Ecuador - EC - ECU - ECU - South America

Last updated: March 19, 2025
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  • Mt. Everest is the world’s highest peak above sea level, but the highest point above the Earth’s center is the peak of Mt. Chimborazo. The summit of Chimborazo is 6,268 m (20,564 ft) above sea level, but with the bulge near the Earth’s equator, the mountain is over 2,072 m (6797 ft) farther from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest.

    Mt. Everest is the world’s highest peak above sea level, but the highest point above the Earth’s center is the peak of Mt. Chimborazo. The summit of Chimborazo is 6,268 m (20,564 ft) above sea level, but with the bulge near the Earth’s equator, the mountain is over 2,072 m (6797 ft) farther from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest.

  • Quito's altitude is approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 ft), making it the second-highest administrative capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia.

    Quito's altitude is approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 ft), making it the second-highest administrative capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia.

  • Ecuador's capital, Quito (San Francisco de Quito), is built in a valley and on the eastern slope of an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains.

    Ecuador's capital, Quito (San Francisco de Quito), is built in a valley and on the eastern slope of an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains.

  • Although the actual equator is 100 yards to the north, this monument outside Quito, Ecuador, commemorates the equatorial line as surveyed by the French Geodesic Mission in the late 1700s. The location is known as Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World).

    Although the actual equator is 100 yards to the north, this monument outside Quito, Ecuador, commemorates the equatorial line as surveyed by the French Geodesic Mission in the late 1700s. The location is known as Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World).

  • A view of Quito, Ecuador, from El Panecillo (Bread Loaf Hill).

    A view of Quito, Ecuador, from El Panecillo (Bread Loaf Hill).

  • The Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace) on Plaza Grande in the heart of the historic center of Quito serves as the residence of Ecuador's president. The plaza is surrounded by government buildings and historic churches.

    The Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace) on Plaza Grande in the heart of the historic center of Quito serves as the residence of Ecuador's president. The plaza is surrounded by government buildings and historic churches.

  • The front façade of the Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional) in Quito, Ecuador. Construction began in 1892, and the formal consecration occurred in 1988. The basilica remains technically unfinished, since, according to local legend, its completion would signal the end of the world. The edifice is the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.

    The front façade of the Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional) in Quito, Ecuador. Construction began in 1892, and the formal consecration occurred in 1988. The basilica remains technically unfinished, since, according to local legend, its completion would signal the end of the world. The edifice is the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.

  • The Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador, is the largest Neo-Gothic church in the Americas. Begun in the late 1800s, it remains technically unfinished. The gargoyles on the façade represent animals native to Ecuador.

    The Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador, is the largest Neo-Gothic church in the Americas. Begun in the late 1800s, it remains technically unfinished. The gargoyles on the façade represent animals native to Ecuador.

  • The Plaza de San Francisco, built atop an Incan town's market place, is one of the greatest squares in Quito, Ecuador. Bordered on three sides by two-story colonial mansions, the fourth side consists of the huge Monastery of San Francisco, the largest colonial building and oldest church in the city.

    The Plaza de San Francisco, built atop an Incan town's market place, is one of the greatest squares in Quito, Ecuador. Bordered on three sides by two-story colonial mansions, the fourth side consists of the huge Monastery of San Francisco, the largest colonial building and oldest church in the city.

  • The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral in Ecuador was first built between 1535 and 1545 but was subsequently reconstructed and enhanced over the centuries. The photo shows the "Arch of Carondelet" entrance (built in 1797) and its staircase.

    The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral in Ecuador was first built between 1535 and 1545 but was subsequently reconstructed and enhanced over the centuries. The photo shows the "Arch of Carondelet" entrance (built in 1797) and its staircase.

  • Overlooking the Church of La Merced (built 1736) in the historic neighborhood of Quito, Ecuador. Constructed in a Moorish style, the structure includes a monastery, as well as the oldest clock in Quito.

    Overlooking the Church of La Merced (built 1736) in the historic neighborhood of Quito, Ecuador. Constructed in a Moorish style, the structure includes a monastery, as well as the oldest clock in Quito.

  • Located 28 km (17 mi) from Quito, Ecuador, is snow-capped Cotopaxi, a volcano that last erupted in the 1940s. It is the second highest peak in the country, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19, 347 ft).

    Located 28 km (17 mi) from Quito, Ecuador, is snow-capped Cotopaxi, a volcano that last erupted in the 1940s. It is the second highest peak in the country, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19, 347 ft).

  • Guayaquil, founded in 1538 on the Guayas River, is today Ecuador's main port. It is also the largest and most populous city in the country.

    Guayaquil, founded in 1538 on the Guayas River, is today Ecuador's main port. It is also the largest and most populous city in the country.

  • At the end of Calle Diez de Agosto is the Torre Morisca, an octagonal clock tower built in the 1930s. This tower is a picturesque waypoint along the Malecon 2000 riverwalk in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

    At the end of Calle Diez de Agosto is the Torre Morisca, an octagonal clock tower built in the 1930s. This tower is a picturesque waypoint along the Malecon 2000 riverwalk in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  • In the heart of downtown Guayaquil, Ecuador, is Parque Seminario, better known as "Iguana Park" for the dozens of iguanas that call it home. The picture shows the park's statue of Simon Bolivar, and in the background is Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is the successor to the church that was located here when the city was originally founded in the 16th century.

    In the heart of downtown Guayaquil, Ecuador, is Parque Seminario, better known as "Iguana Park" for the dozens of iguanas that call it home. The picture shows the park's statue of Simon Bolivar, and in the background is Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is the successor to the church that was located here when the city was originally founded in the 16th century.

  • At the north end of the Guayaquil, Ecuador, river walk is the neighborhood of Las Penas. Visitors can climb the 444 steps to the summit to visit the Iglesia del Cerro Santa Ana and a lighthouse. Along the way, there are countless places to eat and enjoy the views of the city center.

    At the north end of the Guayaquil, Ecuador, river walk is the neighborhood of Las Penas. Visitors can climb the 444 steps to the summit to visit the Iglesia del Cerro Santa Ana and a lighthouse. Along the way, there are countless places to eat and enjoy the views of the city center.

  • A beach view on the volcanic Galapagos Islands. In all there are 15 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and over 100 rocks and islets composing the archipelago, which is an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve.

    A beach view on the volcanic Galapagos Islands. In all there are 15 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and over 100 rocks and islets composing the archipelago, which is an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve.

  • Fernandina Volcano on Fernandina Island is the Galapagos archipelago's most active volcano.

    Fernandina Volcano on Fernandina Island is the Galapagos archipelago's most active volcano.

  • Marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands are excellent swimmers capable of diving up to half an hour at depths of 10 m (32 ft) or more. The males grow to approximately 1.7 m (5.6 ft) long.

    Marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands are excellent swimmers capable of diving up to half an hour at depths of 10 m (32 ft) or more. The males grow to approximately 1.7 m (5.6 ft) long.

  • The Galapagos archipelago has seven subspecies of the ubiquitous lava lizards, which are native to the archipelago. This one at Wizard Hill on San Cristobal Island is approximately 30 cm (1 ft), the typical length for these lizards that live up to 10 years.

    The Galapagos archipelago has seven subspecies of the ubiquitous lava lizards, which are native to the archipelago. This one at Wizard Hill on San Cristobal Island is approximately 30 cm (1 ft), the typical length for these lizards that live up to 10 years.

  • A view of distinctive Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.

    A view of distinctive Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.

  • A clearly outlined crater near Pinnacle Rock Overlook on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.

    A clearly outlined crater near Pinnacle Rock Overlook on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.

  • The colorful Sally Lightfoot crab, found in the Galapagos Islands, is solid black when young.

    The colorful Sally Lightfoot crab, found in the Galapagos Islands, is solid black when young.

  • A land iguana in the Galapagos Islands that is approximately 35 years old, half the species lifespan.

    A land iguana in the Galapagos Islands that is approximately 35 years old, half the species lifespan.

  • Santa Cruz Island's beach at Dragon Hill in the Galapagos.

    Santa Cruz Island's beach at Dragon Hill in the Galapagos.

  • One of Santa Cruz Island's numerous lava tubes.

    One of Santa Cruz Island's numerous lava tubes.

  • A lifelong pair of waved albatrosses begin a mating dance in the Galapagos Islands.

    A lifelong pair of waved albatrosses begin a mating dance in the Galapagos Islands.

  • The blue-footed booby, here standing on a lava rock in the Galapagos, is a marine bird native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean.

    The blue-footed booby, here standing on a lava rock in the Galapagos, is a marine bird native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean.

  • This close up of a blue-footed booby, which is native to the Galapagos Islands, reveals the bird's deep blue bill and rich plumage.

    This close up of a blue-footed booby, which is native to the Galapagos Islands, reveals the bird's deep blue bill and rich plumage.

  • A Galapagos Island blue-footed booby.

    A Galapagos Island blue-footed booby.

  • The Galapagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, are home to unique indigenous animals, including the Nazca booby.

    The Galapagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, are home to unique indigenous animals, including the Nazca booby.

  • A Nazca booby with two chicks in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

    A Nazca booby with two chicks in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

  • A red-footed booby in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

    A red-footed booby in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

  • The swallow-tailed gull, found in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, is an equatorial seabird.

    The swallow-tailed gull, found in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, is an equatorial seabird.

  • A male magnificent frigatebird on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos Islands inflates his scarlet pouch during the breeding season.

    A male magnificent frigatebird on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos Islands inflates his scarlet pouch during the breeding season.

  • Waved albatross (Galapagos albatross) have a wingspan of at least 225 cm (7 ft), a lifespan up to 45 years, and live primarily on Espanola (Hood) Island.

    Waved albatross (Galapagos albatross) have a wingspan of at least 225 cm (7 ft), a lifespan up to 45 years, and live primarily on Espanola (Hood) Island.

  • A pair of blue-footed boobies engaged in a mating dance on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.

    A pair of blue-footed boobies engaged in a mating dance on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.

  • Blue-footed boobies are found only in the Galapagos Islands. These birds with striking blue feet live among the cliffs and hills of this remote island chain.

    Blue-footed boobies are found only in the Galapagos Islands. These birds with striking blue feet live among the cliffs and hills of this remote island chain.

  • A masked booby on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.

    A masked booby on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.

  • Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. The iron-rich lava deposits prevent most things from growing here. However, a variety of prickly pear cactus flourishes in this harsh environment.

    Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. The iron-rich lava deposits prevent most things from growing here. However, a variety of prickly pear cactus flourishes in this harsh environment.

  • Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. Along the rocky coastline, prickly pear cactus hang over the volcanic rocks.

    Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. Along the rocky coastline, prickly pear cactus hang over the volcanic rocks.

  • The highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador, are home to a large population of indigenous giant tortoises. They can often be found gathering in mud bogs to help regulate their body temperature or grazing on grasses and plants.

    The highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador, are home to a large population of indigenous giant tortoises. They can often be found gathering in mud bogs to help regulate their body temperature or grazing on grasses and plants.

  • Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.

    Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.

  • Marine iguana on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos.

    Marine iguana on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos.

  • Tagus Cove is located in the collapsed caldera of a Galapagos volcano. Inside the caldera is an inner caldera with an azure blue lake formed by the concentration of minerals in the water.

    Tagus Cove is located in the collapsed caldera of a Galapagos volcano. Inside the caldera is an inner caldera with an azure blue lake formed by the concentration of minerals in the water.

  • The average Galapagos penguin is 49 cm (19 in); this one resides in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island.

    The average Galapagos penguin is 49 cm (19 in); this one resides in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island.

  • Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.

    Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.

  • Isabela Island in the Galapagos is still an active volcanic system. Older lava flows can extend for over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). This cactus has anchored itself near Tagus Cove, with a view of Cerro Azul in the background.

    Isabela Island in the Galapagos is still an active volcanic system. Older lava flows can extend for over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). This cactus has anchored itself near Tagus Cove, with a view of Cerro Azul in the background.

  • Santiago Island is an uninhabited island in the heart of the Galapagos Islands chain. Lava dominates the shoreline, creating tidal pools and narrow channels. Erosion has created some lava bridges which span waves sweeping through the inlets.

    Santiago Island is an uninhabited island in the heart of the Galapagos Islands chain. Lava dominates the shoreline, creating tidal pools and narrow channels. Erosion has created some lava bridges which span waves sweeping through the inlets.

  • The western Galapagos Islands are home to the more recent lava flows. On Santiago Island, an eruption in the late 1800s covered significant areas in lava. Over 100 years later, the harsh environment remains hostile to most plant life. However, the appropriately named Lava Cactus has been able to gain a foothold in the midst of the flow.

    The western Galapagos Islands are home to the more recent lava flows. On Santiago Island, an eruption in the late 1800s covered significant areas in lava. Over 100 years later, the harsh environment remains hostile to most plant life. However, the appropriately named Lava Cactus has been able to gain a foothold in the midst of the flow.

  • Mt. Everest is the world’s highest peak above sea level, but the highest point above the Earth’s center is the peak of Mt. Chimborazo. The summit of Chimborazo is 6,268 m (20,564 ft) above sea level, but with the bulge near the Earth’s equator, the mountain is over 2,072 m (6797 ft) farther from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest.

    Mt. Everest is the world’s highest peak above sea level, but the highest point above the Earth’s center is the peak of Mt. Chimborazo. The summit of Chimborazo is 6,268 m (20,564 ft) above sea level, but with the bulge near the Earth’s equator, the mountain is over 2,072 m (6797 ft) farther from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest.

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  • Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Incan city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 ft), making it the second-highest city in the world. Quito was also one of the 12 original UNESCO World Heritage sites chosen in 1978. It is also the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations.
  • Quito's altitude is approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 ft), making it the second-highest administrative capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia.
  • Ecuador's capital, Quito (San Francisco de Quito), is built in a valley and on the eastern slope of an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains.
  • Although the actual equator is 100 yards to the north, this monument outside Quito, Ecuador, commemorates the equatorial line as surveyed by the French Geodesic Mission in the late 1700s. The location is known as Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World).
  • A view of Quito, Ecuador, from El Panecillo (Bread Loaf Hill).
  • The Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace) on Plaza Grande in the heart of the historic center of Quito serves as the residence of Ecuador's president. The plaza is surrounded by government buildings and historic churches.
  • The front façade of the Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional) in Quito, Ecuador. Construction began in 1892, and the formal consecration occurred in 1988. The basilica remains technically unfinished, since, according to local legend, its completion would signal the end of the world. The edifice is the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.
  • The Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador, is the largest Neo-Gothic church in the Americas. Begun in the late 1800s, it remains technically unfinished. The gargoyles on the façade represent animals native to Ecuador.
  • The Plaza de San Francisco, built atop an Incan town's market place, is one of the greatest squares in Quito, Ecuador. Bordered on three sides by two-story colonial mansions, the fourth side consists of the huge Monastery of San Francisco, the largest colonial building and oldest church in the city.
  • The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral in Ecuador was first built between 1535 and 1545 but was subsequently reconstructed and enhanced over the centuries. The photo shows the "Arch of Carondelet" entrance (built in 1797) and its staircase.
  • Overlooking the Church of La Merced (built 1736) in the historic neighborhood of Quito, Ecuador. Constructed in a Moorish style, the structure includes a monastery, as well as the oldest clock in Quito.
  • Located 28 km (17 mi) from Quito, Ecuador, is snow-capped Cotopaxi, a volcano that last erupted in the 1940s. It is the second highest peak in the country, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19, 347 ft).
  • Guayaquil, founded in 1538 on the Guayas River, is today Ecuador's main port. It is also the largest and most populous city in the country.
  • At the end of Calle Diez de Agosto is the Torre Morisca, an octagonal clock tower built in the 1930s. This tower is a picturesque waypoint along the Malecon 2000 riverwalk in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
  • In the heart of downtown Guayaquil, Ecuador, is Parque Seminario, better known as "Iguana Park" for the dozens of iguanas that call it home. The picture shows the park's statue of Simon Bolivar, and in the background is Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is the successor to the church that was located here when the city was originally founded in the 16th century.
  • At the north end of the Guayaquil, Ecuador, river walk is the neighborhood of Las Penas. Visitors can climb the 444 steps to the summit to visit the Iglesia del Cerro Santa Ana and a lighthouse. Along the way, there are countless places to eat and enjoy the views of the city center.
  • A beach view on the volcanic Galapagos Islands. In all there are 15 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and over 100 rocks and islets composing the archipelago, which is an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve.
  • Fernandina Volcano on Fernandina Island is the Galapagos archipelago's most active volcano.
  • Marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands are excellent swimmers capable of diving up to half an hour at depths of 10 m (32 ft) or more. The males grow to approximately 1.7 m (5.6 ft) long.
  • The Galapagos archipelago has seven subspecies of the ubiquitous lava lizards, which are native to the archipelago. This one at Wizard Hill on San Cristobal Island is approximately 30 cm (1 ft), the typical length for these lizards that live up to 10 years.
  • A view of distinctive Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.
  • A clearly outlined crater near Pinnacle Rock Overlook on Bartholomew Island in the Galapagos Islands.
  • The colorful Sally Lightfoot crab, found in the Galapagos Islands, is solid black when young.
  • A land iguana in the Galapagos Islands that is approximately 35 years old, half the species lifespan.
  • Santa Cruz Island's beach at Dragon Hill in the Galapagos.
  • One of Santa Cruz Island's numerous lava tubes.
  • A lifelong pair of waved albatrosses begin a mating dance in the Galapagos Islands.
  • The blue-footed booby, here standing on a lava rock in the Galapagos, is a marine bird native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean.
  • This close up of a blue-footed booby, which is native to the Galapagos Islands, reveals the bird's deep blue bill and rich plumage.
  • A Galapagos Island blue-footed booby.
  • The Galapagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, are home to unique indigenous animals, including the Nazca booby.
  • A Nazca booby with two chicks in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
  • A red-footed booby in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
  • The swallow-tailed gull, found in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, is an equatorial seabird.
  • A male magnificent frigatebird on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos Islands inflates his scarlet pouch during the breeding season.
  • Waved albatross (Galapagos albatross) have a wingspan of at least 225 cm (7 ft), a lifespan up to 45 years, and live primarily on Espanola (Hood) Island.
  • A pair of blue-footed boobies engaged in a mating dance on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.
  • Blue-footed boobies are found only in the Galapagos Islands. These birds with striking blue feet live among the cliffs and hills of this remote island chain.
  • A masked booby on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.
  • Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. The iron-rich lava deposits prevent most things from growing here. However, a variety of prickly pear cactus flourishes in this harsh environment.
  • Rabida Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the uninhabited islands in this isolated chain off the coast of Ecuador. Along the rocky coastline, prickly pear cactus hang over the volcanic rocks.
  • The highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador, are home to a large population of indigenous giant tortoises. They can often be found gathering in mud bogs to help regulate their body temperature or grazing on grasses and plants.
  • Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.
  • Marine iguana on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos.
  • Tagus Cove is located in the collapsed caldera of a Galapagos volcano. Inside the caldera is an inner caldera with an azure blue lake formed by the concentration of minerals in the water.
  • The average Galapagos penguin is 49 cm (19 in); this one resides in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island.
  • Marine iguanas are unique to Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, with the largest colonies in Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. They are the only lizards in the world that spend time in the ocean and can dive more than 20 m (65 feet) underwater.
  • Isabela Island in the Galapagos is still an active volcanic system. Older lava flows can extend for over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). This cactus has anchored itself near Tagus Cove, with a view of Cerro Azul in the background.
  • Santiago Island is an uninhabited island in the heart of the Galapagos Islands chain. Lava dominates the shoreline, creating tidal pools and narrow channels. Erosion has created some lava bridges which span waves sweeping through the inlets.
  • The western Galapagos Islands are home to the more recent lava flows. On Santiago Island, an eruption in the late 1800s covered significant areas in lava. Over 100 years later, the harsh environment remains hostile to most plant life. However, the appropriately named Lava Cactus has been able to gain a foothold in the midst of the flow.
  • Mt. Everest is the world’s highest peak above sea level, but the highest point above the Earth’s center is the peak of Mt. Chimborazo. The summit of Chimborazo is 6,268 m (20,564 ft) above sea level, but with the bulge near the Earth’s equator, the mountain is over 2,072 m (6797 ft) farther from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest.

Ecuador Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Arthur W. BROWN (since 26 June 2024)

embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito

mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC  20521-3420

telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000

email address and website:
ACSQuito@state.gov

https://ec.usembassy.gov/

consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Age structure

0-14 years: 26.8% (male 2,505,729/female 2,395,198)

15-64 years: 64.1% (male 5,771,234/female 5,972,938)

65 years and over: 9.1% (2024 est.) (male 746,207/female 918,678)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Ecuador. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

2 00 S, 77 30 W

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Heliports

28 (2024)

Natural hazards

frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts

volcanism: volcanic activity concentrated along the Andes Mountains; Sangay (5,230 m), which erupted in 2010, is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (1,476 m), a shield volcano that last erupted in 2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Nevada
Area comparison map

slightly smaller than Nevada

Military service age and obligation

18-22 years of age for selective conscript military service for men, although conscription was suspended in 2008; 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 12-month service obligation (2023)

note: in 2022, women made up an estimated 3-4% of the military

Background

What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito -- the traditional name for the area -- became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty -- New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito -- gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew to become an independent republic in 1830, the traditional name was changed to the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador has had nearly 50 years of civilian governance, the period has been marked by political instability.

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 Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Population below poverty line

25.2% (2022 est.)

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 1.6% (2023 est.)

highest 10%: 33.2% (2023 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, fish, gold (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

USA 22%, China 21%, Panama 12%, Japan 3%, Peru 3% (2023)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora Chinchipe

Agricultural products

bananas, sugarcane, milk, oil palm fruit, maize, rice, plantains, chicken, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Ecuadorian Armed Forces: the Ecuadorian Army (Ejército Ecuatoriano), Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador, Fuerza Naval del Ecuador, FNE; includes naval infantry, naval aviation, coast guard), Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2024)

note: the National Police of Ecuador (Policía Nacional del Ecuador) is under the Ministry of Government/Interior

Budget

revenues: $35.962 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $35.347 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Quito

geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

time zone note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6)

etymology: named after the Quitu, a Pre-Columbian indigenous people credited with founding the city; the name is also a combination of two Tsafiki words: quitso (meaning "center" or "half") + to or tu ("the world"); the combination roughly translates as "center of the world" and reflects the fact that native peoples recognized that at the two annual equinoxes, the overhead sun in that area (only about 20 km (12 mi) north of the equator) did not display any shade and thus must be in the middle of the world

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Coastline

2,237 km

Constitution

history: many previous; latest approved 20 October 2008

amendment process: 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

Exchange rates

the US dollar became Ecuador's currency in 2001

Executive branch

chief of state: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023)

head of government: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (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 9 February 2025 with a runoff scheduled for 13 April 2025 (next to be held 28 February 2029); 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:
2025: First round election results elected president; percent of vote - Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 44.2%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 44%, Leonidas IZA (MUPP) 5.3%, other 6.5%; NOBOA and GONZÁLEZ advance to the second round scheduled to be held 13 April 2025

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%

note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Flag description

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice

note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms

Illicit drugs

Ecuador is a major transit country for cocaine destined for the United States and other international destinations; criminal groups traffic cocaine precursor chemicals for drug gangs; not a major drug producing country; a major source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics

Independence

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

Industries

petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals

Judicial branch

highest court(s): National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (consists of 21 judges, including the chief justice and organized into 5 specialized chambers); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (consists of the court president and 8 judges)

judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms

subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts

Land boundaries

total: 2,237 km

border countries (2): Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km

Land use

agricultural land: 21.5% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: arable land: 3.9% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops: 5.5% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture: 12.1% (2022 est.)

forest: 49.8% (2022 est.)

other: 28.7% (2022 est.)

Legal system

civil law based on the Chilean civil code with modifications; traditional law in indigenous communities

Legislative branch

legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)

legislative structure: unicameral

number of seats: 151 (all directly elected)

electoral system: proportional representation

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 4 years

most recent election date: 2/9/2025

parties elected and seats per party: Citizen Revolution Movement (RC) (51); Movimiento Construye (MC25) (28); National Democratic Action (ADN) (14); Social Christian Party (PSC) (8); Let’s Act (8); Other (28)

percentage of women in chamber: 43.1%

expected date of next election: February 2029

note 1: all Assembly members have alternates from the same party who cast votes when a primary member is absent, resigns, or is removed from office

note 2: 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 after President Guillermo LASSO dissolved the National Assembly by decree on 17 May 2023; a return to a regular election cycle will occur in February 2025

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.9%

male: 94.9%

female: 93.1% (2022)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

note: Ecuador has declared its right to extend its continental shelf to 350 nm measured from the baselines of the Galapagos Archipelago

International organization participation

CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

National holiday

Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Nationality

noun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Natural resources

petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Geography - note

note 1: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

note 2: genetic research indicates that the cherry-sized tomato originated in Ecuador without any human domestication; later domestication in Mexico transformed the plant into the large modern tomato; archeological research indicates that the cacao tree, whose seeds are used to make chocolate and which was long thought to have originated in Mesoamerica, was first domesticated in the upper Amazon region of northwest South America -- present-day Ecuador -- about 3,300 B.C.

Economic overview

highly informal South American economy; USD currency user; major banana exporter; hard hit by COVID-19; macroeconomic fragility from oil dependency; successful debt restructuring; China funding budget deficits; social unrest hampering economic activity

Pipelines

485 km extra heavy crude, 123 km gas, 2,131 km oil, 1,526 km refined products (2017)

Political parties

Actuemos Ecuador or Actuemos
AMIGO movement, Independent Mobilizing Action Generating Opportunities (Movimiento AMIGO (Acción Movilizadora Independiente Generando Oportunidades)) or AM16O
Avanza Party or AVANZA
Central Democratic Movement or CD
Citizen Revolution Movement or MRC or RC5
Creating Opportunities Movement or CREO
Democratic Left or ID
Democracy Yes Movement (Movimiento Democracia Si)
For A Country Without Fear (Por Un País Sin Miedo) (an alliance including PSC, CD, and PSP)
Green Movement (Movimiento Verde)
Movimiento Construye or Construye
National Democratic Action (Acción Democrática Nacional) or ADN
Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement or MUPP
Patriotic Society Party or PSP
People, Equality, and Democracy Party (Partido Pueblo, Igualdad y Democracia) or PID
Popular Unity Party (Partido Unidad Popular) or UP
Revolutionary and Democratic Ethical Green Movement (Movimiento Verde Ético Revolucionario y Democrático) or MOVER
Social Christian Party or PSC
Socialist Party
Society United for More Action or SUMA
Total Renovation Movement (Movimiento Renovacion Total) or RETO

Suffrage

18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-18, over 65, and other eligible voters, voluntary

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: Ecuador has a small telecom market dominated by the mobile sector; the evolution of the market has been influenced by the poor fixed-line infrastructure, which has stymied the development of fixed-line broadband services; to some extent poor infrastructure has been the result of topographical challenges which have rendered the cost of deploying networks to remote and mountainous areas prohibitive; although Ecuador has several fixed-line operators and a large number of ISPs, the state-owned incumbent leads the fixed-line market, and thus also the fixed broadband market; thus far the MVNO sector has been slow to develop, partly because the incumbent operators also have their low-cost brands and thus there is little business case for new market entrants; the government is keen to advance and improve teledensity; from 2022, additional revenue will be earmarked for programs aimed at expanding the reach of internet and mobile services in rural areas of the country; Ecuador lacks a national 5G roadmap; the mobile operators have conducted several 5G pilots, but no progress has been made on allocation spectrum for 5G, or on developing strategies to encourage investment in the sector (2022)

domestic: according to 2021 statistics from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, 50 percent of Ecuadorian homes do not have access to fixed internet; fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service with a subscribership of nearly 94 per 100 persons (2021)

international: country code - 593; landing points for the SPSC (Mistral Submarine Cable), Panamerican Cable System (PAN-AM), Pacific Caribbean Cable System (PCCS), America Movil-Telxius West Coast Cable and SAm-1 submarine (SAm-1) cables that provide links to South and Central America, and extending onward to the Caribbean and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019)

Terrain

coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Government type

presidential republic

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador

conventional short form: Ecuador

local long form: República del Ecuador

local short form: Ecuador

etymology: the country's position on the globe, straddling the Equator, accounts for its Spanish name

Location

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Map references

South America

Irrigated land

12,520 sq km (2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Cristian ESPINOSA Cañizares (since 18 September 2024)

chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200

FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893

email address and website:
eecuusanotifications@mmrree.gob.ec

Contact – Washington (cancilleria.gob.ec)

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis (MN), New Haven (CT), New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Juan (PR)

Internet users

percent of population: 73% (2023 est.)

according to 2021 statistics from Ecuador's Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, 50% of homes do not have access to fixed internet

Internet country code

.ec

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 65,854 (Colombia) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2021); 474,945 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2023)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$118.845 billion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: B- (2020)

Moody's rating: Caa3 (2020)

Standard & Poors rating: B- (2020)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

442.4 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 64.8% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Broadcast media

the Communication Council, an official entity, carried out a media registry in Ecuador in December 2020.  It registered 956 media outlets, 89% are private, 5% are public and 6% belong to small communities. The government controls most of the 44 public media, this includes national media and multiple local radio stations. In addition, of the 956 registered media, 58% are radio and 18% print. Two provinces have the largest number of media outlets: Guayas has 172 media outlets and Pichincha has 130 media outlets. (2020) so also sent to the National Assembly a new regulation proposal that is still under discussion.

(2022)

Drinking water source

improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 87.1% of population

total: 95.4% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 12.9% of population

total: 4.6% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Salve, Oh Patria!" (We Salute You, Our Homeland)

lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE

note: adopted 1948; Juan Leon MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Ecuador. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

3.142 million Guayaquil, 1.957 million QUITO (capital) (2023)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

2.22 physicians/1,000 population (2017)

Hospital bed density

1.4 beds/1,000 population (2016)

National symbol(s)

Andean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red

Demographic profile

Ecuador’s high poverty and income inequality most affect indigenous, mixed race, and rural populations.  The government has increased its social spending to ameliorate these problems, but critics question the efficiency and implementation of its national development plan.  Nevertheless, the conditional cash transfer program, which requires participants’ children to attend school and have medical check-ups, has helped improve educational attainment and health care among poor children.  Ecuador’s total fertility rate – the average number of children born per woman – is just below replacement level as of 2023, but its population is continuing to grow.

Ecuador continues to be both a country of emigration and immigration. The first large-scale emigration of largely undocumented Ecuadorians occurred between 1980 and 2000, when an economic crisis drove Ecuadorians from southern provinces to New York City, where they had connections from the earlier Panama hat trade. Emigration from all parts of Ecuador in the late 1990s was caused by another economic downturn, political instability, and a currency crisis. Spain was the logical destination because of its shared language and the wide availability of low-skilled, informal jobs at a time when increased border surveillance made illegal migration to the US difficult. Ecuador became Spain’s second largest immigrant source country. The bulk of Ecuadorian emigration, however, occurred between 2000 and 2007, largely to the US, Spain, and Italy.  Emigration has again surged since 2017, as economic problems, high unemployment, poverty, and violence have lead thousands of Ecuadorian migrants and refugees to head to the US.  As of 2021, Ecuadorians were the fourth-highest nationality coming into contact with US Customs and Border Protection at the US-Mexico border. Most Ecuadorian migrants and refugees traverse the dangerous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama to reach Mexico. Although Mexico reinstated a visa requirement in September 2021, Ecuadorians continue to enter Mexico illegally and then travel to the US or Canada.  Some wind up staying in Mexico if their journeys north fail. Emigrants represent 8-10% of Ecuador’s population, as of 2021. 

Ecuador hosts one of the region’s largest refugee populations.  From 2000-2005, Colombians arrived in growing numbers to escape armed conflict, and they have continued to immigrate to Ecuador steadily.  Between 2008, when Ecuador lifted visa requirements for all countries, and 2016, immigrants entered from Haiti, Cuba, and other continents.  The influx of Venezuelans began in 2017, and, as of May 2022, Ecuador was home to the third-largest community of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in the world at over half a million.  Immigrants and refugees account for 3-5% of the Ecuador’s population, as of 2021.

Contraceptive prevalence rate

77.9% (2018/19)

note: percent of women aged 15-50

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 64.3% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 13.9% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 19.7% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.8% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 29.1% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -28.8% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 50.9

youth dependency ratio: 39.4

elderly dependency ratio: 11.5

potential support ratio: 8.7 (2021 est.)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: yes

citizenship by descent only: yes

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years

Population distribution

nearly half of the population is concentrated in the interior in the Andean intermontane basins and valleys, with large concentrations also found along the western coastal strip; the rainforests of the east remain sparsely populated

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 7 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 35

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,365,261 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 64.2 million (2018) mt-km

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HC

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 96.9% of population

total: 98.9% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 3.1% of population

total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 77.5%, Montubio 7.7%, Indigenous 7.7%, White 2.2%, Afroecuadorian 2%, Mulatto 1.4%, Black 1.3%, other 0.1% (2022 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 68.2%, Protestant 19% (Evangelical 18.3%, Adventist 0.6%, other Protestant 0.2%), Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other 2.3%, none 8.2% don't know/no response 1% (2023 est.)

Languages

Spanish (Castilian; official) 98.6%, indigenous 3.9% (Quechua 3.2%, other indigenous 0.7%), foreign 2.8%, other 0.6% (includes Ecuadorian sign language) (2022 est.)

major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note 1: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census

note 2: Quechua and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; other indigenous languages are in official use by indigenous peoples in the areas they inhabit
Spanish audio sample

Imports - partners

USA 27%, China 20%, Colombia 7%, Brazil 4%, Peru 4% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Military - note

the military is responsible for preserving Ecuador’s national sovereignty and defending the integrity of the state; it also has some domestic security responsibilities and may complement police operations in maintaining public order if required; the military shares responsibility for border enforcement with the National Police; it participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises and has sent troops on UN peacekeeping missions; the military has defense ties to regional countries, such as Chile, Colombia, and Peru, and security ties with the US have been revived in recent years

border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s and border security remains a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have included counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, have spilled over the border; the military has established a joint service task force for counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations and boosted troop deployments along those borders; other missions include countering illegal mining, smuggling, and maritime piracy; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has expanded the military’s role in general public security and domestic crime operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectiveness 

the Joint Command of the Armed Forces (El Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas or CCFFAA) is the military’s highest body for planning, preparation, and strategic conduct of military operations; the chief of the CCFFAA is appointed by the president; the military is deployed throughout the country in five joint service operational commands or task forces; it also has a cyber defense command 

the military ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010 (2024)

Elevation

highest point: Chimborazo 6,267

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,117 m

note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level

Current health expenditure

8.3% of GDP (2021)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 40,000 active military personnel (2024)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military's inventory includes a diverse mix of older and smaller quantities of more modern equipment derived from a variety of sources such as Brazil, China, France, Italy, Germany, Russia/Soviet-Union, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2024)

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 1.29 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 550 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 8.8 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,297,211 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 683,340 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.9% (2015 est.)

Average household expenditures

on food: 25.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

on alcohol and tobacco: 0.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 16.55 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 41.15 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 23.51 megatons (2020 est.)

Major watersheds (area sq km)

Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km)

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 5 (3 cultural, 2 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Quito (c); Galápagos Islands (n); Historic Cuenca (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c); Sangay National Park (n)

Child marriage

women married by age 15: 3.8%

women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018 est.)

Coal

consumption: 21,000 metric tons (2022 est.)

exports: 100 metric tons (2022 est.)

imports: 21,000 metric tons (2022 est.)

proven reserves: 24 million metric tons (2022 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 19% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

hydroelectricity: 79.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

Natural gas

production: 309.778 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

consumption: 309.778 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

proven reserves: 10.902 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 480,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 225,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 8.273 billion barrels (2021 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.08 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

55.1% (2023 est.)

Remittances

4.59% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.07% of GDP (2022 est.)
4.07% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Space program overview

has a small program focused on acquiring or manufacturing satellites; builds scientific satellites; conducts research and develops some space-related technologies; has established relations with the space agencies and industries of China and Russia, as well as the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) and its member states (2024)

note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide

Space agency/agencies

Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA; a civilian independent research and development institution in charge of the administration and execution of Ecuador’s space program, established 2007); Ecuadorian Space Institute (established 2012, disbanded 2018) (2024)

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 1

global geoparks and regional networks: Imbabura (2023)

Ports

total ports: 6 (2024)

large: 0

medium: 0

small: 2

very small: 4

ports with oil terminals: 5

key ports: Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Puerto Maritimo de Guayaquil

Labor force

8.823 million (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 7.2% (2023 est.)

male: 5.9% (2023 est.)

female: 9.4% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

-1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 28 years (2024 est.)

male: 27 years

female: 28.9 years

Debt - external

$42.649 billion (2023 est.)

note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

Maternal mortality ratio

66 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$4.442 billion (2023 est.)
$8.459 billion (2022 est.)
$7.912 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Waterways

1,500 km (2012) (most inaccessible)

Public debt

45.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.21 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Military expenditures

2% of GDP (2023 est.)
2% of GDP (2022 est.)
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.2% of GDP (2019 est.)

Unemployment rate

3.37% (2023 est.)
3.76% (2022 est.)
4.55% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 18,309,984

male: 9,023,170

female: 9,286,814 (2024 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

31.306 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 56,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 30.637 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 613,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

Area

total : 283,561 sq km

land: 276,841 sq km

water: 6,720 sq km

note: includes Galapagos Islands

Taxes and other revenues

13.04% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$260.213 billion (2023 est.)
$254.226 billion (2022 est.)
$239.415 billion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Roadways

total: 43,950 km

paved: 8,895 km

unpaved: 35,055 km (2022)

Airports

310 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 11.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 18.2 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

44.6 (2023 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.22% (2023 est.)
3.47% (2022 est.)
0.13% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

$2.229 billion (2023 est.)
$2.093 billion (2022 est.)
$3.036 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$14,500 (2023 est.)
$14,300 (2022 est.)
$13,500 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 2.89 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 11.3% (2020 est.)

male: 18.4% (2020 est.)

female: 4.2% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

19.9% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

30.111 million Btu/person (2022 est.)

Death rate

7.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

17.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 8.377 million kW (2022 est.)

consumption: 27.702 billion kWh (2022 est.)

exports: 524 million kWh (2022 est.)

imports: 363.8 million kWh (2022 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 4.783 billion kWh (2022 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 154 (2023)

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 28, other 117

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

5.2% (2018/19)

Imports

$34.562 billion (2023 est.)
$36.051 billion (2022 est.)
$28.128 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$34.672 billion (2023 est.)
$35.944 billion (2022 est.)
$29.037 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 1.434 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 3.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 74.9 years (2024 est.)

male: 69.7 years

female: 80.4 years

Real GDP growth rate

2.36% (2023 est.)
6.19% (2022 est.)
9.82% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

-0.64% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Railways

total: 965 km (2022)

narrow gauge: 965 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge

note: passenger service limited to certain sections of track, mostly for tourist trains

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 7.7% (2023 est.)

industry: 26.9% (2023 est.)

services: 59.7% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0.27% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

3.7% of GDP (2021 est.)

Population growth rate

0.94% (2024 est.)
Sources: