Introduction: Ecuador is located on the north west coast of South America. It is bound by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west. About 40% of Ecuador's present population are Indians, and another 40% are mestizos.

Official Name: Republic of Ecuador
Area: 283,560 sq km (109,483 sq miles)
Population: 13,709,000
Continent: South America
Density per square mile: 125
Capital City: Quito
Religions: 94% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant and the remainder following local native tribal beliefs

Language: Spanish, Quechua, Quichua, other indigenous languages
Government: Democracy

Currency: U.S. dollar
GDP: $41.7 billion
GDP Per Head: $3,100

Natural Resources: Fish & Petroleum.
Land Use: Arable Land 6%
Agriculture: Bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca),sugarcane, all livestock, dairy products, balsa wood, fish inc. shrimps.
Industry: Oil, food & fish processing, coffee, textiles, metal work, paper, wood & lumber products, chemicals, plastics.

Tourism: Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean highlands. Its dense rainforest, volcanic landscapes and colonial architecture are just a few of the reasons to travel to this country. If staying or travelling to the capital Quito the Amazonian jungle is just a days drive away.

Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, floods and occasional droughts.
Health Risks: Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, and a minor risk of cholera, rabies and diphtheria. Ensure you get a yellow fever vaccination if you plan to visit the rainforests of the Oriente.

Climate: Ecuador generally has a tropical climate which is hot and humid. In the Costa region there is a heavy wet season from December to April, although rainfall occurs throughout the year. Temperatures are reduced by altitude in the Sierra with warm days and cool evenings as well as frequent heavy rain in the afternoons. The Oriente has a wet and hot equatorial climate with rainfall throughout the year. Average temperature ranges in Quito are from 8 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius all year.

Time: GMT/UTC -5 hours
National Days: August 10

Visas: British nationals do not need visas for visits up to 90 days. Visit extensions of a further 90 days can be obtained through the local immigration authorities. Overstaying without permission from the immigration authorities is an offence and will result in a fine. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months.

British Embassy Details