SPANISH SPEAKING COUNTRY

ECUADOR

Ecuador, about equal in area to Nevada, is in the northwest part of South America fronting on the Pacific. To the north is Colombia and to the east and south is Peru. Two high and parallel ranges of the Andes, traversing the country from north to south, are topped by tall volcanic peaks. The highest is Chimborazo at 20,577 ft (6,272 m). The Galpagos Islands (or Coln 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 1832.

history
y

Ecuador was long inhabited by local tribes for thousands of years when the Incan Empire arrived. They fought off the Incas for some years but the Incan Empire took control of the area in the 1400s. A century later in 1534, Spanish conquistadors arrived. They defeated the Incas and took control of the land. For many years the area was part of the Spanish Empire. The natives suffered greatly from disease brought by the Europeans and were often forced to work for the Spanish colonists. The city of Quito was a major city of the time and is today identified as a World Cultural Heritage Site.In 1822, the area gained independence from Spain when Simon Bolivar and his armies defeated the Spanish. At first the land was part of the larger group of countries called Gran Columbia, but in 1830 Ecuador became a separate independent country. Ecuador and Peru have long had battles and disputes over their borders. This lasted until 1999, when some agreement was come to on the current borders. Ecuador went through a period of internal unrest during the 1970s when the country was under direct military rule.

food
Ecuador Food mainly includes a great variety of fruits and vegetables, as there are plenty of them. Ecuador is greatly recognized for its exotic fruits, high quality fish and Seafood and the innumerable varieties of Andean potatoes. All over the country, you will find a wide frequency of national and regional dishes, which include lemon marinated shrimp, toasted corn and patties stuffed with minced spicy meat.Ecuadorian Food is for all, be with a low or a high budget. Those with a low budget can opt for the combo meals or set meals and can still enjoy the wide variety of taste. Normally lunch and dinner with soup, meat in main course and dessert come up to 1 $. There are choices for vegetarians as well. There is a wide range of breads, pastries, savory snacks and cheese or meat filled patties. Potato and cheese pancakes known asllapingachos are delicacies.

festivals
As Ecuadorian culture has strong roots in the Roman Catholic Church, it is little surprise that virtually all Ecuadorians celebrate Carnaval, the precursor and antithesis to the 40 days of abstinence that precede the religious holidaySemana Santa(Easter week). Known for their animated parties and celebrations, Ecuadorians useCarnaval to wear out their carnal desires before embarking on the arduous journey of discretion that leads up to the holy week. In addition to Carnaval and Semana Santa, the Andean Highlands' most important festivals are the Mama Negra celebration in Latacunga (November), a pagan celebration dating back to the Spanish conquest during which men dress up as black women (really!), and the Otavalo celebrations of Inti Raymi (June) and Yamor (early September). Inti Raymi and Yamor both display a rich combination of indigenous cosmovision and Roman Catholicism.

CURRENCY

According to the current currency conversion rate of Ecuador, 25000 Sucre is equal to 1 US dollar. The money that is circulated includes notes and coins. Notes are of the denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 while the coins are found in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. Other valuable information about Ecuador Currency It is important to know that in Ecuador, the exchange of Foreign Currencies is generally made in the exchange houses and banks. In the main cities of the country such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, the travelers can exchange their currencies and checks conveniently. ATMs are also available in almost all parts of the country. One important thing to be noted about the exchange of foreign currencies in Ecuador is that there are absolutely no restrictions of the import or export of foreign currencies. Credit cards, mainly Visa and Master Cards are also easily accepted in Ecuador. US Dollar was adopted as Ecuador Currency with the aim of affecting some improvement in the economic condition of the country, thereby accelerating the process of poverty elimination.

CULTURE
Contemporary Ecuadorian culture has distinct roots in its rich and multiethnic history. Ecuador's population is estimated to be 13,927,650, with a less than 1% annual growth rate. The population is ethnically mixed: 65% mestizo (mixed indigenous - Caucasian), 25% Indigenous, 10% Caucasian, 7% African, and 3% Black. (Source: the CIA World Factbook.) Although the population was heavily concentrated in the Andes highlands region a few decades ago, today it is divided about equally between that area and the coast. Migration toward cities - particularly Quito and Quayaquil- in all regions has increased the urban population to more than 50%. The rainforest region to the east of the mountains remains the most sparsely populated of Ecuador's three continental regions and contains only about 3% of the population. The various groups of people who have come to settle in Ecuador - from Europe, Africa and elsewhere- and the country's many indigenous groups have all contributed to Ecuadorian culture as it is today. From the rich and varied food traditions to customs for celebrating various holidays and religous festivities, Ecuador's culture is a pleasure to explore.

Famous touristic places

1.Quito 2.Otavalo 3.Avenue of volcanoes 4.Cuenca 5.Oriente region 6.Beaches 7.Galapagos islands

Famous people

Juan Jose Flores y Aramburu Eugenio Espejo Eduardo Kingman Fanny Carrion de Fierro Luis Miranda Jefferson Perez Rafael Correa

flag

The current flag of Ecuador was officially adopted on September 26, 1860. The red, green and blue are the colors of Francisco de Miranda, the South American revolutionist and adventurer. Yellow is the color of the federation, red is said to indicate courage and blue symbolizes independence from Spain. The centered coat of arms is topped with a condor.

President Rafael Correa Delgad

Government

The 2008 constitution provides for 4-year terms of office for the president, vice president, and members of the National Assembly. Presidents may be consecutively re-elected for an additional term. The executive branch currently includes 38 cabinet members, (including coordinating ministries with inter-governmental responsibility and national secretariats). Provincial leaders (called prefects) and councilors, mayors, city councilors, and rural parish boards are directly elected. The National Assembly elected in April 2009 replaced the interim Legislative Commission on July 31, 2009. The National Assembly is unicameral with 124 total legislators. The seven members of the Citizen Participation Council, under the transparency and social participation branch of government, were sworn in on March 18, 2010, for a 5-year term. Justices of the National Court of Justice will be selected by a Judicial Council through a meritbased process for a 9-year term, with no immediate reappointment. A special committee, composed of members selected by all branches of government, will appoint the members of the Constitutional Court to serve a 9-year term, with no reappointment

Population: 15,007,343 (July 2011 est.) Contemporary Ecuadorian culture has distinct roots in its rich and multiethnic history. Ecuador's population is estimated to be 13,927,650, with a less than 1% annual growth rate. The population is ethnically mixed: 65% mestizo (mixed indigenous - Caucasian), 25% Indigenous, 10% Caucasian, 7% African, and 3% Black. (Source: the CIA World Factbook.) Although the population was heavily concentrated in the Andes highlands region a few decades ago, today it is divided about equally between that area and the coast. Migration toward cities - particularly Quito and Quayaquil- in all regions has increased the urban population to more than 50%. The rainforest region to the east of the mountains remains the most sparsely populated of Ecuador's three continental regions and contains only about 3% of the population. The various groups of people who have come to settle in Ecuador - from Europe, Africa and elsewhere- and the country's many indigenous groups have all contributed to Ecuadorian culture as it is today. From the rich and varied food traditions to customs for celebrating various holidays and religous festivities, Ecuador's culture is a pleasure to explore.

population

national symbols
national flower Animal and bird Colors mountain tree river symbol sport name rose Andean Condor Yellow , blue , red Chimborazo no idea amazon Steam Boat on the Amazon River Football ( soccer )

capital
The Capital of Ecuador is located in the south of Equator at an altitude of 285m. Quito lies on the northern part of Ecuador in the Guayllabamba basin which is situated in the eastern base of base of the Pichincha Volcano. Quito is an earthquake prone city, the reason being its geographical location. The whole of Quito is divided into three separate parts by mountains. History of Quito Being the Capital of Ecuador, Quito has passed through a rich history that really brings out the essence of this city. From the very early days of its existence, Quito has been an important centre of power . It has been inhabited by a number of important races and tribes the most important among them being the Quitus. The very first rulers of Quito were the Incas. Quito was built from the leftover ruins of Inca capital. After Ecuador gains its official independence, Quito was announced to be the official Capital of Ecuador in 1832. Quito, Capital of Ecuador is the second largest city of Ecuador and is also the second highest capital in the world.

pictures