Ecuador

South America

Ecuador is a country in South America, home to 18.1 million people, with an area of 283,561 km². Its capital is Quito.

Capital: Quito
Population: 18.1 million
Area: 283,561 km²
Region: South America
Density: 63.8 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Ecuador · South America · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Ecuador is known for

Ecuador is best known for The Galapagos Islands, The Amazon Rainforest and The Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Ecuador is a country located in the northwest of South America, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador is known for its diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountain range, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Ecuador at a glance

Language: Spanish is the official language, but there are also several indigenous languages spoken
Currency: US dollar (since 2000)
Religion: Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, but there is also a significant Protestant population
National dish: Ceviche (a seafood dish typically made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers)
Climate: Ecuador's climate varies depending on the region, with a tropical climate along the coast and in the Amazon region, and a cooler climate in the Andes. The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate
Main industries: Oil production, agriculture, and tourism
GDP: $109.7 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Ecuador is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 87 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Ecuador

Some of the main tourist attractions in Ecuador include:

The Galapagos Islands a group of volcanic islands located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador that are home to unique wildlife species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
The Amazon Rainforest a vast area of tropical rainforest that covers much of Ecuador's eastern region and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes a stretch of the Andes mountain range that is home to numerous active and dormant volcanoes.
Quito's Old Town a historic district in the capital city of Quito that is home to many well-preserved colonial-era buildings.
Ingapirca an Inca archaeological site located in southern Ecuador that features a complex of stone structures and buildings.
Cotopaxi National Park a national park located in the Andes that features the Cotopaxi volcano, the second-highest peak in Ecuador.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Ecuador has to offer. The country's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming people make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Ecuador in pictures

Ecuador on video

The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.

Ecuador compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Venezuela	28.4 million	916,445 km²	Caracas
Chile	19.8 million	756,102 km²	Santiago
Ecuador	18.1 million	283,561 km²	Quito
Bolivia	12.4 million	1,098,581 km²	Sucre