Ecuador
Ecuador is a presidential republic located on the west coast of South America, characterized by its diverse geography spanning the Amazon, the Andean highlands, and the Galápagos Islands. Current estimates show a population of approximately 18.4 million people with a GDP per capita of 6,602 USD.
Where is Ecuador?
Ecuador
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Ecuador
- Coordinates
- -2.00°, -77.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 18M
- Area
- 276,841 km²
- Density per km²
- 67 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.86%
- Annual growth
- +158.8K people
- Daily growth
- +434.96 people
- World population share
- 0.23%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Ecuador
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Quito
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 276,841 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- United States dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00, UTC-05:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The Ecuadorian economy is heavily influenced by its natural resources, with petroleum and agriculture serving as primary drivers. Recent data indicates a GDP per capita of 6,875 USD and an annual GDP growth rate of -2.0%, reflecting recent challenges in energy supply and political stability. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, and the nation's nominal GDP ranks 63 of 212 globally and 10 of 45 within the Americas. Despite being the world's largest exporter of bananas, the country faces economic pressure due to its dependence on global oil prices and its position as a dollarized economy.
Society
Social development in Ecuador is marked by a life expectancy at birth of 77.6 years, which ranks 77 of 215 globally. The adult literacy rate is approximately 93.5%, placing the country 89 of 170 in the latest ranking, though educational quality remains a point of focus in rural and indigenous regions. Digital connectivity is significant for the region, with 77.2% of the population identified as internet users, ranking 116 of 212 worldwide. These indicators suggest a relatively stable social framework, supported by a population where 63.2% of residents live in urban centers.
Climate & Environment
Ecuador experiences a varied climate ranging from tropical conditions along its 2237 km (1,390 mi) coastline to temperate and alpine environments in the Andes. The country is home to Chimborazo, which reaches 6267 m (20561 ft) and is the point on Earth closest to the sun. Seasonal variations are minimal due to the equatorial location, with weather patterns defined primarily by altitude and the influences of the Humboldt and El Niño currents.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1822-05-24 (Spain)
Ecuador is a presidential republic characterized by a separation of powers across five distinct branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial, Electoral, and Transparency and Social Control. The president, currently Daniel Noboa, serves as both head of state and government, elected to a four-year term. The legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly, which meets in the capital of Quito. The political landscape is a multi-party system where diverse ideologies, from social democracy to conservatism, are represented. The 2008 Constitution introduced significant reforms, including enhanced rights for indigenous populations and the environment. Judicial authority is headed by the National Court of Justice. The country is divided into 24 provinces, each with its own local administration, ensuring that governance reaches from the Pacific coast and the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin. Participation in regional blocs such as the Andean Community and the United Nations remains a central component of its foreign policy and democratic framework.
History
The history of the region dates back to diverse pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Valdivia culture, before it was incorporated into the northern Inca Empire. Spanish conquest in the 1530s led to three centuries of colonial administration based in Quito. The movement for independence gained decisive momentum at the Battle of Pichincha on 24 May 1822, resulting in liberation from Spanish rule. Following a brief period as part of Simon Bolivar's Gran Colombia, the nation emerged as a fully independent republic in 1830. Much of the 19th and 20th centuries involved a struggle between liberal and conservative factions, alongside territorial disputes with Peru. The 1970s brought a transformative oil boom that led to rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion. However, severe economic instability in the late 1990s culminated in a massive banking crisis and the decision to dollarize the economy in 2000. In the modern era, the country has navigated political shifts, including the long tenure of the 'Citizens' Revolution' which focused on social spending and infrastructure. Today, the nation focuses on balancing its rich biodiversity with economic development while addressing social inequality and internal security challenges.
Notable Facts
- The Galapagos Islands, located approximately 1000 km (621 mi) off the mainland, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and served as the laboratory for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
- Mount Chimborazo, the highest point in the country at 6267 m (20561 ft), is the point on Earth closest to the sun because of the equatorial bulge.
- Ecuador was the first country in the world to grant legal rights to nature in its 2008 Constitution, allowing for the protection of ecosystems in a court of law.
- The capital, Quito, sits at an elevation of roughly 2850 m (9350 ft) and contains one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Chimborazo (6,267 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 2,237 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in EcuadorExplore weather and climate data for cities in Ecuador
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Quito
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 10°C | 17°C / 9°C | 30days (311 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 17°C / 10°C | 17°C / 10°C | 28days (320 mm) Wet | 7.4h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| March | 17°C / 10°C | 17°C / 9°C | 31days (362 mm) Wet | 6.7h Fair | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| April | 17°C / 10°C | 18°C / 9°C | 30days (356 mm) Wet | 7.2h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 18°C / 11°C | 19°C / 10°C | 31days (283 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 17°C / 10°C | 18°C / 9°C | 29days (201 mm) Wet | 8.6h Good | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 18°C / 10°C | 18°C / 8°C | 24days (139 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 73% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| August | 18°C / 9°C | 18°C / 8°C | 28days (160 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 73% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| September | 18°C / 10°C | 19°C / 8°C | 27days (186 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 73% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| October | 18°C / 10°C | 18°C / 9°C | 30days (288 mm) Wet | 8.5h Good | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 17°C / 10°C | 17°C / 9°C | 27days (272 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 17°C / 10°C | 17°C / 9°C | 30days (351 mm) Wet | 8.5h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 17°C / 10°C . Feb: 17°C / 10°C . Mar: 17°C / 10°C . Apr: 17°C / 10°C . May: 18°C / 11°C . Jun: 17°C / 10°C . Jul: 18°C / 10°C . Aug: 18°C / 9°C . Sep: 18°C / 10°C . Oct: 18°C / 10°C . Nov: 17°C / 10°C . Dec: 17°C / 10°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 311 mm. Feb: 320 mm. Mar: 362 mm. Apr: 356 mm. May: 283 mm. Jun: 201 mm. Jul: 139 mm. Aug: 160 mm. Sep: 186 mm. Oct: 288 mm. Nov: 272 mm. Dec: 351 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Ecuador is approximately 18M (2024).
The capital of Ecuador is Quito.
Ecuador's GDP per capita is $6.6K (2024).
Life expectancy in Ecuador is 77.58 years (2024).
Ecuador covers 276,841 km² (106,889 sq mi).
Ecuador has a moderate population density of 67 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Ecuador's population is growing steadily at 0.9% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Ecuador falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $6.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Ecuador's intentional homicide rate is 45.7 per 100,000 people, among the highest reported globally.
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.
Ecuador uses the United States dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Current estimates show that Ecuador has a population of approximately 18.4 million people. This population size ranks the country 70 of 215 globally and 7 of 12 within South America. The population is growing at an annual rate of approximately 0.86%, with the majority of people residing in urban areas.
The latest available data indicates a GDP per capita of 6,875 USD, while current estimates for the most recent cycle place it at 6,602 USD. This ranks Ecuador 118 of 212 globally and 9 of 12 in South America. The economy has recently seen a growth rate of -2.0%.
The average life expectancy at birth in Ecuador is 77.6 years. This figure ranks the nation 77 of 215 globally, reflecting relatively high health outcomes for the region. These results are influenced by a large urban population and ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure across the country.
Ecuador maintains an adult literacy rate of 93.5%. This places the country at a rank of 89 of 170 globally according to recent data. While basic literacy is high, the government continues to work on closing educational gaps that persist between urban centers and rural indigenous communities.
Recent data shows the unemployment rate in Ecuador is 3.3%. This ranks the nation 135 of 186 globally in terms of the lowest unemployment figures. While the formal unemployment rate is low, a significant portion of the workforce remains engaged in informal labor and underemployment.
Approximately 77.2% of the population in Ecuador are internet users. This connectivity level ranks the country 116 of 212 globally. Expansion in digital infrastructure, including fiber-optic networks and satellite services, continues to increase access in both coastal cities and the Andean highlands.
The estimated 2026 population of Ecuador is approximately 18 million people, based on recent projections from the latest official 2024 data. This figure reflects a continuing growth trend, though the pace of increase has slowed compared to historical highs in the late 20th century.
Ecuador currently holds a population rank of global 70 of 215 countries, placing it in the top third of nations worldwide. Within its own region, it is ranked 11th in the Americas and is the 7th most populous country among the 12 nations in South America.
The estimated 2026 population density of Ecuador is 74.3 people per km² (192.4 per sq mi), which is relatively high for South America. Most of the population is concentrated in the central Andean highlands and the fertile coastal regions, leaving the eastern Amazon basin more sparsely populated.
Ecuador's population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.86% according to the latest available data. While the population continues to expand due to natural increase, the growth rate has been steadily declining as the nation undergoes a demographic transition toward smaller family sizes.
The current fertility rate in Ecuador is 1.8 births per woman, which is below the global replacement level of 2.1. This decline from previous generations is primarily due to increased urbanization, better access to family planning, and greater educational and professional opportunities for women across the country.
Approximately 63.2% of the population in Ecuador resides in urban areas, according to recent official statistics. This urbanization is centered around the major metropolitan regions of Guayaquil and the capital, Quito, which serve as the primary hubs for the nation's industrial, service, and administrative sectors.
All Indicators
Explore Ecuador's data across 50+ indicators
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