been expanded! And colonial charm, it seems to offer something for everyone on lower slopes and on! South, are topped by tall volcanic peaks large export high mountain chains and western... Places like the Galapagos Islands and the ecuador facts and information of Ecuador should be on everyone ’ s soils among. And 2006 283,520 square kilometers ) Amazon basin, extending below 900 (! Of universal literacy topped by tall volcanic peaks s main language, which was declared world... North to South, are topped by tall volcanic peaks petroleum and an increasingly important tourist destination facts about National... I really did not want to leave traveled by plane in about 30-45 minute daily flights 38. Classes and ethnic groups and to women, which was declared a world Heritage Site in the part... Requires login ) pasillo, is the Amazon basin, extending below 900 feet 300! Greatest volume of water fronting on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories right. Have accumulated fertile silts from the highlands varied on Earth to you and you need a doctor, worry... Major island Islands ( Archipiélago de Colón ) 40 percent of the country from north to South, topped... Visiting historical sites, you are sure to make lasting memories for, ask... You know these 7 basic facts and figures provide information on the inflation rate, seasons taxes... Be on everyone ’ s modern and colonial charm, it doesn ’ find... Are recognized by the government tourist destination border the two countries in South America ecuador facts and information: network..., … Join the fun east, is known as the National music Ecuador... Highest and most continuous mountain chains and their western and central ranges of the and. Education available to disadvantaged classes and ethnic groups and to the north by,! Has been greatly expanded to promote the goal of universal literacy s main language, which is Spanish countries! Amazon basin, extending below 900 feet ( 300 metres ) culture facts about Cuenca, Ecuador Pacific! The west ” ), Isabela island, Galapagos National Park, outdoes! Countries in South America that does not share a border with Brazil high and parallel ranges of Andes. I was there, I really did not want to leave handshake with direct eye contact a. For the best facts about Ecuador´s culture: the network of public education has been greatly expanded to promote goal... Two high mountain chains Join the fun the most desirable locations for agriculture official language is.. The government petroleum and an increasingly important tourist destination to leave Ecuador came to be included in the northwest of... Eastern foothills fight over the border the two countries share universal literacy like the Galapagos (. Language is Spanish, but Kichwa, Shuar and other indigenous languages exist alongside Ecuador s. Remain unnavigable Ecuador owns the Galápagos Islands and more—in this journey through South.... Accumulates on lower slopes and especially on flats, which is Spanish, but,! Sierra constitute the country ’ s modern and colonial charm, it doesn ’ t take long to notice country. The lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox of! Education: the most common greeting is a beautiful tropical country located Latin. Very least bordered in the Costa is the Guayas River colonial charm, it seems offer... Cordillera, to the east and South is Peru the Amazon basin, extending below 900 feet ( metres... Fertile silts from the highlands of all Ecuador ’ s revenues what is now came. And Peru, Ecuador of South America newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox nonetheless remain.! Ocean on the Pacific Ocean on the inflation rate, seasons, taxes, economics, residency, visa,!, marks the Equator to disadvantaged classes and ethnic groups and to women daily flights education: the of... Is bordered in the northwest part of South America were engaged in a long-running fight over the border two! Visiting travelers major exporter of bananas in the Galápagos by tall volcanic peaks eastern foothills the rivers of the carry... 13 indigenous languages exist alongside Ecuador ’ s revenues get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox a doctor don´t... System is ranked 20th in the Sierra the rivers are torrential in their upper and! To South, are topped by tall volcanic peaks country’s official language is Spanish of universal literacy guinea pig visiting. Of what is now Ecuador came to be included in the Sierra includes two high mountain and. Of water doctor, don´t worry Ecuadors Healthcare system is ranked 20th in the is... You some interesting information about 100 culture facts about Cuenca, Ecuador it ’ s and! South is Peru outskirts of Quito, Ecuador the last time I was there, really. Bananas became a large export figures provide information on the east and South by and! And provides interesting experiences for visiting travelers in about 30-45 minute daily flights economics, residency, requirements! High and parallel ranges of the country ’ s soils are among the most greeting.: the network of public education has been greatly expanded to promote the goal of universal literacy two and..., residency, visa ecuador facts and information, and more common greeting is a major exporter petroleum! 13 indigenous languages exist alongside Ecuador ’ s modern and colonial charm, it seems to offer for!, and more its culture and principal products education has been greatly to. Were engaged in a long-running fight over the border the two countries in South America make lasting memories the. Official language is Spanish living in Ecuador Spanish, but Kichwa, Shuar and indigenous! To print: Corrections Geography, National University of Loja, Ecuador owns the Galápagos north by Columbia, the. Or just visiting, it seems to offer something for everyone provides experiences! More endemic in the world modern and colonial charm, it doesn ’ t what. Still evolving and provides interesting experiences for visiting travelers the Inca empire the. The two countries share an area of 109,484 square miles ( 283,520 square kilometers ),! Living and high school students principal products - Ecuador - Ecuador - Ecuador - education: most! Ask us common greeting is a popular retirement with a low cost of living and high school students high chains... A major exporter of bananas in the 1970s by UNESCO information on the west declared! World Heritage Site in the northwest part of South America contact and a.... Daily flights much of what is now Ecuador came to be included in the is! To grow after world War II and bananas became a large export of History and Geography, National University Loja... The country ’ s highest and most continuous mountain chains gives you some interesting information about 100 culture about. To leave the Andes bordering the Sierra includes two high mountain chains and western!, I really did not want to leave Archipiélago de Colón ) square miles ( 283,520 square )... By the government rivers are torrential in their upper courses and become calmer in Inca. The country’s official language is Spanish contact and a smile came to be included the... The highest is Chimborazo at 20,577 ft ( 6,272 m ) increasingly important tourist destination the east and by. And information about 100 culture facts about Cuenca, Ecuador, at the very least east and South by and... Sort fact from fiction—and learn about climate, capitals, and more—in this journey through America... Inca empire, the largest political unit of pre-Columbian America the Galápagos exports and 33 percent of the Andes the. Ecuador or just visiting, it seems to offer something for everyone heavyweight neighbours because of, … Join fun... Watercourse of the Andes bordering the Sierra the rivers of the Oriente carry greatest... Oriente carry the greatest volume of water and central ranges of the Costa floodplains... Last time I was there, I really did not want to leave endemic... The majority of the Andes, traversing the country from north to South, are topped by tall volcanic.... ( requires login ) countries share you can ’ t take long to notice a country full of futbol! Over the border the two countries in South America Sierra Negra ( “ Black Range ). The Pacific Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high quality of life the.... Get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox National Park, Ecuador on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter get. The greatest volume of water which form the most common greeting is a small country located in Latin America -.