Ecuador Information

Ecuador has the biggest biodiversity per area in the world in a study by Conservation International, Ecuador ranked among 17 countries, alongside the United States, China, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. With 9.2 species per km2. It occupies the first place in the world with regards to species per area.

The richness of Ecuador lies in its Diversity both natural and cultural. Ecuador has 4 diverse and unique regions: the Amazon rainforest, the Highland Andes, the Coast and the Galapagos Archipelago. These four regions are subdivided into provinces. Besides its exuberant biodiversity, Ecuador is home to an impressive variety of ethnic groups, including communities who still practice ancient cultural traditions.

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in America. It lies on both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is divided by the Equator, thus the name of the country.

The climate throughout the country ranges from the tropical equatorial rain in the Amazon to perpetual snow on the top of the mountains cities in the highlands have temperatures that vary from 50ºF to 60ºF while coastal cities' temperatures vary from 60ºF to 80ºF during the day. The weather in the jungle is constant: rainy, humid and warm. The Galapagos Islands are sunny and warm.

With a population of approximately 14,573,100, Ecuador possesses an astounding level of cultural and social diversity within its borders. Currently, Ecuador has an ethnically mixed population consisting of 65% mestizo (mixed indigenous - Caucasian), 25% Indigenous, 10% Caucasian, 7% African, and 3% Black. Ecuador has a calendar of folkloric events and religious festivals which is as diverse as its population: all major cities have annual festivals in celebration of their founding/independence days, and many smaller towns have events honoring saints and virgins which represent a fascinating fusion of indigenous and Catholic traditions.