The Land and Economy - swamps, deserts, and fertile plains are along the coast. The Andes run through the center and contain half the population. Quito , the capital, is over 9000 feet above sea level. Rain forests are found in the east. Inland areas are hot and humid, coastal areas are cooled by the Peru Current, and the altitudes of the Andes are cool.
Agriculture is the most important activity.
Bananas, cacao, and sugarcane are grown in the coastal lowlands. Guayaquil is the biggest port. Inland farmers produce coffee, beans, corn, potatoes, and wheat. Ecuador's major mineral export is oil. The People - 11 million people, most are Native American or mestizo, and a small African background.