Ecuador, also known as the Republic of Ecuador gained it’s independence from Spain on May 24th, 1822 and became a Democratic nation.
Ethnic Division:
- Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and Spanish): 45%
- Indigenous: 35%
- Spanish: 10%
- Black: 10%
Indigenous groups: over 40 indigenous nations including the Quichua, Huaorani, Shuar (Jivaro), Achuar, Cofan, Siona, Secoya, Otavaleño, Tchatchilas (Colorados), Zaparo, Salasacas, Canaris, Saraguro & Chachi
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous tongues. Quichua, the language of the Incas, is the most widely spoken indigenous language. English is commonly spoken among professionals and tourism providers.
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, however most mestizos and indigenous converts combine Catholicism with animistic practices and beliefs.
Geography
Climate: tropical along the coast and in the Amazon region, and cooler in the highlands
Terrain: coastal plain (Costa), inter-Andean highlands (Sierra), and eastern rainforest plain (Oriente) & the Galapagos Island Archipelago
Natural resources: oil, fish, timber, and various minerals
Information from http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com