Ecuador
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Country overview
Ecuador is located in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru. The terrain consists of a coastal plain, the inter-Andean central highlands and flat to rolling jungle.
Climate overview
Each region has different factors that affect its climate. The Costa has a tropical climate. Temperatures for the region as a whole remain fairly constant, ranging from 23° C in the south to 26° C in the north. Although seasonal changes in temperature are not pronounced, the hottest period occurs during the rainy season, especially from February to April. Differences in temperature and rainfall in the Costa are caused by the Peruvian Current and periodic appearances of El Niño. Temperatures in the Sierra do not vary greatly on a seasonal basis; the hottest month averages 16° C and the coolest month, 13° C in the upper elevations. The Costa Internal has a hot and humid climate. Temperatures can surpass 26° C and rain is constant during the winter months of December through May. The Eastern lowlands in the Oriente experience an equatorial climate. Rainfall is abundant and temperatures average 25° C in the western parts of this region.
Population estimates
| Total population | |
| 1975 | 6 million |
| 2003 | 12 million |
| 2015 estimate | 15 million |
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, Black 3%
(source: CIA)
Languages spoken
Spanish (official); also Quechuan and other Indian languages.
(source: CIA)
Religions
Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%
(source: CIA)
Population age profile
| Population under age 15 (% of total) | |
| 2003 | 33 % |
| 2015 estimate | 28 % |
| Population over age 65 (% of total) | |
| 2003 | 4 % |
| 2015 estimate | 7 % |
Education facts
| School age population | 2004 | 2005 |
| Primary | 1,702,354 | 1,711,451 |
| Secondary | 1,632,234 | 1,637,827 |
(source: UNESCO, 2004/2005)
Standards of living
| Human development index rank | 82 |
| Human poverty rank | 22 |
| Life expectancy at birth female 2003 | 77 |
| Life expectancy at birth male 2003 | 71 |
| Probability at birth of surviving to age 65, female (% of cohort), 2000-2005 | 82 |
| Probability at birth of surviving to age 65, male (% of cohort), 2000-2005 | 72 |
(source: HDI, 2005 )
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