Ecuador
Republic of Ecuador
South America Quito
Population
18.48M
Area
283,561 km²
GDP
$124.68B
GDP Per Capita
$13,900
Pop. Density
65/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
$United States dollar(USD)
Calling Code
+593
Primary Timezone
UTC-06:00
+1 more
Languages
Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Ecuadorean
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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑172.9% since 2006$46B (2006)$125B (2024)
Population
↑28.7% since 200614.1M (2006)18.1M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 77.4 years2006: 74.0 years2023: 77.4 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography18
Location
Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru
Geographic coordinates
2 00 S, 77 30 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 283,561 sq km
land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
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
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
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
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,117 m
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.)
Irrigated land
12,520 sq km (2022)
Major 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
People & Society35
Population
total: 18,479,841 (2025 est.)
male: 9,097,614
female: 9,382,227
male: 9,097,614
female: 9,382,227
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.)
Languages
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.
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.
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.)
Age 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)
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)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 55.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 41 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 14.3 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 41 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 14.3 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 7 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 28.2 years (2025 est.)
male: 27 years
female: 28.9 years
male: 27 years
female: 28.9 years
Population growth rate
0.91% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
17.42 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.12 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
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
Urbanization
urban population: 64.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.142 million Guayaquil, 1.957 million QUITO (capital) (2023)
Sex 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.)
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.)
Maternal mortality ratio
55 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 11.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 74.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 69.7 years
female: 80.4 years
male: 69.7 years
female: 80.4 years
Total fertility rate
2.17 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.06 (2025 est.)
Drinking 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.)
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.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.31 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation 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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
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.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
45.3% (2022 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 3.8% (2018)
women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018)
women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 3.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 15.5% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 15.5% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 96.3% (2022 est.)
male: 96.8% (2022 est.)
female: 95.7% (2022 est.)
male: 96.8% (2022 est.)
female: 95.7% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Government23
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
Government type
presidential republic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
lyrics/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)
Economy32
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.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $257.889 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $252.861 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: -2% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.9% (2022 est.)
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.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $14,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $14,200 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$124.676 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 1.5% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 3.5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 3.5% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 26.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 26.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.2% (2024 est.)
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.)
Agricultural products
bananas, sugarcane, milk, oil palm fruit, maize, rice, plantains, chicken, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
Industries
petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals
Industrial production growth rate
-3.7% (2024 est.)
Labor force
8.821 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 4.8% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 3.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.8% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 3.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.8% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.1% (2024 est.)
male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13% (2024 est.)
male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
26% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 44.6 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 25.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on 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.)
highest 10%: 33.2% (2023 est.)
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.)
Remittances 2023: 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $35.962 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $35.969 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $35.969 billion (2022 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 43.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
13.1% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
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.)
Current account balance 2023: $2.217 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.136 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $38.468 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.687 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $36.588 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 22%, China 21%, Panama 12%, Japan 3%, Peru 3% (2023)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, fish, gold (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.97 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $36.644 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 27%, China 20%, Colombia 7%, Brazil 4%, Peru 4% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, packaged medicine, plastics (2023)
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.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.442 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.459 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $39.658 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
the US dollar became Ecuador's currency in 2001
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
exports: 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.)
refined 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.)
consumption: 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.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.22 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 18.4 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2024 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)
Internet country code
.ec
Internet users
percent of population: 77% (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 2.89 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
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
narrow gauge: 965 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 154 (2023)
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 28, other 117
by 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
Military & Security6
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)
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.)
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.)
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 mix of mostly older and limited quantities of more modern equipment from a variety of sources such as Brazil, Chile, China, France, Italy, Germany, Russia/Soviet-Union, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 12-month service obligation; conscription abolished in 2008 (2025)
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)
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)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,241 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 57,402 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)