History of Modern Latin America

History of Latin America - Ecuador

The republic of Ecuador became an independent nation in 1830. Its small area of about 108,000 square miles (280,000 square kilometers) gives it a limited range of natural resources.
Its small population of about 9 million also limits the size of the domestic market. It is bounded on the north by Colombia and surrounded on the east and south by Peru, with which it has had frequent border disputes. Since 1973 it has benefited from petroleum exports that have stimulated both industrialization and increasing urban migration.

Offical Name. Republic of Ecuador.
Capital. Quito.
Area. 108,624 square miles (281,335 square kilometers).
Population (1985 census). 8,604,000; 79 persons per square mile (31 persons per square kilometer); 49 percent urban, 51 percent rural.
Major Language. Spanish (official).
Major Religion. Roman Catholicism.
Literacy. 85 percent.

Highest Peak. Chimborazo.
Major Rivers. Aguarico, Curaray, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Napo, Pastaza, Zamora.

Form of Government. Republic.
Head of State and Government. President.
Legislature. National Congress.
Voting Qualifications. Voting is compulsory for citizens over age 18 who are literate.
Political Divisions. 20 provinces.
Major Cities (1982 census). Guayaquil (1,204,532), Quito (890,355), Cuenca (157,213), Ambato (112,775), Machala (105,283).

Chief Manufactured and Mined Products. Cement, copper, processed foods, gold, natural gas, petrochemicals, petroleum, silver, steel.
Chief Agricultural and Food Products. Crops bananas, barley, cacao, cassavas, coffee, corn (maize), potatoes, rice, sugarcane, wheat. Livestock and fish cattle, pigs, seafood, sheep.
Monetary Unit. 1 sucre = 100 centavos.