Ecuador
Location: Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru.
Area: total: 283,560 sq km, includes Galapagos Islands.
Coastline: 2,237 km.
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m,
highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m.
Nature in Ecuador
Climate: tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands.
Natural resources: petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower.
Natural hazards: frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts.
People
Population: 13,927,650
Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Indian and white) 65%, Indian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%.
Languages: Spanish (official), Indian languages (especially Quechua).
Government
Government type: republic
Capital: Quito
Independence: 24 May 1822
Current leader: Rafael Correa.…
