Country Profile: Ecuador

Ecuador, located in western South America on the equator, is bordered by Colombia and Peru with a significant coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The country has a diverse population of approximately 18.3 million, predominantly of Mestizo descent. Its economy relies heavily on agriculture and petroleum but has been affected by political instability and macroeconomic challenges in recent years. Ecuador operates as a presidential republic, showcasing a vibrant political landscape marked by social unrest and periodic elections.

Geography

Ecuador is characterized by diverse terrains including coastal plains, central highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. It spans an area of 283,561 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Nevada, with significant geographic features including the Andes mountains. The country experiences a tropical climate along the coast, transitioning to cooler inland temperatures at higher elevations.

283,561 sq km: Total land area.
2,237 km: Total coastline.
6,720 sq km: Water area, including the Galapagos Islands.
4.1%: Arable land as part of agricultural use (2023).
49.8%: Forest cover (2023).
Highest Point: Chimborazo at 6,267 m.

People and Society

Ecuador has a population of approximately 18.3 million people, with a median age of 28 years. The society is culturally diverse, with a significant majority identifying as Mestizo. Spanish is the official language, while Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. Urbanization is notable, with over 64% of the population living in urban areas.

18,309,984: Total population (2024 est.).
96.3%: Literacy rate (2022).
74.9 years: Average life expectancy (2024 est.).
64.8%: Urban population (2023).
17.7: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2024 est.).
8.3%: Government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021).

Economy

Ecuador's economy is primarily informal and heavily relies on oil and agriculture, notably bananas, making it susceptible to global market fluctuations. The country utilizes the US dollar as its official currency, reflecting its integration with international trade. Recent economic recovery efforts have included successful debt restructuring and increased aid from China.

$252.728 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
4.8%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$13,900: Real GDP per capita (PPP) in 2024.
26%: Population living below the poverty line (2023).
2%: Projected GDP growth rate (2023).
$38.468 billion: Total exports estimated for 2024.

Government

Ecuador is a presidential republic, with the president acting as both the head of state and government. The National Assembly is unicameral, comprising 151 members. The country has a history of political instability, but it continues to maintain regular electoral cycles and civil governance.

President: Daniel NOBOA Azin (since November 2023).
24: Number of provinces.
18-65 years: Age range for mandatory voting.
2008: Year the current constitution was approved.
151: Seats in the National Assembly.
2/9/2025: Date of the next scheduled election.

Military and Security

Ecuador maintains a professional military structure comprising ground, naval, and air forces, with approximately 40,000 active personnel. The military is tasked with national defense and has increasingly been involved in domestic security operations amid rising violence related to drug trafficking and organized crime.

2.2%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
18-22 years: Age for conscription, though suspended since 2008.
40,000: Active military personnel (2025).
5: Key ports with oil terminals.
Counterinsurgency: Increasing role alongside police in domestic security.

Energy

Ecuador's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, providing 75.4% of its total installed capacity. The country has made significant strides in electrification, achieving 100% access to electricity for its population.

8.438 million kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
29.305 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
480,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023).
14,000 metric tons: Coal consumption (2023).
271.053 million cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023).

Environment

Ecuador faces various environmental challenges including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, particularly in the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change.

38.286 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.
21.5%: Agricultural land as a percentage of total land (2023).
442.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
28%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

Ecuador has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a network of airports, railways, and ports. The country has 317 airports and a significant merchant marine fleet that supports its export economy.

965 km: Total railway length (2022).
317: Total number of airports (2025).
154: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
6: Total ports (2024).

Communications

Ecuador’s communication landscape includes a growing number of internet users and mobile subscriptions, although disparities in access remain. The media is predominantly private, with a significant concentration in urban areas.

77%: Percentage of internet users by population (2024).
18.2 million: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
1.434 million: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
956: Media outlets operating in Ecuador (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	18,309,984	Estimated for 2024
Area	283,561 sq km	Total land area
Real GDP (PPP)	$252.728 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.8%	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with access (2022 est.)
Total Exports	$38.468 billion	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	74.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	96.3%	Estimated for 2022
Military Expenditure	2.2% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	64.8%	Of total population (2023)