Ecuador

Quick Facts:

Area:	283,560 sq km
Population:	13,447,494(July 2002 est.)
Capital:	Quito
Language:	Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)
Religion:	Roman Catholic (95%)
Currency:	US dollar (US $)
YFU web site:	www.yfu.org/ec

Introduction

Ecuador is located in the middle of the Americas and the world, on the O0 parallel, or the Equator. Ecuador’s cultural traditions come from Spanish colonial times and even much earlier. Quito, the capital, is a large city which has conserved its Spanish colonial past with beautiful churches. The city has received the well-deserved title of “Patrimony of Humankind” by a Committee of the United Nations for having protected this valuable cultural and natural heritage. It also has a larger, modern area with office buildings, highways, shopping centers and green parks. Ecuador has kept alive the spirit of freedom and democracy of Simón Bolivar, the “Great Liberator”, whose ideal was to see men living in a peaceful world and to have the Americas unite.

Short Facts

Area: Ecuador covers 283,560 km2 (168,750 sq mi), about the same area as New Zealand. There are four geographic regions: Highlands (Sierra), Coast (Litoral), Jungle (Oriente), and the Galápagos Islands, also known as the “Enchanted Islands”. The Andes mountains cut through the country from south to north and before crossing the northern border, divide into two mountain ranges, where volcanoes of high altitudes provide a dramatic backdrop to the land below. The Jungle (Oriente) is amazing because of its untouched rain forests. In the Galápagos some of the richest flora and fauna in the world may be found. Located 1,000 kilometers (600 mi) from the coast, it was in these islands that Charles Darwin conducted the research supporting his theory of evolution.

Climate: Ecuador is called “The Land of Eternal Spring”. All year round, the Litoral and Oriente have temperatures ranging from 32ºC (90 ºF) down to 20 ºC (68 ºF). Temperatures in the Sierra are cooler, from 24 ºC (75 ºF) during the day to 7 ºC (45 ºF) at night.

Population: Ecuador has a population of more than 13 million. Some Indian groups have maintained their traditional cultural heritage and lifestyle, especially in some communities in the Oriente and Sierra. Their textiles and ceramics reflect richness and delicacy.

Language: Spanish is the official language. Although English is taught in most schools as a second language, Quichua (language of the native population) is the second official language, but it is mainly spoken in rural areas.

Religion: The Roman Catholic religion is practiced by 92% of the population. There are other Christian minority groups such as Protestants, Methodists and Evangelicals. There is an important Lewish community and a few other non- Christian organizations.

Government: Ecuador has been a democracy since 1830 and it is divided into 21 provinces spread over the four regions. Quito is the political and administrative capital of the Republic of Ecuador. According to the constitution, the government’s authority is exercised through three bodies: legislative, executive and judicial.

History: People probably first appeared in Ecuador around 8000 B.C. The transition from nomadic to sedentary life began in 3200 B.C. The Valdivia culture appeared around 1800 B.C., giving rise to the Chorrera culture, which is considered to be the beginning of the Ecuadorian nation. A refinement in farming methods and the appearance of urban life and religious cults characterized the period between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. In later periods, Native American confederations began to develop. In the mid-15th century, some of the groups (Quitus, Puruháes, Cañaris) that populated Ecuador, as it is known today, formed a confederation called the Quito Kingdom. This was given up by the Incas. Later, when the Spanish conquerors came, this empire was divided, and the Quito Kingdom was occupied under the leadership of Sebastián de Balcázar. Francisco de Orellana led the Spanish expedition departing from Quito which discovered the Amazon River in 1542. In 1563, the “Quito Audience” was founded by the crown of Spain. This represented the future definition of modern Ecuador. As the Spanish explorers moved in, they took control of the cultural and political environments. The tension and humiliation this caused to the native population brought on rebellions. By the beginning of the 19th century, a move towards independence had begun. The revolution of 1820 required help from Simón Bolívar, the “Great Liberator”. He sent his leading lieutenant, Sucre, along with hundreds of soldiers, to defeat the Spanish in the Battle of Pichincha on May, 24, 1822. Bolivar’s dream was to see one united country including what are now Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Regional disputes did not allow this vision to come true however. Ecuador elected Juan José Flores as its first President in 1830.

Economy: After years of economic disorder, the Ecuadorian Sucre was replaced by the US dollar as the monetary unit in the year 2000. Ecuador is the leading shrimp exporter in the world. Since 1972, the Ecuadorian economy has been strengthened by the exportation of oil, bananas, coffee, cocoa, and flowers. The so-called “Panama hats” are Ecuadorian handcraft. They are made in many provinces, in particular in Manabí and Azuay.

Education: The 12-year educational system is divided into two parts: six years of primary school (after kindergarten) and six years of high school, divided into two levels: three years of basic level and three years of diversified level. During these last two years, the students choose specialized courses among Math, Physics, Biological Sciences, Social Studies, or Secretarial Training. Depending on the school, students take 8 to 13 different courses during the school year: those that relate to their chosen specialization, plus a foreign language, generally English. There are three types of schools: fiscal, municipal and private. The school year runs from October to July in the Highlands (Sierra), and from May to January in the Coast.

Family life: Most Ecuadorian families are very close-knit, with many family members living in the same city and often getting together. The average size of a family is 5 members. Most families have live-in maids. Parents closely control their children’s activities and have strict curfews that exchange students must respect. The three meals of the day are breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch is the main meal which usually includes soup, a main course (rice, meat, and vegetables), and dessert. It is important that all family members are present for lunch.

Food: Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes. Across the country you'll find a broad spectrum of national and regional dishes, including lemonmarinated shrimp, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats. If you're feeling courageous, you can put your culinary bravery to the test with roasted cuy (guinea pig). Bakeries offer a delicious range of breads, sweet pastries, and savory snacks, such as empanadas (hot, crispy meat or cheese-filled pastries) and llapingachos (potato and cheese pancakes). Basic dishes are usually accompanied by the proverbial rice, small salad, and potatoes or patacones (squashed, fried green bananas).

Recreation: Extra-curricular activities are offered in most schools. There are institutes that students may join for a fee, which is usually reasonable, to attend music or language classes or to practice a sport among other activities.

YFU Ecuador
YFU offices are located in Quito and Cuenca, and there is an Area Representative in Ambato and Ibarra. YFU-Ecuador offices are always available to students for meetings or just to drop by and talk about their concerns. Because of this personal approach, the YFU program in Ecuador is growing rapidly. YFU Ecuador has five administrative regions, Quito, Ambato, Cuenca, Ibarra and Guayaquil (for the six month College Progam only).

YFU Host Families: The YFU Ecuador staff is personally familiar with each of its host families, and provides support needed to maintain the best environment for exchange students. This atmosphere is due to Ecuador’s cultural traditions and warm people. Families come from different economic backgrounds. Students are placed in Cuenca (pop. around 800,000), Ibarra (pop. around 136,000) and Ambato (pop. around 174,000), and may also be placed in Riobamba (pop. around 126,000).

YFU Activities: There are social gettogethers for students, organized occasionally by YFU and frequently by volunteers. Students are also invited to make an end-of-stay trip to the jungle. A list of year-round activities with the approximate cost is given to each student in order to sign up if there is interest.

Common Phrases

English	Spanish
Friend	Amigo
Hello	Hola
How are you?	¿Cómo estás?
What’s your name?	¿Cómo te llamas?
My name is __	Me llamo ___
Where are you from?	¿De dónde eres?
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Gracias
Good-Bye	Adiós
I am happy to be in Ecuador	Estoy contento/a de estar en Ecuador