Key Facts on Ecuador, Travel Info

Location

Ecuador is situated in western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru.

Land Area

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are slightly smaller than Nevada and stretch out over a total area of 283,560 sq km, of which 276,840 sq km is land and 6,720 sq km is water. Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have a total coastline of 2,237 km.

Climate

Ecuador and the Islands has a tropical climate along the coast, becoming cooler inland and at higher elevations. A tropical climate is also present in the Amazonian jungle lowlands.

Natural Resources and Hazards

Ecuador’s main natural resources are petroleum, fish, timber and hydropower. Its main hazards are frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, floods and periodic droughts.

Population and Employment

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have a total population of 13,363,593 (July 2005 est.) people, with an average life expectancy at birth of 76.21 years. The total labor force is 4.53 million and the majority of these individuals are employed in either agriculture, industry or the services sector. Ecuador and the Islands have a fairly high unemployment rate of 11.1%.

Religion

95% of Ecuador’s population is Roman Catholic and the other 5% is made up of members of various other religions.

Flag

Ecuador’s flag consists of three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag. It is similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms.

Agricultural Products and Main Industries

Ecuador’s main recognized agricultural products are bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca), plantains, sugarcane, cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products, balsa wood, fish and shrimp. Ecuador’s main industries are petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products and chemicals.

Capital

Quito is the capital of Ecuador.

Time Zone

GMT – 5 hours

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