Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Ecuador
República del Ecuador
CapitalQuito
Population18,289,896
GDP$130.3bn
Area257,204 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito -- the traditional name for the area -- became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty -- New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito -- gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew to become an independent republic in 1830, the traditional name was changed to the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador has had nearly 50 years of civilian governance, the period has been marked by political instability.
Reference: 1999, 1995, 1942, 1904Geography
Location
Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru
Map references
South America
Area
total: 283,561 sq km
land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
note: note: includes Galapagos Islands
land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
note: note: includes Galapagos Islands
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Nevada
Land boundaries
total: 2,237 km
border countries: Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km
border countries: Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km
Coastline
2,237 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
note: note: Ecuador has declared its right to extend its continental shelf to 350 nm, measured from the baselines of the Galapagos Archipelago
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
note: note: Ecuador has declared its right to extend its continental shelf to 350 nm, measured from the baselines of the Galapagos Archipelago
Climate
tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
Terrain
coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)
Elevation
highest point: Chimborazo 6,267
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,117 m
note: note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,117 m
note: note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 21.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 49.8% (2023 est.)
other: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 49.8% (2023 est.)
other: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
12,520 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km)
Population distribution
nearly half of the population is concentrated in the interior, with large concentrations also found along the western coastal strip; the rainforests of the east remain sparsely populated
Natural hazards
frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts
volcanism: volcanic activity concentrated along the Andes Mountains; Sangay (5,230 m) is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (1,476 m), a shield volcano, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago
volcanism: volcanic activity concentrated along the Andes Mountains; Sangay (5,230 m) is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (1,476 m), a shield volcano, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago
Geography - note
Cotopaxi in the Andes is highest active volcano in world
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Ecuadorian(s)
adjective: Ecuadorian
adjective: Ecuadorian
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 77.5%, Montubio 7.7%, Indigenous 7.7%, White 2.2%, Afroecuadorian 2%, Mulatto 1.4%, Black 1.3%, other 0.1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Languages
Languages: Spanish (Castilian; official) 98.6%, indigenous 3.9% (Quechua 3.2%, other indigenous 0.7%), foreign 2.8%, other 0.6% (includes Ecuadorian sign language) (2022 est.)
major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note 1: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
note 2: Quechua and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; other indigenous languages are in official use by indigenous peoples in the areas they inhabit
Reference: 2022major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note 1: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
note 2: Quechua and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; other indigenous languages are in official use by indigenous peoples in the areas they inhabit
Religions
Roman Catholic 68.2%, Protestant 19% (Evangelical 18.3%, Adventist 0.6%, other Protestant 0.2%), Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other 2.3%, none 8.2% don't know/no response 1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Age structure
0-14 years: 26.8% (male 2,505,729/female 2,395,198)
15-64 years: 64.1% (male 5,771,234/female 5,972,938)
65 years and over: 9.1% (2024 est.) (male 746,207/female 918,678)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 64.1% (male 5,771,234/female 5,972,938)
65 years and over: 9.1% (2024 est.) (male 746,207/female 918,678)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 55.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 41.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 14.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 41.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 14.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 28 years (2024 est.)
male: 27 years
female: 28.9 years
Reference: 2024male: 27 years
female: 28.9 years
Population growth rate
0.94% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
nearly half of the population is concentrated in the interior, with large concentrations also found along the western coastal strip; the rainforests of the east remain sparsely populated
Major urban areas - population
3.142 million Guayaquil, 1.957 million QUITO (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
55 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.08 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 87.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 95.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 4.3% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 87.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 95.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 4.3% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.31 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 9.7% (2025 est.)
male: 17.2% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
male: 17.2% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.9% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 3.8% (2018)
women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018)
Reference: 2018women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,241 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Daniel Noboa | — | 2023-11-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Daniel Noboa | — | 2023-11-23 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador
conventional short form: Ecuador
local long form: República del Ecuador
local short form: Ecuador
former: Quito
etymology: the name is the Spanish word for "equator," referring to its geographic position
conventional short form: Ecuador
local long form: República del Ecuador
local short form: Ecuador
former: Quito
etymology: the name is the Spanish word for "equator," referring to its geographic position
Capital
name: Quito
geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6)
etymology: named after the Quitu, a Pre-Columbian people who lived in the area; the meaning of their name is unknown
geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6)
etymology: named after the Quitu, a Pre-Columbian people who lived in the area; the meaning of their name is unknown
Administrative divisions
24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabí, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora Chinchipe
Legal system
civil law based on the Chilean civil code with modifications; traditional law in ethnic communities
Constitution
history: many previous; latest approved 20 October 2008
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic through a referendum, by public petition of at least 1% of registered voters, or by agreement of at least one-third membership of the National Assembly; passage requires two separate readings a year apart and approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, and approval by absolute majority in a referendum; amendments such as changes to the structure of the state, constraints on personal rights and guarantees, or constitutional amendment procedures are not allowed
Reference: 2008amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic through a referendum, by public petition of at least 1% of registered voters, or by agreement of at least one-third membership of the National Assembly; passage requires two separate readings a year apart and approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, and approval by absolute majority in a referendum; amendments such as changes to the structure of the state, constraints on personal rights and guarantees, or constitutional amendment procedures are not allowed
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
Suffrage
18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; voluntary for 16-18, over 65, and other eligible voters
Executive branch
chief of state: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023)
head of government: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 9 February 2025, with a runoff on 13 April 2025
election results: 2025: Daniel NOBOA Azin reelected president; percent of vote in the first round - Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 44.2%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 44%, Leonidas IZA (MUPP) 5.3%, other 6.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 55.6%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 44.4%
2023: Daniel NOBOA Azin elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 33.6%, Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 23.5%, Christian Gustavo ZURITA Ron (Construye) 16.4%, Jan Tomislav TOPIĆ Feraud (Por Un País Sin Miedo) 14.7%, Otto Ramón SONNENHOLZNER Sper (Avanza) 7.1%, other 4.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 51.8%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 48.2%
2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.7%, Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.7%, Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.4%, Xavier HERVAS Mora (ID) 15.7%, other 12.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%, Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5%
expected date of next election: 28 February 2029
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: though eligible for a second term, former president Guillermo LASSO announced that he would not run in the 2023 election; President Daniel NOBOA Azin is serving out the remainder of the presidential term (2021–2025)
Reference: 2029, 2025, 2023, 2021head of government: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 9 February 2025, with a runoff on 13 April 2025
election results: 2025: Daniel NOBOA Azin reelected president; percent of vote in the first round - Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 44.2%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 44%, Leonidas IZA (MUPP) 5.3%, other 6.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 55.6%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 44.4%
2023: Daniel NOBOA Azin elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 33.6%, Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 23.5%, Christian Gustavo ZURITA Ron (Construye) 16.4%, Jan Tomislav TOPIĆ Feraud (Por Un País Sin Miedo) 14.7%, Otto Ramón SONNENHOLZNER Sper (Avanza) 7.1%, other 4.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 51.8%, Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 48.2%
2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.7%, Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.7%, Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.4%, Xavier HERVAS Mora (ID) 15.7%, other 12.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%, Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5%
expected date of next election: 28 February 2029
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: though eligible for a second term, former president Guillermo LASSO announced that he would not run in the 2023 election; President Daniel NOBOA Azin is serving out the remainder of the presidential term (2021–2025)
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 151 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 2/9/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Citizen Revolution Movement (RC) - Renewal Movement (RETO) (67); National Democratic Action (ADN) (66); Pachakutik (9); Other (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 45%
expected date of next election: February 2029
note: note 1: all Assembly members have alternates from the same party who cast votes when a primary member is absent, resigns, or is removed from office
note 2: on 18 May 2023, Ecuador’s National Electoral Council announced that the legislative and presidential elections - originally scheduled for February 2025 - would be held on 20 August 2023 after President Guillermo LASSO dissolved the National Assembly by decree on 17 May 2023; a return to a regular election cycle will occur in February 2025
Reference: 2029, 2025, 2023legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 151 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 2/9/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Citizen Revolution Movement (RC) - Renewal Movement (RETO) (67); National Democratic Action (ADN) (66); Pachakutik (9); Other (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 45%
expected date of next election: February 2029
note: note 1: all Assembly members have alternates from the same party who cast votes when a primary member is absent, resigns, or is removed from office
note 2: on 18 May 2023, Ecuador’s National Electoral Council announced that the legislative and presidential elections - originally scheduled for February 2025 - would be held on 20 August 2023 after President Guillermo LASSO dissolved the National Assembly by decree on 17 May 2023; a return to a regular election cycle will occur in February 2025
Judicial branch
highest court(s): National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (consists of 21 judges, including the chief justice and organized into 5 specialized chambers); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (consists of the court president and 8 judges)
judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms
subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts
judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms
subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts
Political parties
Actuemos Ecuador or Actuemos
AMIGO movement, Independent Mobilizing Action Generating Opportunities (Movimiento AMIGO (Acción Movilizadora Independiente Generando Oportunidades)) or AM16O
Avanza Party or AVANZA
Central Democratic Movement or CD
Citizen Revolution Movement or MRC or RC5
Creating Opportunities Movement or CREO
Democratic Left or ID
Democracy Yes Movement (Movimiento Democracia Si)
For A Country Without Fear (Por Un País Sin Miedo) (an alliance including PSC, CD, and PSP)
Green Movement (Movimiento Verde)
Movimiento Construye or Construye
National Democratic Action (Acción Democrática Nacional) or ADN
Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement or MUPP
Patriotic Society Party or PSP
People, Equality, and Democracy Party (Partido Pueblo, Igualdad y Democracia) or PID
Popular Unity Party (Partido Unidad Popular) or UP
Revolutionary and Democratic Ethical Green Movement (Movimiento Verde Ético Revolucionario y Democrático) or MOVER
Social Christian Party or PSC
Socialist Party
Society United for More Action or SUMA
Total Renovation Movement (Movimiento Renovacion Total) or RETO
AMIGO movement, Independent Mobilizing Action Generating Opportunities (Movimiento AMIGO (Acción Movilizadora Independiente Generando Oportunidades)) or AM16O
Avanza Party or AVANZA
Central Democratic Movement or CD
Citizen Revolution Movement or MRC or RC5
Creating Opportunities Movement or CREO
Democratic Left or ID
Democracy Yes Movement (Movimiento Democracia Si)
For A Country Without Fear (Por Un País Sin Miedo) (an alliance including PSC, CD, and PSP)
Green Movement (Movimiento Verde)
Movimiento Construye or Construye
National Democratic Action (Acción Democrática Nacional) or ADN
Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement or MUPP
Patriotic Society Party or PSP
People, Equality, and Democracy Party (Partido Pueblo, Igualdad y Democracia) or PID
Popular Unity Party (Partido Unidad Popular) or UP
Revolutionary and Democratic Ethical Green Movement (Movimiento Verde Ético Revolucionario y Democrático) or MOVER
Social Christian Party or PSC
Socialist Party
Society United for More Action or SUMA
Total Renovation Movement (Movimiento Renovacion Total) or RETO
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Pablo Agustín ZAMBRANO Albuja (since 24 July 2025)
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893
email address and website: eecuusanotifications@mmrree.gob.ec
Contact – Washington (cancilleria.gob.ec)
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis (MN), New Haven (CT), New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Juan (PR)
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893
email address and website: eecuusanotifications@mmrree.gob.ec
Contact – Washington (cancilleria.gob.ec)
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis (MN), New Haven (CT), New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Juan (PR)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Lawrence PETRONI (since 17 April 2025)
embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC 20521-3420
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
email address and website: ACSQuito@state.gov
https://ec.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil
embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC 20521-3420
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
email address and website: ACSQuito@state.gov
https://ec.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil
International organization participation
CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
24 May 1822 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)
Flag
description: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red, with the coat of arms at the center of the flag
meaning: yellow stands for sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth; blue for the sky, sea, and rivers; red for patriots' blood spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice
note: note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not have a coat of arms
meaning: yellow stands for sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth; blue for the sky, sea, and rivers; red for patriots' blood spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice
note: note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not have a coat of arms
National symbol(s)
Andean condor
National color(s)
yellow, blue, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Salve, O Patria!" (We Salute You, Our Homeland)
lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE
history: adopted 1948; MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung
Reference: 1948lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE
history: adopted 1948; MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 5 (3 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Quito (c); Galápagos Islands (n); Historic Cuenca (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c); Sangay National Park (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Quito (c); Galápagos Islands (n); Historic Cuenca (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c); Sangay National Park (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | — | 137 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
highly informal South American economy; USD currency user; major banana exporter; hard hit by COVID-19; macroeconomic fragility from oil dependency; successful debt restructuring; China funding budget deficits; social unrest hampering economic activity
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $252.728 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $257.889 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $252.861 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $257.889 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $252.861 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $13,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $14,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $14,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $14,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $14,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 26.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 26.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 64.9% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 13.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 30.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -26.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 13.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 30.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -26.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
bananas, sugarcane, milk, oil palm fruit, maize, rice, plantains, chicken, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals
Industrial production growth rate
-3.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
8.821 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.1% (2024 est.)
male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
26% (2023 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2023note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 44.6 (2023 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2023note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 25.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 0.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.6% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 33.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2023highest 10%: 33.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 5.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $35.962 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $35.969 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $35.969 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 43.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
13.1% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $7.082 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $2.217 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.136 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $2.217 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.136 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $38.468 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, China 21%, Panama 12%, Japan 3%, Peru 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, fish, gold (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.97 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 27%, China 20%, Colombia 7%, Brazil 4%, Peru 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $6.908 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.442 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.459 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.442 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.459 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $39.658 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar became Ecuador's currency in 2001
Reference: 2001Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $7.082 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $2.217 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.136 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $2.217 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.136 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $38.468 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, China 21%, Panama 12%, Japan 3%, Peru 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, fish, gold (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.97 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 27%, China 20%, Colombia 7%, Brazil 4%, Peru 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 8.438 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 29.305 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 192 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 466 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.119 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 29.305 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 192 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 466 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.119 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 23.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 75.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 75.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 14,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 200 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 14,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 24 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 200 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 14,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 24 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 480,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 272,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 8.273 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 272,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 8.273 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 271.053 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 271.053 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 10.902 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 271.053 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 10.902 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 35.7 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.434 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
55 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.31 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 9.7% (2025 est.)
male: 17.2% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
male: 17.2% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law based on the Chilean civil code with modifications; traditional law in ethnic communities
Judicial branch
highest court(s): National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (consists of 21 judges, including the chief justice and organized into 5 specialized chambers); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (consists of the court president and 8 judges)
judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms
subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts
judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms
subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Ecuadorian Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador): Ground Force (Fuerza Terrestre), Naval Force (Fuerza Naval; includes naval infantry, naval aviation, coast guard), Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana) (2025)
note: note: the National Police of Ecuador (Policía Nacional del Ecuador) is under the Ministry of Government/Interior
note: note: the National Police of Ecuador (Policía Nacional del Ecuador) is under the Ministry of Government/Interior
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 40,000 active Ecuadorian Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a diverse mix of older and smaller quantities of more modern equipment derived from a variety of sources such as Brazil, China, France, Italy, Germany, Russia/Soviet-Union, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for selective conscript military service for men, although conscription was suspended in 2008; 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 12-month service obligation (2023)
note: note: in 2022, women made up an estimated 3-4% of the military
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2008note: note: in 2022, women made up an estimated 3-4% of the military
Military - note
the military is responsible for preserving Ecuador’s national sovereignty and defending the integrity of the state; it also has some domestic security responsibilities and may complement police operations in maintaining public order if required; the military shares responsibility for border enforcement with the National Police; it participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises and has sent troops on UN peacekeeping missions; the military has defense ties to regional countries, such as Chile, Colombia, and Peru
border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s and border security remains a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have included counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, have spilled over the border; the military has established a joint service task force for counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations and boosted troop deployments along those borders; other missions include countering illegal mining, smuggling, and maritime piracy; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has expanded the military’s role in general public security and domestic crime operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectiveness; in 2024, Ecuador passed a constitutional amendment formally authorizing the military to participate in complementary security roles such as supporting law enforcement in high-risk areas, conducting joint operations against organized crime, and providing logistical assistance in maintaining public order
the military ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2012, 2010border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s and border security remains a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have included counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, have spilled over the border; the military has established a joint service task force for counterinsurgency and counternarcotics operations and boosted troop deployments along those borders; other missions include countering illegal mining, smuggling, and maritime piracy; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has expanded the military’s role in general public security and domestic crime operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectiveness; in 2024, Ecuador passed a constitutional amendment formally authorizing the military to participate in complementary security roles such as supporting law enforcement in high-risk areas, conducting joint operations against organized crime, and providing logistical assistance in maintaining public order
the military ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Pablo Agustín ZAMBRANO Albuja (since 24 July 2025)
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893
email address and website: eecuusanotifications@mmrree.gob.ec
Contact – Washington (cancilleria.gob.ec)
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis (MN), New Haven (CT), New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Juan (PR)
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893
email address and website: eecuusanotifications@mmrree.gob.ec
Contact – Washington (cancilleria.gob.ec)
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis (MN), New Haven (CT), New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Juan (PR)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Lawrence PETRONI (since 17 April 2025)
embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC 20521-3420
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
email address and website: ACSQuito@state.gov
https://ec.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil
embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC 20521-3420
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
email address and website: ACSQuito@state.gov
https://ec.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil
International organization participation
CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| OPEC (OPEC) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-12-21 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,241 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Los Choneros; Los Lobos
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HC
Airports
317 (2025)
Heliports
28 (2025)
Railways
total: 965 km (2022)
narrow gauge: 965 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: passenger service limited to certain sections of track, mostly for tourist trains
Reference: 2022narrow gauge: 965 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: passenger service limited to certain sections of track, mostly for tourist trains
Merchant marine
total: 154 (2023)
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 28, other 117
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 28, other 117
Ports
total ports: 6 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 4
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Puerto Maritimo de Guayaquil
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 4
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Puerto Maritimo de Guayaquil
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
Land use
agricultural land: 21.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 49.8% (2023 est.)
other: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 49.8% (2023 est.)
other: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 64.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 38.286 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 39,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 37.711 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 536,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 39,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 37.711 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 536,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 454.3 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 346.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 210.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 2.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 346.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 210.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 2.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.297 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 1.293 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 549 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 8.076 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 549 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 8.076 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
442.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 3 (2025)
global geoparks and regional networks: Imbabura: Napo Sumaco; Tungurahua (2025)
global geoparks and regional networks: Imbabura: Napo Sumaco; Tungurahua (2025)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.434 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
956 media outlets, of which 89% are private, 5% are public, and 6% belong to small communities; government controls most of the 44 public media stations, including national media and multiple local radio stations; most media outlets are concentrated in Guayas and Pichincha (2022)
Reference: 2022Internet country code
.ec
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 16,505,139 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 16,759,519 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,049,547 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 17,340,021 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 17,546,065 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 17,682,454 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 17,823,897 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 17,980,083 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 18,135,478 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 18,289,896 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $97,671,433,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $104,467,486,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $107,478,961,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $107,595,830,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $95,865,473,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $107,179,074,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $116,133,121,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $120,792,801,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $123,802,374,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $130,320,560,400 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 721,560 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 747,749 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 209,258 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 316,260 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 510,456 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 935,700 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,122,949 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,066,457 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,118,570 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,243,065 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 35,461 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 53,707 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 95,482 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 54,921 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -10,320 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -28,503 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -23,090 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -21,948 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -19,704 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -17,219 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,289,896 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 18,444,507 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 16,938,986 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 747,749 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,243,065 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -17,219 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 26,428 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 8,571 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 5,723 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 122,060 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.706 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.653 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.139 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.770 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.614 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.439 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.123 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1997; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes De facto unions since 2009 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2019 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.; Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2014 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Since 2016, transgender persons are allowed to change their birth name and gender identity; no surgeries or judicial order required | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $130,320,560,400 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $7,125 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 77.6 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 63.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 77.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 27.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 59.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 93.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 92.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 98.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,676 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 18.9% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 10.9 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 49.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 101.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 17.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 491 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -0.2295° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -78.5243° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -1.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -78.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00, Pacific/Galapagos, America/Guayaquil | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic, presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13