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Flag of EcuadorSouth America

Ecuador

Ecuador is a country or territory in South America. Its capital is Quito.

Population
18.1M70.7 /km²
Surface area
256,370 km²
GDP
$124.7B$7K per capita
Capital
Quito

Ecuador is located in South America, and its capital is Quito. It has a population of approximately 18,135,478 and covers an area of about 256,370 km². Its official currency is the United States dollar (USD).

What stands out

People & place

70.7 /km² across 256,370 km²

Ecuador has a recorded population of 18,135,478 and a reported surface area of 256,370 km².

Economic snapshot

$124.68 billion nominal GDP

Nominal GDP is recorded at $124.68 billion and GDP per capita at $6,875 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.

Practical reference

United States dollar (USD)

Ecuador uses United States dollar (USD), calling code +593, internet domain .ec.

About Ecuador

Ecuador, perched on the equatorial line, is a vibrant tapestry of mountains, jungles, and islands that offers a remarkable blend of natural wonder and cultural richness.

The country’s topography is dominated by the majestic Andes, the lush Amazon basin, the sparkling coast of the Pacific Ocean, and the isolated volcanic islands of the Galápagos, making Ecuador one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Ecuadorians celebrate their heritage through colorful festivals like Inti Raymi and the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, a vibrant blend of Quechua, Afro-Ecuadorian, and mestizo traditions reflected in its lively music, intricate textiles, and hearty cuisine featuring ceviche, locro, and cuy.

A pivotal moment in Ecuador’s past was its declaration of independence from Spain on 10 August 1822, a triumph that set the stage for its evolution into a modern republic at Equator’s edge.

Key facts

  • Ecuador is the only country whose name is spelled the same way in both Latin and English languages.
  • With an approximate population of 17 million and an area of 283,561 square kilometers, it boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity per square kilometer globally.
  • Its flag, a tricolor of yellow, blue, and red, was designed by its first president, José de la Nuez, giving the nation its distinctive identity on the world stage.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.

Country data & reference

Capital

Quito

Population

18,135,478 (70.7 /km²)

Surface Area

256,370 km²

GDP

$124.68 billion (2024)

GDP per Capita

$6,875 (2024)

Region / Subregion

Americas / South America

Native Name

Ecuador

Nationality

Ecuadorian

Phone Code

+593

Top-Level Domain

.ec

ISO Codes

EC / ECU

Coordinates

-2, -77.5

Time zones

  • America/Guayaquil (UTC-05:00)
  • Pacific/Galapagos (UTC-06:00)

Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.

Ecuador: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Ecuador?

The capital of Ecuador is Quito.

What is the population of Ecuador?

Ecuador has a recorded population of approximately 18,135,478 people.

How big is Ecuador?

Ecuador covers an area of about 256,370 km².

What is the population density of Ecuador?

Ecuador has a population density of roughly 70.7 /km² (people per square kilometre).

What is the GDP of Ecuador?

Ecuador has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $124.68 billion as of 2024.

What is the GDP per capita of Ecuador?

Ecuador has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,875.

What currency is used in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.

Where is Ecuador located?

Ecuador is located in South America, Americas.

What are people from Ecuador called?

People from Ecuador are referred to as Ecuadorian.

What is the phone calling code for Ecuador?

The international dialing code for Ecuador is +593.

What is the internet domain for Ecuador?

The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ecuador is .ec.

What time zone is Ecuador in?

Ecuador spans 2 time zones including America/Guayaquil, Pacific/Galapagos.

What is Ecuador known for?

Ecuador, perched on the equatorial line, is a vibrant tapestry of mountains, jungles, and islands that offers a remarkable blend of natural wonder and cultural richness.