South America.

Mainland: GMT - 5.
Galapagos Islands: GMT - 6.

272,045 sq km (105,037 sq miles).

13.4 million (2005, UN).

49.2 per sq km.

Quito. Population: 1.8 million (2005).

Ecuador is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. There are three distinct zones: the Sierra or uplands of the Andes, running from the Colombian border in the north to Peru in the south (of this there are two main ranges - the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, which are divided by a long valley); the Costa, a coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific with plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar; and the Oriente, the upper Amazon basin to the east, consisting of tropical jungles threaded by rivers. The latter, although comprising 36 per cent of Ecuador’s land area, contains only 3 per cent of the population. Colonisation is, however, increasing in the wake of the oil boom.

The constitution was approved by national referendum in 1978, taking effect in 1979. The President, elected for a term of four years, holds executive power. He is assisted by the Vice President and a Cabinet, which includes 12 Ministers and a Secretary General. Legislative power is unicameral and resides in the House of Representatives, with 69 members; there are 12 national representatives and the remainder represent the provinces.

Democratic republic since 1978. Head of State and Government: President Alfredo Palacio González since April 2005. Recent history: General Gutierrez was ousted out by Congress in April 2005 amid violent protests against his ruling. Upon his appointment to President, Alfredo Palacio ordered the arrest of his predecessor but, instead, Gutierrez took political asylum in Colombia. The new President has vowed to reform Ecuador's political system, increase spending on health and education and revise contracts with foreign oil companies.
The constitution was approved by national referendum in 1978, taking effect in 1979. The President, elected for a term of four years, holds executive power. He is assisted by the Vice-President and a Cabinet, which includes 12 Ministers and a Secretary General. Legislative power is unicameral and resides in the House of Representatives, with 69 members; there are 12 national representatives and the remainder represent the Provinces.

Spanish is the official language but Quechua and other indigenous languages are common. Some English is spoken.

More than 90 per cent are nominally Roman Catholic.

Casual wear is widely acceptable, but businesspeople are expected to dress smartly. It is important to be punctual when arriving for meetings. Smart clothes are often required when visiting hotel dining rooms and better restaurants. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach and revealing clothes should not be worn in towns. Smoking is widely accepted. Photography: A tip may be requested if you wish to take someone’s photograph and it is better to seek permission first.

110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.