By A Web Design
Destinations South America Ecuador
Ecuador is a South American country bordered by Columbia in the north, Peru in the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. Ecuador has a land area of 276,840 sq. km. Galapagos Islands also form a part of Ecuador and is famous for their wildlife. Ecuador has a coastline of about 2,237 km. This country has a republican form of government, and Quito is the capital city, located at an altitude of 2,820 meters.
Ecuador has a population of just over 13 million people (July 2011estimate). The main ethnic groups are mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) at 65 percent and Amerindian at 25 percent of the population. Spanish and others constitute 7 percent of the population while blacks are 3 percent. At least 95 percent of the people of Ecuador are Roman Catholic. Spanish is the official language, and Amerindian languages are also spoken, especially Quechua. Ecuador has a population growth of 1.24 percent and the infant mortality rate is 23.66 deaths to1,000 live births. Ecuador has a life expectancy of 76.21 years and has a literacy rate of 92.5 percent.
Ecuador gained independence from Spain on May 24, 1822. The Independence Day is celebrated on August 10th. For administrative purposes, Ecuador is divided into 22 provinces. The country has a gross domestic product of $49.51 billion. Agriculture occupies 8.7 percent and industry occupies 30.5 percent of the GDP. The service sector occupies 60.9 percent of the GDP. Ecuador has an urban labor force of 4.53 million. The service sector accounts for 68 percent of the work force while industry accounts for 24 percent of the work force. Only 8 percent of the labor force is employed in the agricultural sector. According to 2001 estimates, 45 percent of the population of Ecuador is below the poverty line.
The main industries of Ecuador are petroleum, chemicals, food processing, textiles, timber, and the main agricultural produces include bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, tapioca, plantains, and sugarcane. Livestock includes cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, and pork. The main export commodities of Ecuador are petroleum, bananas, cut flowers and shrimp while the main import commodities include vehicles, medicinal products, telecommunications equipment, and electricity. The main export partners are the U.S., which accounts for 42.9 percent of all exports. The other main export partners are Panama 14.3 percent, Peru 7.9 percent and Italy 4.6 percent. The United States is the main import partner of Ecuador. The other main import partners include Colombia, China, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Japan, and Mexico.
These are a must see, but Ecuador also has many exciting and interesting places to explore during an Ecuador vacation. Here are the top 4 places a visitor to Ecuador on a Latin American travel adventure must see.
1. Baños. Baños is a mini tropical paradise, full of waterfalls and outdoor adventure opportunities. Baños sits between the Rio Pastaza and several volcanoes, a truly beautiful location. The small town feel of the city is almost as charming as its surroundings and the city is full with nice bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. One of the most popular things to do in Baños is simply to visit all of the nearby waterfalls. There are over 60 of them! The Manto de la Virgen waterfall is close in town, toward the southeast section, and a good first waterfall to visit. There is even a "Route of the Waterfalls" that you can follow that will take you through green mountain peaks and past at least 20 waterfalls. When you tire of that, you can relax in some of the area's thermals baths.
2. Cuenca. Cuenca is Ecuador's colonial treasure and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO. The city is full of charming cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, making a simple stroll around town a pleasing activity. The town was originally an Inca town called Tomebamba, but refounded by the Spaniards in 1557. Cuenca has been called the "Athens of Ecuador" both for its classic beauty and for its history of housing philosophers, artists, and writers.
3. The Galapagos. No trip to Ecuador is complete without a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. Visiting this location takes more planning and is more expensive than other Ecuador locations, but it is worth it if you are an animal lover. On the Galapagos you can walk side-by-side with massive wild animals that have little to no fear of humans. Tortoises, iguanas, and sea lions are just a few of the creatures you're sure to get a fabulous photo with. These islands are also home to unique bird species, such as the blue-footed boobie.
4. Guayaquil. Guayaquil is located on the southern coast of Ecuador and is often the launching point for Galapagos expeditions. The city is bustling with shops, companies, and visitors, a typical busy port town. The climate here is tropical, hot, and steamy. The town has a very lively nightlife and a lovely malecon for visitors to stroll along.
