Capital Of Ecuador, Ecuador Capital Online Quiz Quito, Capital Of Ecuador The national Capital of Ecuador is Quito which was the first town to be discovered by the Spaniards in 1934. Quito has a rich cultural background and is known as the "cultural heritage site" of the world. Geographical Location of Quito The Capital of Ecuador is located in the south of Equator at an altitude of 285m. Quito lies on the northern part of Ecuador in the Guayllabamba basin which is situated in the eastern base of base of the Pichincha Volcano. Quito is an earthquake prone city, the reason being its geographical location. The whole of Quito is divided into three separate parts by mountains. History of Quito Being the Capital of Ecuador, Quito has passed through a rich history that really brings out the essence of this city. From the very early days of its existence, Quito has been an important "centre of power". It has been inhabited by a number of important races and tribes the most important among them being the Quitus. The very first rulers of Quito were the Incas. Quito was built from the leftover ruins of Inca capital.

After Ecuador gains its official independence, Quito was announced to be the official Capital of Ecuador in 1832. Quito, Capital of Ecuador is the second largest city of Ecuador and is also the second highest capital in the world. Ecuador Facts on Largest Cities, Populations, Symbols - Worldatlas.com Ethnicity: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3% GDP total: $155.8 billion (2012 est) GDP per capita: $10,200 (2012 est) Land Sizes Language: Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) Largest Cities: (by population) Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Santa Domingo de los Colorados, Machala, Manta, Portoviejo, Duran, Ambato, Riobamba Name: Ecuador takes its name from the Equator, which runs through the country.

National Day: August 10 The City of Quito, the Capital of Ecuador The City of Quito, the Capital of Ecuador Twitter Quito (Ecuador), Oct 26, GNA – Quito, the Capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. The city was hit by earthquake in 1917, but despite that, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La CompaÃ±Ã­a, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. The city has an outstanding universal value isolated in the Andes at 2,818m altitude. It is spread along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and is bordered by the hills of Panecillo and Ichimbia.

Founded by the Spanish in 1534, on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito proudly possesses one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic centers of Spanish America. The city offers a remarkable example of the Baroque School of Quito (Escuela Quitena), that brings together the indigenous and European artistic traditions and is renowned for providing the greatest contribution of Spanish America to universal art. The height of this art is represented by veritable spiritual citadels, among which the principal ones are San Francisco, San Domingo, San Augustin, La Compana, La Merced, the Sanctuary of Guapulco and the Recoleta of San Diego. These are recognised not only for their artistic value from the architectural viewpoint but also for their decorative elements (altarpieces, paintings, sculptures). The city of Quito forms a harmonious ensemble where nature and man are brought together to create a unique and transcendental work. The colonizers knew how to adapt their artistic sensibility to the reality that surrounded them, building their architecture in a very complex topographical environment.

Despite this, architects were able to confer stylistic and volumetric harmony to the ensemble and urban routes are based on the original plan and include central and secondary squares as well as checkerboard-patterned streets and are aligned on the cardinal points of the compass. In the city centre, there are convents and churches as well as down and story houses with one or several patios, usually built with earthen bricks and covered with stucco, combining the monumental with the simple and austere. The city of Quito, the cradle of Pre-Colombian cultures and an important witness of Spanish colonisation maintains, for the time being unity and harmony in its urban structure despite centuries of urban development. Quito was elevated to the title of capital by the audience, it assumed the political direction and patronal control over the villages and towns. This is the maximum representation of the step towards forming socio-economic development, creator of a true national idiosyncrasy expressed through its unique tangible and intangible heritage. Integrity The great majority of attributes upon, which the Outstanding Universal Value of the City of Quito is based are present and intact. The Historic Centre of Quito has conserved its original configuration and new constructions being built outside of the colonial centre.

Based on the first plan of Quito, designed in 1734 by Dionisio Alcedoy Herrera, the original plan of the streets, the blocks of houses and squares – with a few rare exceptions was the same and can be seen today. Despite numerous earthquakes that have affected it over the course of history, the city conserves the least modified historic centre of all Latin America because of the concerted action of the Municipal authorities of the Metropolitan District of Quito and the Ecuadorean government. Authenticity The Urban plan in general and its integration into the landscape may be considered as entirely authentic because the original generic form has remained unaltered and the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) has developed organically with very few changes. The preservation of traditional trades, the contributions of craftsmen holders of ancient know-how and the use of local materials (stone, lime, mud and wood) make it possible to maintain the significant characteristics of the different architectonic components and their decorative elements.

Protection and management requirements The legal domain aspects relating to the protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage are considered in the Constitution of the State, in the Law and Regulations for Cultural Heritage, in the Code of Territorial Organization, Autonomy and Decentralization and in the Law on Culture which is awaiting approval. The management tools available to the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito are the Territorial Urban Development Plan, the special plan for the Historic Centre of Quito and annual operational plans. These management tools are planned by the Territorial and Housing Secretariat, while their implementation is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Municipality through the Secretariat of Culture of the Municipality, the Metropolitan Institute of Culture, the Administration Zone Centre, the Municipal Development Enterprise and the Commission for Historic Zones, which is the legislator body for the Historic Centre of Quito. The measures developed to counterbalance the threats and risks affecting the site are covered by the Territorial Urban Development Plan and the Special Plan for the Historic Centre of Quito. The boundary of permitted construction zones and the control of illegal constructions on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano aim to lessen the risks for the historic centre and its population.

The revision of the transport system and traffic in the Metropolitan District of Quito has led to the introduction of measures to lessen the negative impacts on the historic centre: restriction of the number of public transport lines; installation of a programme of pedestrian streets and bicycle corridors, creation of parking areas in strategic parts of the historic centre. The importance of measures such as the control of use and activities within the historic centre, the revitalization of public areas that, in 2003, greatly contributed to the conservation of the site and the improvement of the quality of life of its inhabitants, must also be emphasized. Quito | national capital, Ecuador | Britannica.com national capital, Ecuador Battle of Pichincha Quito, in full Villa de San Francisco de Quito, city and capital of Ecuador . It is situated on the lower slopes of the volcano Pichincha , which last erupted in 1666, in a narrow Andean valley at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 metres), just south of the Equator . The oldest of all South American capitals, Quito is notable for its well-preserved old town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

Church of San Agustín, on the Plaza Mayor, also called Plaza de la Independencia … mdmworks—iStock/Thinkstock Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The area was a market centre and political frontier before its conquest by the Inca empire , which led to its fortification as an Inca settlement. Sebastián de Belalcázar , a lieutenant of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro , occupied the city on December 6, 1534, and declared a municipal government (cabildo). (Founder’s Day, December 6, is marked with a weeklong celebration.) Quito remained the focal point of national affairs—political, social, and economic—until the early 20th century, when economic dominance shifted to Guayaquil . A distinct rivalry between the two cities still exists, with Quito remaining the country’s political and cultural centre. Monument marking the Equator, on the outskirts of Quito, Ecua.

© Steve Mann/Shutterstock.com Ecuador: Settlement patterns Quito preserves much of its colonial atmosphere, with the towers of many churches outlined against the circle of volcanoes that surrounds the Quito Basin and with peaceful squares, fountains, balconied houses, steep narrow streets, iron-grilled doorways, and secluded gardens. Unlike other Latin American cities, where sprawling yet impoverished suburbs ring the core districts, a large proportion of Quito’s poverty-fringe population lives in central city slums. In 1552 an art school was established in Quito, one of the first of its kind in South America . This marked the foundation of a religious art movement that flourished throughout the Spanish colonial period, leaving a wealth of wooden polychrome sculpture and paintings unsurpassed in the New World. Many of Quito’s churches, cloisters, and old mansions are veritable museums.

Among the most admired of Quiteño churches and convents are La Compañía (Jesuit), with Baroque columns, ceilings, and massive altars covered with gold leaf; San Francisco , with its magnificent cloister; Carmen Alto, home of the native Santa Mariana de Jesús; San Agustín, where Ecuador’s Act of Independence was signed in 1809; Santo Domingo , noted for its handsome altar and facade; the Sagrario; and the 16th- to 17th-century cathedral, burial place of the hero of independence, Antonio José de Sucre . At one time, religious buildings and lands occupied one-fourth of the city space. The gravest threat to colonial-era buildings in the city has been earthquakes, such as those of 1660, 1797, 1868, and (less severe) 1987. Similar Topics Cuenca The Central University (government-sponsored) dates from 1586, the National Polytechnic School from 1869, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador from 1946 (raised to pontifical status in 1963).

The Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Institute) includes museums of art and a library. Also notable are the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (1950), the Anthropology Museum (1925), the Municipal Museum of Art and History (1930), and the cultural museum (1969) of the Central Bank. Gracing Alameda Park is the astronomical observatory (1864), with its five small, elegant white towers. Long an isolated highland centre, Quito was linked to the coast by the Guayaquil-Quito railway in 1908. The city has an international airport and lies on the Pan-American Highway . One of Ecuador’s two major industrial centres (the other being Guayaquil), Quito produces textiles, pharmaceuticals, light consumer goods, and crafted objects of leather, wood, gold, and silver. The Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline from the eastern oil fields in Napo province runs through Quito to Esmeraldas ; another oil pipeline connects Quito with Guayaquil to the southwest.

During the latter part of the 20th century, the city’s commercial centre shifted northward with the construction of new banks, retail stores, and corporate offices, but the old town districts remain economically important. Britannica Stories Quito, The Capital Of Ecuador - Tedy Travel Tedy Travel Hotels & Resorts Quito, The Capital Of Ecuador Quito is the capital city of Ecuador. It is 2850 meters above sea level, which make it the highest capital city in the world. The city is a combination of modern and historic old buildings, and have all facilities which a modern traveler needs nowadays. Quito is a beautiful city located in the middle of mountains, its look like a large valley. The historic center in Quito is one of the well preserved and least altered historic centers in Latini America. Visit the old town of Quito and discover so many historic buildings and cultural sites. Besides, you will also experience the local culture of the people, and don’t forget to enjoy some very delicious local foods in this area. You may take a tour guide before start exploring the city, it will save you a lot of time. But If you come to the city on long vacation or have enough time then try to do all by yourself.

This will get your more experience. Never buy any passes or packages from unknown person, all the attraction fee is minimal and you may pay on the spot. Hotels are little expensive in Quito, as compared with any other city in Ecuador or in south America. You may book a three star hotel around $50 to $70 US. There is still a diversified lodging available in the city from cheap hostels, guest houses to very luxurious and expensive hotels. More Places You Would Like To Visit TOP 20 ATTRACTIONS OLD TOWN QUITO TOP 20 ATTRACTIONS OLD TOWN QUITO What are the Top Attractions of Old Town Quito? Mitad del Mundo . CAPITAL OF ECUADOR, QUITO In Lonely Planet's 10 best cities of the world to visit in 2016, Ecuador's capital Quito ranks number 2! Without question, America's most scenic capital is Quito, with its gorgeous colonial churches, monuments & museums, and cable carts to the top of Mount Pichincha. One of the world's first cities to become a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito, Ecuador, has been flying under the travelers' radar for a long time.

When we lived in Quito in the 1970s, we could never imagine that one day Quito would be so beautifully restored and that we would stroll through what is now Latin America's most beautiful capital. At a distance of �10km south of the equator, Quito is located in the Andes of Ecuador , at elevations between of 2700 and 2900 masl. With a population of 2.7 million people, Quito is the second largest city, after Ecuador's harbor Guyaquil with 2.8 million inhabitants. Dear visitor, our website gives you info about the Cuyabeno Park, our Cuyabeno Lodge , and Ecuador in general. Our lodge lies on a little seasonal island in the Cuyabeno Lake, which is the prettiest spot in the most beautiful Amazon park in all of South America . Here you can find our program and our prices . Our website has hundreds of high-resolution pictures of Cuyabeno and Ecuador, with thumbnails that open by clicking on them. Give our pages a if you love our pictures or find our info useful. That way you help others finding those pages too.

While Lima was the administrative center of the Spanish colonial empire in South America, Quito was the religious center with many cathedrals, churches and monasteries , most of which have survived the countless earthquakes and the general wear of the centuries. Now beautifully restored, Quito's monuments has architecturally marvelously designed plazas that are interconnected by romantic narrow streets, where people of all ages stroll unconcerned through this peaceful paradise of majestic monuments, local shops, tastefully restored and redesigned mansions that now serve as restaurants and colonial hotels. Whenever you go to Ecuador , please do yourself a favor and take at least 2 days to fall in love with this beautifully restored city. If you like, you can take a half day's guided tour but after that, go out on your own, walk the streets, sample the restaurants, explore beautifully illuminated Quito at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians who regard Quito as their cultural heritage, the place that unites their rich history with the pleasures of twenty-first century. In 2008, Quito was highlighted in the travel section of the New York times, listing Quito as one of the 53 most interesting cities in the world for Americans to visit.

Samantha Brown called Quito "Passport to Latin America" being the perfect place from where to initiate travel to discover Latin America. Since then, Quito has been highlighted in television programs of CBN and NBC, while many other magazines and newspapers have dedicated center fold sections to this previously undervalued most beautiful colonial capital of all the Americas. For enjoying the greatest highlights of South America, many tourist combine the nature of Ecuador with the archaeological highlights of Peru, using the new airport of Quito as hub. Detailed maps of the city of Quito, capital of Ecuador. If you click on them you get a greatly enlarged maps. Detailed map of Old town Quito attractions. Click on it to get the detailed map. With many pedestrians-only streets, the colonial center should be enjoyed, sprawling from plaza to plaza and cathedral to monastery. Distances are short and restaurants abound. This little map can help you plot out a route through the many narrow beautifully restored colonial streets of Quito's "Casco viejo" as the Quitenos call old town Quito. Historic Banco Central building, now monetary museum. Grand views of Quito, Capital of Ecuador Few capitals in the world border a national park.

An absolute must is to take: the cable cart, or the " Teleferico " as it is called and take a hike through the paramo of the Pichincha, one of the 45 National Parks and reserves of Ecuador . Go at 8 in the morning, but by 11 it gets cloudy and without sun it is chilly to out right cold. Take a sweater and a light rain coat. If you are young and don't value your bones and teeth, you ride up the cable cart and ride down your mountain bike. Hotel Capital Inn, Quito, Ecuador - Booking.com Hotel Capital Inn Hotel Capital Inn Av. 6 de Diciembre y Pablo del Solar E7-94, 170150 Quito, Ecuador – Great location - show map After booking, all of the property’s details, including telephone and address, are provided in your booking confirmation and your account. Lock in a great price for Hotel Capital Inn – rated 8 by recent guests! Enter dates Very Good 8 /10 Score from 102 reviews Cleanliness Value for money 8.2 About a mile north of a huge shopping mall district this hotel is a good value.

It needs some updating but as far as comfort and cleanliness it's adequate. The breakfast served is a buffet with plenty of protein and coffee, tea and juice. The staff were over and above friendly and helpful. Martina, Ecuador The reception staff were wonderful The Director of the hotel is fantastic and the only one who speak English .. Cook restaurant great she has a wonderful little girl .. I enjoyed staying there .. Nabil, Canada Nothing. This place is horrible. We reserved a double room with a balcony. They gave us the smallest single room in the hotel. The toilet was broken. We complained and. They told us we could leave. Unfortunately the WiFi did not work for us to find another hotel. Anonymous, Ecuador The employees of the hotel are very friendly. Bed is ok, breakfast not super but ok. Anonymous, Netherlands LA TRANQUILIDAD DE LA HABITACION Y CALIDEZ DE LA ATENCION Myrian, Ecuador La habitacion, la limpieza y la comida espectacular. Angela, Ecuador El hotel esta en una muy buena zona todo tranquilo,el desayuno muy bueno, la personas que te reciben amables. Mayra, Ecuador La estancia en el hotel Capital INN fue de lo mejor.

Todo fue perfecto. Desde la llegada al lugar hasta el momento del check out. El personal es muy amable y servicial. La habitaciones muy limpias y acogedoras; y la comida es exquisita. Jessica, Ecuador Hotel capital IIN unos de los mejores hoteles que he visitado con una excelente atención como sí estuviera en casa, desde la habitación se puede observar un maravilloso paisaje, y su ubicación queda a minutos del centro, se los recomiendo no se van a repentir!! Lo garantizo! Vilma, Ecuador El servicio y atención al cliente..la cocina maravillosa con la sazón como hecha en casa...jhonny y sra Beatriz sonrientes y amables y Víctor atento y servicial Flor, Venezuela 8.7 One of our top picks in Quito. Featuring a restaurant, Hotel Capital Inn offers classic-decorated accommodation in Quito's Batan sector. Free WiFi and breakfast is included. The rooms in Hotel Capital Inn feature private bathrooms, cable TV, and balconies with city views. Room service is provided. Free toiletries are included.

Hotel Capital Inn offers a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant. Hotel Capital Inn is 3.7 miles from the city’s historical centre and from the Municipal museum. Free private parking is possible on site, and reservation is needed. Mariscal International Airport is within a 30-minute ride. Airport shuttle is available. We speak your language! Hotel Capital Inn has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Oct 25, 2012 Hotel Rooms: 30 낍 Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8) Special breakfast options: 끸 Free Parking Available On Site Reserve Lock in a great price for your upcoming stay Get instant confirmation with FREE cancellation on most rooms! Check-in Date We Price Match When would you like to stay at Hotel Capital Inn? Sorry, we can only search for stays of up to 30 days. You can always contact Customer Service to request a longer stay once you’ve chosen your hotel. Your check-in date is invalid. Your departure date is invalid. Check-in Date Adults Children The most recent booking for this hotel was made on Jan 9 at 5:32 PM from Ecuador.

Max Max children: 1 (up to 2 years of age) Classic Family Room Just booked in Quito: 13 hotels like Hotel Capital Inn were just booked Eat, Drink & Relax at the On-site Restaurant PALMYRA 6 Reasons to Choose Hotel Capital Inn Low rates Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply. Activities Special Diet Meals (upon request) Snack Bar Free! Wired internet is available in public areas and is free of charge. Parking Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is needed). Front Desk Services All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) Hypoallergenic Room Available What would you like to know? I already have a booking with this property Thank you for your time Your feedback will help us improve this feature for all of our customers Missing some facilities information? Yes / No Brilliant!

Quicentro Shopping Mall 1.4 miles Atahualpa Olympic Stadium 1.5 miles Metropolitan Park 1.6 miles La Carolina Park 2 miles Liga Deportiva Universitaria Stadium 3.7 miles El Ejido Park 3.9 miles El Ejido Park Art Fair 4 miles Restaurants & Markets Agencias Bancarias Cafe/bar 0 miles Almacenes Supermarket 0 miles Parque Bicentnario Restaurant 0.1 miles Supermercados Santa Maria Supermarket 0.2 miles Mercado la Keneddy Market 0.2 miles Natural Beauty Cancellation/ prepayment Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room. Children and Extra Beds Free! All children under 2 years stay free of charge in a crib. All children under 12 years are charged USD 10 per night for extra beds. Any additional older children or adults are charged USD 10 per night for extra beds. The maximum number of extra beds in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay. Pets Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply. Cards accepted at this property Hover over the cards for more info. Or, take a look at these appealing alternatives: Suite La Carolina has a location score of 9.5 Looking for something else? See the 30 best hotels in Quito , based on 16,962 verified hotel reviews on Booking.com. 눱 Read more Booking.com Guest Review Guidelines To keep the rating score and review content relevant for your upcoming trip, we archive reviews older than 24 months. Only a customer who has booked through Booking.com and stayed at the property in question can write a review. This allows us to verify that our reviews come from real guests like you. Who better to tell others about the free breakfast, friendly staff, or their comfortable room than someone who’s stayed at the property? We want you to share your story, with both the good and the not-so-good. All we ask is that you follow a few simple guidelines.

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Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, or the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted. All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated. Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and other similar details. The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties, and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses. Review Score The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency Background: What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533.

Quito 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 in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of 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 marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period was marred by political instability. Protests in Quito contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four democratically elected presidents. In late 2008, voters approved a new constitution, Ecuador's 20th since gaining independence. General elections were held in February 2013, and voters reelected President Rafael CORREA.

Geography :: ECUADOR Languages: Spanish (Castilian) 93% (official), Quechua 4.1%, other indigenous 0.7%, foreign 2.2% note: (Quechua and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; other indigenous languages are in official use by indigenous peoples in the areas they inhabit) (2010 est.) Roman Catholic 74%, Evangelical 10.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 6.4% (includes Mormon Buddhist, Jewish, Spiritualist, Muslim, Hindu, indigenous religions, African American religions, Pentecostal), atheist 7.9%, agnostic 0.1% note: data represents persons at least 16 years of age from five Ecuadoran cities (2012 est.) Demographic profile: Ecuador's high poverty and income inequality most affect indigenous, mixed race, and rural populations. The government has increased its social spending to ameliorate these problems, but critics question the efficiency and implementation of its national development plan.

Nevertheless, the conditional cash transfer program, which requires participants' children to attend school and have medical check-ups, has helped improve educational attainment and healthcare among poor children. Ecuador is stalled at above replacement level fertility and the population most likely will keep growing rather than stabilize. An estimated 2 to 3 million Ecuadorians live abroad, but increased unemployment in key receiving countries - Spain, the United States, and Italy - is slowing emigration and increasing the likelihood of returnees to Ecuador. The first large-scale emigration of Ecuadorians occurred between 1980 and 2000, when an economic crisis drove Ecuadorians from southern provinces to New York City, where they had trade contacts. A second, nationwide wave of emigration in the late 1990s was caused by another economic downturn, political instability, and a currency crisis. Spain was the logical destination because of its shared language and the wide availability of low-skilled, informal jobs at a time when increased border surveillance made illegal migration to the US difficult. Ecuador has a small but growing immigrant population and is Latin America's top recipient of refugees; 98% are neighboring Colombians fleeing violence in their country.

0-14 years: 27.52% (male 2,257,535/female 2,168,198) 15-24 years: 18.47% (male 1,508,341/female 1,461,207) 25-54 years: 39.38% (male 3,086,599/female 3,245,266) 55-64 years: 7.39% (male 581,560/female 606,821) 65 years and over: 7.25% (male 554,371/female 610,880) (2016 est.) population pyramid: Executive branch: chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Jorge GLAS Espinel (since 24 May 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of

 government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Jorge GLAS Espinel (since 24 May 2013) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: 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); election last held on 17 February 2013 (next to be held in 2017) election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado (Alianza PAIS Movement) 57.2%, Guillermo LASSO (CREO) 22.7%, Lucio GUTIERREZ (PSP) 6.8%, Mauricio RODAS (SUMA) 3.9%, other 9.4% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (137 seats; 116 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 15 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote, and 6 directly elected in

 multi-seat constituencies for Ecuadorians living abroad by simple majority vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 17 February 2013 (next to be held in 2017) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAIS 100, CREO 11, PSC 6, AVANZA 5, MUPP 5, PSP 5, other 5; note - defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the various parties 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 9 judges) judge selection and term of office: justices of National Court of Justice elected by the Judiciary Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; judges elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one-third of the membership renewed every 3 years; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the executive, legislative, and Citizen Participation branches of government; judges appointed for 9

-year non-renewable terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 3 years subordinate courts: Fiscal Tribunal; Election Dispute Settlement Courts, provincial courts (one for each province); cantonal courts Alianza PAIS movement [Rafael Vicente CORREA Delgado] Avanza Party or AVANZA [Ramiro GONZALEZ] Creating Opportunities Movement or CREO [Guillermo LASSO] Institutional Renewal and National Action Party or PRIAN [Alvaro NOBOA] Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement or MUPP [Rafael ANTUNI] Patriotic Society Party or PSP [Lucio GUTIERREZ Borbua] Popular Democracy Movement or MPD [Luis VILLACIS] Roldosist Party or PRE Social Christian Party or PSC [Pascual DEL CIOPPO] Socialist Party [Fabian SOLANO] Society United for More Action or SUMA [Mauricio RODAS] Warrior's Spirit Movement [Jaime NEBOT] Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or CONAIE [Humberto CHOLANGO] Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of Ecuador or FEINE [Manuel CHUGCHILAN, president]

 National Federation of Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN National Teacher's Union or UNE [Mariana PALLASCO] 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, SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Francisco BORJA C

evallos (since 18 May 2015) chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200 FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Haven (CT), New Orleans, New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Francisco chief of mission: Ambassador Todd CHAPMAN (since 14 April 2016) embassy: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito mailing address: Avenida Guayacanes N52-205 y Avenida Avigiras telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000 name: "Salve, Oh Patria!" (We Salute You, Our Homeland) lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE note: adopted 1948; Juan Leon MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865;

 only the chorus and second verse are sung Economy :: ECUADOR Economy - overview: Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's export earnings and approximately 25% of public sector revenues in recent years.

In 1999/2000, Ecuador's economy suffered from a banking crisis, with GDP contracting by 5.3% and poverty increasing significantly. In March 2000, the Congress approved a series of structural reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US dollar as Economic policies under the CORREA administration - for example, an announcement in late 2009 of its intention to terminate 13 bilateral investment treaties, including one with the US - have generated economic uncertainty and discouraged private investmen The level of foreign investment in Ecuador continues to be one of the lowest in the region as a result of an unstable regulatory environment, weak rule of law, and the crowding-out effect of public investments.

Faced with a 2013 trade deficit of $1.1 bill $2.163 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.496 billion (31 December 2015 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $33.22 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $30.79 billion (31 December 2015 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $17.83 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $15.63 billion (31 December 2015 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $6.33 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $6.33 billion (31 December 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 the US dollar became Ecuador's currency in 2001, 1 (2016 est.), 1 (2015 est.) Energy :: ECUADOR 23 billion kWh (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 2

1 billion kWh (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 47 million kWh (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 800 million kWh (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 6.3 million kW (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 57.3% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 41.5% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 1.1% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 81 (July 2015 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 Telephone system: general assessment: elementary fixed-line service but increasingly sophisticated mobile-cellular network domestic: fixed-line services provided by multiple telecommunications operators; fixed-line teledensity stands at about 15 per 

100 persons; mobile-cellular use has surged and subscribership has reached 80 per 100 persons international: country code - 593; landing points for the PAN-AM and South America-1 submarine cables that provide links to the west coast of South America, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and extending onward to Aruba and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean; satellite (2015) Broadcast media: multiple TV networks and many local channels, as well as more than 300 radio stations; many TV and radio stations are privately owned; the government owns or controls 5 national TV stations and multiple radio stations; broadcast media required by law to g (2007) 1,500 km (most inaccessible) (2012) country comparison to the world: 52 Merchant marine: total: 44 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 4, liquefied gas 1, passenger 9, petroleum tanker 28, refrigerated cargo 1 registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 3, Peru 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 72 major seaport(s): Esmer

aldas, Manta, Puerto Bolivar river port(s): Guayaquil (Guayas) Transportation - note: the International Maritime Bureau continues to report the territorial and offshore waters as at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen Military and Security :: ECUADOR

Question: What is the capital of Ecuador?
Answer: Quito