Ecuador

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America. It is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It also includes the Galápagos Province with the famous Galápagos Islands, located far west of the mainland. The capital city is Quito, and the largest city is Guayaquil.

Long ago, many indigenous peoples lived in the land that is now Ecuador. Later, it became part of the Inca Empire and then was colonized by the Spanish Empire. Ecuador gained independence in 1820 and became a sovereign state in 1830. Today, Ecuador is home to people from many backgrounds, including mestizos, Europeans, Native Americans, Africans, and Asians. Spanish is the main language, but there are also native languages spoken, such as Quechua and Shuar.

Ecuador is a developing country with an economy based on exporting goods like oil and farm products. It is a member of many international groups, such as the United Nations, Organization of American States, and Mercosur.

Ecuador is also known for its rich nature. It is one of the world's megadiverse countries, meaning it has many unique plants and animals, especially on the Galápagos Islands. In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to give legal rights to nature in its constitution, showing its commitment to protecting the environment.

Etymology

The name "Ecuador" comes from the Spanish word for "Equator". The country’s full name in Spanish is "República del Ecuador", which means "Republic of the Equator". This name started from an old area called the Ecuador Department, which was part of a bigger country named Gran Colombia. The city of Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is found right on the equator line.

History

Main articles: History of Ecuador and Indigenous peoples in Ecuador

Pre-Inca era

Various groups of people lived in the area that is now Ecuador before the Incas arrived. Evidence suggests that the first people came to Ecuador near the end of the last ice age, around 16,500–13,000 years ago. These early people may have come from North and Central America by land or traveled by boat along the Pacific coast.

Though they spoke different languages, these groups developed similar ways of life based on where they lived. People along the coast combined farming with fishing and gathering. In the highland Andes, people focused on farming. In the Amazon basin, people relied on hunting and gathering, sometimes combined with farming and growing trees.

Many civilizations grew in Ecuador, such as the Valdivia Culture, Machalilla Culture on the coast, the Quitus near present-day Quito, and the Cañari near present-day Cuenca.

By 250 B.C., these civilizations in Ecuador met travelers from Southeast Asia who brought the Pacific Coconut. There was trade and sharing of ideas between these groups before the Spanish arrived.

In the Andes highlands, tribes worked together and formed villages. Over time, they created nations based on farming and raising animals. Eventually, groups of nations formed larger unions through wars and marriages among their leaders.

When the Incas arrived, they found these unions so strong that it took two generations of rulers—Topa Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Capac—to bring them into the Inca Empire. The Inca brought people from Peru and Bolivia to Ecuador to prevent uprisings. Thus, highland Ecuador became part of the Inca Empire in 1463, sharing the same language.

In contrast, the Incas struggled to control coastal Ecuador and the eastern Amazon jungle. The people there resisted Inca rule and remained somewhat independent until the Spanish arrived. The Amazonian people and the Cayapas of Coastal Ecuador were the only groups to resist both Inca and Spanish control, keeping their languages and cultures alive well into the 21st century.

Before the Spanish came, the Inca Empire was in the middle of a civil war. The deaths of the heir Ninan Cuyochi and Emperor Huayna Capac caused a struggle for power. In 1532, a small group of Spaniards led by Francisco Pizarro reached Cajamarca and tricked Atahualpa into a trap at the battle of Cajamarca. Pizarro promised to free Atahualpa if he filled a room with gold, but after a mock trial, the Spaniards executed him.

Spanish colonization

New diseases from Europe, like smallpox, caused many deaths among the native people, who had no immunity. The natives were also forced to work for the Spanish under a system called the encomienda. In 1563, Quito became an important administrative area for Spain and part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of New Granada.

The 1797 Riobamba earthquake caused many deaths and was studied by Alexander von Humboldt when he visited in 1801–1802.

After nearly 300 years of Spanish rule, Quito remained small with about 10,000 people. On August 10, 1809, the city’s leaders called for independence from Spain, becoming the first in Latin America to do so. Though this new government lasted only two months, it inspired others to seek independence. Today, August 10 is celebrated as Independence Day, a national holiday.

Independence

On October 9, 1820, the area of Guayaquil became the first part of Ecuador to declare independence from Spain. The rest of Ecuador gained independence after Antonio José de Sucre defeated Spanish forces at the Battle of Pichincha near Quito in 1822. Ecuador then joined Simón Bolívar’s Republic of Gran Colombia, which also included parts of modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. In 1830, Ecuador left Gran Colombia and became an independent country. Two years later, it added the Galapagos Islands.

The 19th century was unstable for Ecuador, with many leaders taking power. The first president was Juan José Flores, who was later removed. Other leaders included Vicente Rocafuerte, José Joaquín de Olmedo, José María Urbina, Diego Noboa, Pedro José de Arteta, Manuel de Ascásubi, and Antonio Flores Jijón. In the 1860s, Gabriel García Moreno brought unity with support from the Roman Catholic Church. In the late 1800s, the world’s demand for cocoa tied Ecuador’s economy to exports, leading people to move from the highlands to the coast.

Ecuador ended slavery in 1851. The descendants of those who were enslaved are part of today’s Afro-Ecuadorian community. Indigenous tribute was also ended in 1857, making indigenous people equal under the law.

Liberal Revolution

Main article: Liberal Revolution of 1895

The Liberal Revolution of 1895, led by Eloy Alfaro, reduced the power of the church and landowners. This liberal group stayed in power until the military “Julian Revolution” of 1925. The 1930s and 1940s saw more instability and the rise of populist leaders like five-time President José María Velasco Ibarra.

Loss of claimed territories since 1830

After Ecuador left Gran Colombia in 1830, its first president, Juan José Flores, claimed lands that had belonged to the old Spanish territory. Ecuador’s borders with Brazil were set by a treaty in 1777, and with Peru, discussions continued.

Ecuador lost much of its disputed land to neighbors Colombia, Brazil, and Peru over time.

Struggle for independence

During the fight for independence, areas that would become Ecuador declared freedom from Spain. Some Peruvian forces tried to take over cities like Guayaquil but were stopped by leaders like Antonio José de Sucre. The border between Ecuador and Peru was set after a battle in 1829.

Struggle for possession of the Amazon Basin

When Ecuador left Gran Colombia, Peru disputed its claims using an old Spanish document from 1802. Peru began occupying areas in the Amazon. Ecuador argued this document was not about political borders. Peru created a region called Loreto in 1853.

Ecuador tried to settle its borders peacefully. In 1904, it recognized Brazil’s claims through the Tobar-Rio Branco Treaty. In 1916, it agreed with Colombia on borders, giving up some land. In 1942, after a war with Peru, Ecuador accepted the Rio Protocol, ending the dispute but losing some territory.

The Rio Protocol did not fully settle the border in one area, leading to more fighting in 1981 and 1995, known as the Cenepa War. Ecuador’s president said he would not give up any land. In 1998, Ecuador and Peru signed a peace agreement ending the long dispute. The border was finally set in 1999.

Military governments (1972–79)

In 1972, military leaders took control of Ecuador. General Guillermo Rodríguez led the new government until 1976, when another military group took over. They promised to hold democratic elections, which happened in 1979.

Return to democracy (1979–present)

See also: History of Ecuador (1990–present)

Elections were held in 1979, and Jaime Roldós Aguilera became president. He died in a plane crash in 1981 and was replaced by Vice President Osvaldo Hurtado.

In 1984, León Febres Cordero became president. In 1988, Rodrigo Borja Cevallos took office and focused on human rights and opening Ecuador to trade. Economic problems led to changes in Congress in 1999.

A notable event was the Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru in 1995.

Ecuador started using the U.S. dollar as its money in 2000, replacing the Ecuadorian sucre, to help the economy.

Indigenous groups have become more active in recent years, pushing for land reform, jobs, and services. This, along with political instability, has weakened the presidency. President Lucio Gutiérrez was removed by Congress in 2005, and Vice President Alfredo Palacio took over.

In 2006, Rafael Correa became president. He made changes to the economy and brought Ecuador into new international partnerships. His time in office ended in 2017, followed by Lenín Moreno. In 2021, Guillermo Lasso became president after winning the election.

In 2023, Daniel Noboa won the presidency and took office in November. In 2024, he declared a fight against organized crime after a prison escape and an attack on a TV station. In 2025, he was re-elected for a full term. Later that year, a key crime leader was captured and sent to the United States.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Ecuador

See also: Rivers of Ecuador

Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It also includes the Galápagos Islands, which are far west of the mainland.

Ecuador has a total area of 283,571 km². Most of it is land and some of it is water. The country has four main regions: the coast, the highlands, the jungle, and the islands.

Ecuador is rich in plants and animals. It has many kinds of birds, plants, reptiles, and amphibians. The Galápagos Islands are famous for their unique animals.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Ecuador

Ecuador has five main parts to its government: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, the Electoral Branch, and Transparency and Social Control.

Ecuador is led by a president who is chosen by voting every four years. The president works from a special building called Palacio de Carondelet in the capital city, Quito. Voting is required for people aged 18–65 and optional for younger people.

The president leads the Executive Branch, which includes many important jobs. The Legislative Branch is called the National Assembly and has many members who help make laws. The Judicial Branch includes courts that help solve problems and make sure laws are followed. The Electoral Branch organizes voting and makes sure everything is fair. The Transparency and Social Control Branch helps keep the government honest and open.

Ecuador is divided into 24 areas called provinces, each with its own main city. The country also has special regions that group some provinces together to help share resources and make decisions.

Main article: List of heads of state of Ecuador

Main article: National Assembly (Ecuador)

Main articles: Provinces of Ecuador and Cantons of Ecuador

Main article: Foreign relations of Ecuador

Main article: Armed Forces of Ecuador

See also: LGBT rights in Ecuador

Economy

Main article: Economy of Ecuador

Ecuador's economy is growing and relies on natural resources like oil and farming products. It is an upper-middle-income country and has one of the larger economies in Latin America. Between 2000 and 2006, the economy grew each year. Even during a big worldwide financial problem in 2008, Ecuador kept growing.

Oil is very important to Ecuador, making up a large part of what the country sells to others. Ecuador has a lot of oil. In 2021, there was a problem with oil pipes that stopped oil sales for a few weeks. But by early 2022, oil production returned to normal.

Ecuador is also good at growing and selling things like bananas, flowers, and cocoa. The country grows many other crops and raises animals for food. There is also a lot of wood like eucalyptus and mangroves. Factories are mostly in big cities like Guayaquil and Quito, making things for local use and some for export, such as canned foods and jewelry.

Ecuador works with other countries on trade and is part of many international groups. In 2007, Ecuador paid back a big loan to an international money group.

Sciences and research

Ecuador is not very high up in technology and new ideas compared to other countries. Some important people from Ecuador in science include Pedro Vicente Maldonado, a mathematician, and Eugenio Espejo, a medical pioneer. Other notable scientists include a submarine builder, a plant expert, and a chemist.

Ecuador does a lot of research in medicine, farming, and making new medicines. The country focuses on computer technology. Some Ecuadorian inventions include a computer program for checking computers, a banking protection system, and banking software.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Ecuador

Ecuador has amazing natural beauty and many different places to visit. The country has lots of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Ecuador is one of the places with the most different kinds of plants and animals in the world. Many of these animals and plants live in protected areas.

Two of Ecuador's cities, Quito and Cuenca, are special places recognized by the world for their history. There are also special natural places like the Galápagos Islands and Sangay National Park. Ecuador is also known for its traditional straw hats and the culture of the Zapara people.

Popular places for tourists include:

• Nature spots: Galápagos Islands, Yasuni National Park, El Cajas National Park, Sangay National Park, Podocarpus National Park, Vilcabamba, Baños de Agua Santa.
• Cultural spots: Historic center of Quito, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Ingapirca, Historic center of Cuenca, Latacunga and its Mama Negra festival.
• Snowy mountains: Antisana volcano, Cayambe volcano, Chimborazo volcano, Cotopaxi volcano, Illinizas volcanoes.
• Beaches: Atacames, Bahía de Caráquez, Crucita, Esmeraldas, Manta, Montañita, Playas, Salinas

Transport

Main article: Transport in Ecuador

Ecuador has been improving its roads and railways. One big project is making the main road better from four to six lanes. There are also new roads being built in different parts of the country.

Cuenca has a modern tram system that started in 2019. It helps many people get around the city.

The main airports in Quito and Guayaquil are getting bigger to handle more travelers. Quito built a new airport that opened in 2013, and Guayaquil also updated its airport. However, the road from Quito city to the new airport was not finished until late 2014, which sometimes made trips longer during busy times. The old airport in Quito is now being turned into a park.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Ecuador

See also: Ecuadorian people

Ecuador is a country with many different kinds of people. In 2021, about 17.8 million people lived there. The largest group is the Mestizos, who have mixed Amerindian and European roots. They make up around 71% of the people. There are also Indigenous groups, Blacks, Whites, and smaller groups from other places.

The biggest cities in Ecuador are Quito, the capital, and Guayaquil, the largest city. Other major cities include Cuenca, Santo Domingo, and Ambato.

Ecuador’s official language is Spanish, but many Indigenous languages are also spoken, such as Kichwa (Quechua). Most people speak Spanish, but you can still hear these older languages in some areas.

Most people in Ecuador follow Catholicism, but there are also Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, and other religious groups. The country has many traditions, with festivals tied to religious celebrations.

The country has a public health system that offers free basic care, but some hospitals need better supplies. Education is required until about age nine, but many families still face challenges in getting good schooling.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Ecuador

Ecuador's culture comes from its main group of people called mestizo, mixing Spanish and Amerindian traditions. Spanish is the main language, but some also speak Amerindian languages. The country has a rich art history, like the Quito School of art from long ago. Ecuadorian painters and writers have done important work in the arts.

Art

Ecuador has famous artists, such as Eduardo Kingman and Oswaldo Guayasamín, known for their special styles. The Amerindian people of Tigua are known for their bright traditional paintings.

Literature

Early Ecuadorian literature was shaped by Spanish culture. One early writer was Jacinto Collahuazo, an Amerindian chief who wrote poetry. Many Ecuadorian authors have become well-known, like Jorge Icaza and Medardo Angel Silva.

Music

Main article: Music of Ecuador

Ecuador has many kinds of music, including Pasillo, the national genre. Traditional dances like Sanjuanito are popular in the north. Ecuador's music mixes indigenous, Spanish, and other influences.

Media

Main articles: Television in Ecuador and List of newspapers in Ecuador

Cuisine

Further information: List of Ecuadorian dishes and foods

Food in Ecuador changes by region. Coastal areas enjoy seafood and dishes like ceviche. In the highlands, cuy (guinea pig) is a common dish. The country's different lands and cultures bring a wide variety of foods, from bananas and cocoa to rice and potatoes.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Ecuador

Football is the most popular sport in Ecuador. Teams like LDU Quito and Barcelona S.C. are famous, and the national team has played in the FIFA World Cup. Football stadiums such as the Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo are special places for fans.