Country profile: Ecuador |
Its capital, Quito, once a centre of the Inca empire, also has some of the best-preserved early colonial architecture on the continent.
Traditionally an agrarian country, Ecuador's economic profile changed radically after the 1960s, when the discovery of oil and the promulgation of an industrial development law set off rapid growth and brought about great progress in the spheres of health, education and housing.
OVERVIEW
But this was somewhat offset by the negative impact of the extra money generated, which fuelled inflation and boosted consumer imports, in turn increasing the foreign debt.
By the end of the 20th century a combination of factors, including falling oil prices and damage to the oil pipeline by the weather phenomenon El Nino, drove the economy into recession. Also, inflation had become the highest in the region, leading the government to replace the national currency with the US dollar in an effort to curtail it and to stabilise the economy.
Furthermore, not all sections of Ecuadoran society benefited equally from the boom. The traditionally dominant Spanish-descended elite gained far more than the indigenous peoples, who make up a large proportion of those who live in poverty.
Additional steps to stabilise the economy, such as IMF-inspired austerity measures and privatisation, have generated widespread unrest, primarily among the indigenous poor, who cannot afford higher fuel prices.
Population: 13.4 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Quito
Area: 272,045 sq km (105,037 sq miles)
Major languages: Spanish, indigenous languages
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 US dollar = 100 cents
Main exports: Petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers, fish
GNI per capita: US$1,790 (World Bank, 2003)
Internet domain: .ec
International dialling code: +593
LEADERS
President: Alfredo Palacio
Alfredo Palacio came to power after his predecessor, Lucio Gutierrez, was ousted by congress in April 2005 amid violent protests against his rule.
He was the third Ecuadoran president to be forced from power in eight years.
The troubles began when Mr Gutierrez replaced the Supreme Court - which he alleged was biased against him - in late 2004. Protests escalated when the new court dropped corruption charges against two former presidents.
On taking office Alfredo Palacio ordered the arrest of his predecessor over a violent crackdown on protests in the capital. Mr Gutierrez, who said his removal had been unconstitutional, was granted political asylum by Brazil.
A former coup leader, Lucio Gutierrez won the runoff vote in presidential elections in November 2002, riding a wave of support from the impoverished indigenous community who liked his promises to end corruption and to fight for social justice.
Public backing for Mr Gutierrez quickly slumped, with indigenous leaders expressing anger over a squeeze on public spending.
Alfredo Palacio, a cardiologist, has said he will consider an early election. He is otherwise set to serve the remainder of his predecessor's term, which ends in January 2007.
He served as vice president under Mr Gutierrez, but, disillusioned by a lack of action against poverty, became a critic of the president.
Mr Palacio, who has no political base, says he wants to reform Ecuador's political system.
Foreign minister: Antonio Parra
Finance minister: Rafael Correa
MEDIA
The Ecuadoran constitution provides for freedom of speech, and journalists are able to report without hindrance.
However, some self-censorship, especially regarding politically-sensitive issues and stories about the armed forces, is exercised. Also, defamation is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison. Thus the media are generally non-confrontational and measured in tone.
Under a law which requires the media to give the government free space or air time, the government can and has required TV and radio to broadcast government-produced programmes featuring the president and other top officials.
The press
El Comercio - daily
Hoy - daily
El Tiempo - daily
La Hora - daily, regional editions
El Telegrafo - daily
El Universo - Guayaquil-based daily
Television
TC Television - national, commercial
Ecuavisa - commercial
Gamavision - Quito-based
Teleamazonas - commercial
ETV Telerama - commercial
Radio
Cadena Radial Ecuatoriana (CRE) - Guayaquil-based commercial network
Radio Centro - private
Radio Nacional del Ecuador - government-owned
Radio Sucre - national mediumwave (AM) news and information network
HCJB, Voice of the Andes - evangelical
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