About Ecuador
Ecuador is
truly an incredible country. It straddles the most western point of the
Andes and is the size of France. The country has 4 distinct geographic
zones: the coastal plain, the mountainous Andes, the eastern Amazonian
jungle, and the Galapagos Islands. It can be further divided into two
culturally distinct and politically different regions—the lowlands
inhabited by the Costenos, and the highlands populated by the Serranos.
The geographic diversity coupled with its unique cultural heritage make
Ecuador an endlessly fascinating place within which to live and learn.
No matter how much exploring you do, you feel you are only just
beginning to scratch the surface. While Spanish is the predominant
language, Quechua is spoken by some indigenous people, and English by
the business community. The U.S. dollar is the currency used by Ecuador,
and petroleum and agricultural products account for most of its exports.
It is common for several generations to live under the same roof. Soccer
and Ecuavolley, a game similar to volleyball, are the favorite sports in
Ecuador. Ecuadorians love to socialize and unannounced visits are common
and welcomed. The Ecuadorian government is headed by a president who is
elected for a four-year term, and the legislature has only one chamber—a
distinction Ecuador holds in common with Nebraska.
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