People & place
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Ecuador is a country or territory in South America. Its capital is 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).
People & place
Economic snapshot
Practical reference
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.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
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
Native Name
Ecuador
Nationality
Ecuadorian
Currency
United States dollar (USD - $)Phone Code
+593
Top-Level Domain
.ec
ISO Codes
EC / ECU
Coordinates
-2, -77.5
Timezones
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.
The capital of Ecuador is Quito.
Ecuador has a recorded population of approximately 18,135,478 people.
Ecuador covers an area of about 256,370 km².
Ecuador has a population density of roughly 70.7 /km² (people per square kilometre).
Ecuador has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $124.68 billion as of 2024.
Ecuador has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,875.
Ecuador uses the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.
Ecuador is located in South America, Americas.
People from Ecuador are referred to as Ecuadorian.
The international dialing code for Ecuador is +593.
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ecuador is .ec.
Ecuador spans 2 time zones including America/Guayaquil, Pacific/Galapagos.
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.
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