Country Profile: Ecuador

Ecuador, located in western South America, borders the Pacific Ocean at the Equator and is flanked by Colombia and Peru. With a population of approximately 18.3 million, the country's diverse demographics include a majority of Mestizo people, alongside Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities. Ecuador's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports and agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets. Despite periods of political instability, the country has maintained a presidential republic system of governance.

Geography

Ecuador's geography features a unique diversity, including coastal plains, the Andes mountain range, and Amazonian rainforests. The country covers a total area of 283,561 sq km, slightly smaller than Nevada, and has a coastline of 2,237 km. It experiences a tropical climate along the coast and cooler temperatures in inland areas.

2,237 km of coastline.
6,720 sq km of water area, including the Galapagos Islands.
Highest point: Chimborazo at 6,267 m.
49.8% of land is covered by forests (2022).
Natural resources include petroleum, fish, timber, and hydropower.

People and Society

Ecuador has an estimated population of 18,309,984 as of 2024, with a median age of 28 years. The country is characterized by a rich cultural blend, with 77.5% of its population identifying as Mestizo and a significant percentage adhering to Roman Catholicism. Urbanization is rapidly increasing, with approximately 64.8% of the population living in urban areas.

68.2% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic (2023).
Literacy rate stands at 94% (2022).
Population growth rate: 0.94% (2024).
Life expectancy at birth is 74.9 years (2024).
8.3% of GDP is allocated to health expenditure (2021).

Economy

Ecuador's economy is classified as highly informal and heavily dependent on oil, making it susceptible to economic downturns. In 2024, the GDP (PPP) is estimated at $252.728 billion, with a real GDP growth of -2%. Key sectors include agriculture, industry, and services, with significant exports of bananas and crude petroleum.

$13,900 GDP per capita (2024).
4.8% unemployment rate (2024).
Major exports include crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, and fish.
Inflation rate estimated at 1.5% (2024).
26% of the population lives below the poverty line (2023).

Government

Ecuador is a presidential republic with a legal system influenced by the Chilean civil code. The current president, Daniel Noboa Azin, took office in November 2023, overseeing a country administratively divided into 24 provinces. The system supports universal suffrage for citizens aged 18-65 and has a unicameral legislative assembly.

Most recent presidential election was held on 9 February 2025.
The Constitution was last approved on 20 October 2008.
151 members in the National Assembly (as of 2025).

Military and Security

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces comprise ground, naval, and air forces, with approximately 40,000 active personnel. The country allocates 2.2% of GDP to military expenditures. The military plays a vital role in national security and law enforcement, especially concerning narcotrafficking and border security.

Military service is voluntary from the age of 18.
Significant military focus includes counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations.

Energy

Ecuador boasts 100% electricity access, relying heavily on hydroelectric power for its energy needs. In 2023, the installed capacity reached 8.438 million kW, supporting both consumption and exports.

75.4% of installed capacity is derived from hydroelectric sources.
Petroleum production is at 480,000 bbl/day (2023).

Environment

Environmental challenges in Ecuador include deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The country participates in multiple international environmental agreements and has significant biodiversity, especially in the Galapagos Islands.

49.8% of land is forested (2022).
Major environmental issues include water pollution from oil production.

Transportation

Ecuador has a network of transportation options, including 317 airports and 965 km of railways primarily used for tourist services. The merchant marine totals 154 vessels, emphasizing the importance of maritime transport.

Total ports: 6, with significant operations in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas.

Communications

Ecuador has a growing communications infrastructure, with 77% of the population using the internet and a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions.

18.2 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,309,984 (2024 est.)
Area	283,561 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$252.728 billion (2024)
GDP per capita	$13,900 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	4.8% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	74.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	94% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate	1.5% (2024 est.)
Urban population	64.8% (2023)
Population below poverty line	26% (2023 est.)