Political overview

Ecuador is a unitary presidential republic with its capital in Quito. The country is administratively divided into 24 provinces and has a multi-party democratic system where national and local politics are strongly shaped by urban centers (Quito and Guayaquil), regional interests, and longstanding indigenous movements that play an active role in public life. Ecuador’s economy and policy debates are often influenced by natural-resource sectors (oil, fishing, agriculture) and by efforts to balance development with social and environmental concerns.

Cultural heritage and identity

Ecuador’s culture is a rich blend of Indigenous (largely Quechua/Kichwa), Spanish colonial, and Afro-Ecuadorian traditions. Its colonial cities most notably the historic center of Quito and the old town of Cuenca feature well-preserved architecture and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Indigenous markets (for example Otavalo), traditional textiles, the toquilla “Panama” hat, local music (pasillo) and cuisine (ceviche, llapingachos, fine cacao/chocolate) are central to national identity. Ecuador is recognized worldwide for this cultural diversity and for living indigenous traditions that remain visible in everyday life.

Geographical landscape, area and climate.

Ecuador (283,561 km²) packs four distinct regions into a compact territory: the coastal Costa, the Andean Sierra (the highlands and the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”), the eastern Oriente (Amazon rainforest), and the Insular Galápagos Islands. Climatic zones range from tropical humid lowlands on the coast and in the Amazon, to cool, temperate conditions in the high Andes creating many microclimates. Globally, Ecuador is most famous for the Galápagos Islands and for being one of the world’s richest countries in biodiversity, which makes it an important destination for wildlife tourism, volcano trekking, and Amazonian ecotourism.