Who are the people?
Approximately 60 percent of Ecuador’s population is mestizo, of mixed Indian and European ancestry. Another 30 percent is Indian and the remaining 10 percent descends from a variety of cultures. Spanish is Ecuador’s official language and is used by most residents, although 17 percent speak the native Quisha dialect. Ninety-five percent of the people are Christian.

Approximately one-third of the labor force is engaged in agriculture. Growing grain and raising livestock are the key activities, but cocoa, sugar, rice, coffee, and bananas also are important products. Manufacturing ranks second as a source of employment.

The inhabitants of Ecuador have worked hard to improve the quality of their lives, particularly in the areas of health care and disease prevention. They have succeeded in eliminating the occurrence of yellow fever, while also reducing incidences of malaria and tuberculosis. However, there is still more work to be done.

Malnutrition is a serious problem and the infant mortality rate remains high. Fortunately, sponsorship helps by providing support for preventive health care measures, clean water, and better sanitation.
Approximately 60 percent of Ecuador’s population is mestizo, of mixed Indian and European ancestry

Country Comparison	Ecuador	United States
Population	13 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	106,889 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	75 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	23	7
Literacy Rate	91%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	100%	92%
Access to Safe Water	86%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$2,180	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Ecuador is located on the northern coast of South America. Its bordering countries are Colombia to the north and Peru to the south and east. Of all the South American nations, Ecuador is considered to have the most intact traditional society.

Ecuador constitutes one of the world’s largest volcanic regions. Its climate ranges from desert heat to alpine cold. Two parallel mountain formations, running north to south, divide the country into three distinct geographic areas that differ from each other culturally and politically. West of the mountains, a coastal plain lies along the Pacific Ocean. This region—where 35 percent of the population lives—is generally hot and humid. Most of Ecuador’s tropical export products are grown here.

Between the mountains is a high plateau, the Sierra. Temperatures vary widely, but tend to be moderate. Quito, the capital, is the center of activity. The region produces grain and meat for domestic consumption. The area is subject to occasional—but severe—earthquakes.

The territory east of the mountains is part of the Amazon Valley. It is a tropical rainforest with an average temperature of 77 degrees. This region is inhabited mainly by Amerindians and settlers who are dispersed throughout the jungle terrain.
Ecuador is located on the northern coast of South America. Its bordering countries are Colombia to
Ecuador Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Ecuador to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Establishing preschool centers so that young boys and girls can begin their educational experience with a positive, supportive foundation.
• Providing ongoing training for teachers to improve the quality of education for sponsored children.
• Conducting immunization campaigns to protect children against potentially deadly diseases.
• Training community health promoters to help families learn skills in proper sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition.
• Working with churches to provide older children with opportunities to learn a vocation.
• Introducing farmers to new agricultural techniques and providing seeds to help increase their crop yields.
• Supporting Bible study groups to nurture Christians in their faith, creating opportunities for those who want to learn more.

• Pray that your sponsored child might be open to hearing and receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and responding to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibility.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.