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| GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND BORDERS |
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Ecuador is located in northern South America. It is bordered by Colombia (north), Peru (southeast) and the Pacific Ocean (west).
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| LANGUAGES |
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While the official language is Spanish, Quechua and other native dialects are spoken in Ecuador.
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| CAPITAL |
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Quito
The most important cities are Guayaquil, Cuenca, Loja, Machala, Ibarra and Azoguez, among others.
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PROFILE OF
ECUADOR
Ecuador has been the site of prolific cultures from the time of its first aboriginal settlers 18,000 years ago. Located on the northwest coast of South America astride the equator, the country has four regions: coast, Andes, Amazon and the Galapagos. Its climates are varied and it is one of the 17 countries in the world with the most varied biodiversity. Ecuador has a population of over
15 million 900 thuosands inhabitants, including 13 indigenous nationalities, and area of 256 370 km2. Known for its varied handicrafts, the country is also the world’s foremost banana producer. Its large cities offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology.
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OFFICIAL NAME |
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Republic of Ecuador.
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POPULATION AND AREA |
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There are
approximately 13 million 343 thousands people inhabiting an area of 256 370 km2.
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FORM OF GOVERNMENT |
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A representative democracy with a President elected by the people every four years.
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RELIGION |
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There is freedom of worship, with a predominance of Roman Catholicism.
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TIME |
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GMT -5 hours (normal)
GMT -6 hours (Galapagos)
Ecuador’s official time is (normally) Greenwich Mean Time minus 5 hours (GMT - 5), while in the Galapagos, the official time is Greenwich Mean Time minus 6 hours (GMT -6).
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CURRENCY |
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Ecuador’s official monetary unit is the United States dollar.
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-Exchange rate: |
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Traveler’s checks can be cashed in the major cities.
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-Credit cards and travelers’ checks: |
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-The credit cards in greatest use, which are accepted at banks, stores and other establishments, are American Express, Visa and Master Card
-Automated teller machines can be found in the provincial capitals.
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AIRPORT TAX |
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An international airport tax of US$ 25 is charged when leaving the country. |
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