Ecuador is characterized by great geographical, economic and ethnic diversity. The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. Located in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru.

Area: 283,520 sq km

Population: 12 million

Capital: Quito

People: 40% mestizo, 40% Indian, 15% Spanish descent, 5% African descent

Language: Quechua, Spanish; Castilian,

Religion: Over 90% Roman Catholic, small minority of other Christian denominations

Government: Republic

GDP: US$42,7 billion

Major Industries: Oil, bananas, shrimp, fish, coffee, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing and lumber.

Major Trading Partners: US, Latin America, EU, Asia, and the Caribbean