Ecuador: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Ecuador 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Ecuador: 74
  • Happiness Score Ecuador:5.725

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Ecuador. EC.

    Ecuador is a country located in South America, known for its political structure as a democratic republic. It has a rich cultural heritage, with notable aspects such as its diverse indigenous communities and traditional music and dance. Economically, Ecuador is significant for its exports of oil, bananas, and seafood.

  • One interesting fact about Ecuador is that it is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, with a high level of biodiversity.
  • Ecuador is the first country to recognize the rights of nature in its constitution, granting legal rights to ecosystems to ensure their protection.
  • The country is home to the Galápagos Islands, which played a key role in shaping Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
  • Ecuador – Country Overview

    Early History:

    Ecuador’s history can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Valdivia and Chorrera cultures, which flourished along the coast from around 3500 BC. The Quitus, Puruhas, Cañaris, and Caras were among the indigenous groups that inhabited the region before the arrival of the Inca Empire in the 15th century.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    The Inca Empire, led by Huayna Capac, conquered the territory of modern-day Ecuador in the late 15th century, incorporating it into the Tahuantinsuyu. However, the Inca reign was short-lived, as the Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, arrived in 1532 and overthrew the Inca ruler Atahualpa.

    Colonial Period:

    Ecuador became part of the Spanish colonial empire, with Quito serving as a significant administrative center. The colonial period was marked by the exploitation of indigenous labor, the spread of Catholicism, and the establishment of haciendas (large estates) controlled by Spanish landowners.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Ecuador gained independence from Spain on May 24, 1822, as part of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which also included present-day Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. After the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830, Ecuador became an independent republic. The country’s modern history has been marked by periods of political instability, military coups, and economic challenges, including the “banana wars” of the 1960s and the debt crisis of the 1980s.

    Current Political Situation:

    Ecuador is a presidential constitutional republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Guillermo Lasso, who took office in 2021. The country has faced ongoing political polarization and social unrest in recent years, with protests over economic policies and indigenous rights.

    International Relations:

    Ecuador is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). The country has had territorial disputes with Peru and is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Colombia over border issues.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Ecuador’s economy is heavily dependent on the export of petroleum, bananas, and other agricultural products. The country’s human development index ranks relatively high in the region, although income inequality and poverty remain significant challenges, particularly in rural areas.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Ecuador is a culturally diverse nation with a rich indigenous heritage, including the Quechua and Shuar communities. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and cuisine, as well as its unique blend of Spanish and indigenous influences in art and architecture.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Ecuador faces challenges in areas such as economic diversification, environmental conservation (including the protection of the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands), and addressing social inequalities. Opportunities exist in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, as well as in fostering greater political stability and strengthening democratic institutions.

Main facts

1. Location

Ecuador is located in the northwestern region of South America, straddling the equator from which it derives its name. It is bounded by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

2. Map References

Ecuador is situated in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 283,561 sq km, Ecuador is slightly smaller than the state of Nevada in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Ecuador shares land boundaries with Colombia (708 km) to the north, and Peru (1,529 km) to the east and south, totaling a land boundary length of 2,237 km.

5. Coastline

Ecuador has a coastline of 2,237 km along the Pacific Ocean, featuring diverse coastal environments, including beaches, cliffs, and mangrove forests.

6. Maritime Claims

Ecuador claims a territorial sea of 200 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles. It also claims a continental shelf of 200 meters or to the depth of exploitation.

7. Climate

Ecuador has a diverse climate due to its location along the equator and the influence of the Andes Mountains. The coastal regions are tropical and humid, while the highlands have a more temperate climate with cooler temperatures. The Amazon region in the east is hot and humid.

8. Terrain

Ecuador’s terrain is dominated by the Andes Mountains, which run through the center of the country. The coastal lowlands and the Amazon Basin in the east are separated by these rugged mountain ranges. Major mountain ranges include the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Central.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Ecuador is Chimborazo, an inactive volcano at 6,267 meters (20,564 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at 0 meters.

10. Natural Resources

Ecuador’s major natural resources include petroleum, fish, timber, and hydropower.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The most significant rivers in Ecuador are the Guayas, Esmeraldas, Pastaza, and Napo. Major lakes include Lago Agrio and Laguna de Colta. Ecuador shares parts of the Amazon River basin with neighboring countries.

12. Natural Hazards

Ecuador is prone to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, floods, and periodic droughts due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its diverse topography.

13. Geography – Notes

Ecuador is home to the Galápagos Islands, a unique archipelago of volcanic islands located about 1,000 km off the Pacific coast, famous for its diverse and endemic wildlife. Ecuador’s geographic location and varied terrain contribute to its rich biodiversity, with several protected areas and national parks.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 50.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 41,155. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 22.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -1.831239-78.183406.
  • Capital: The capital of Ecuador is  Quito
  • Major Cities:
    • Quito – Population: 1,576,000
    • Guayaquil – Population: 2,278,691
    • Cuenca – Population: 329,928
    • Ambato – Population: 178,000
    • Machala – Population: 244,583
  • Population: 17,373,662
  • Area(Km2): 283561
  • Population Density( P/Km²):71. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:593
  • Official Language(s):Ecuador is Spanish (official) 98%, Quichua 3%
  • Currency: USD

Main Economic Indicators

Ecuador has a small, open economy that relies heavily on the export of natural resources, particularly oil, bananas, shrimp, and cut flowers. The country has faced significant economic challenges, including high levels of poverty, income inequality, and dependence on commodity exports. Ecuador has implemented various economic policies to diversify its economy, promote sustainable development, and reduce poverty.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 1.9% (Source: Central Bank of Ecuador)
2022: 3.6% (Source: Central Bank of Ecuador)

Credit Ratings

  • Fitch: B- (Stable Outlook)
  • Moody’s: Caa3 (Stable Outlook)
  • Standard & Poor’s: B- (Stable Outlook)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 8.3%
Industry: 34.1%
Services: 57.6%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, rice, potatoes, sugarcane, plantains, maize, palm oil
Industrial Products: Petroleum, food products, metals, wood products, chemicals, machinery, vehicles

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 8.2 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 62nd in the world (2022 est.)

Current Account Balance

2021: -$0.53 billion (Source: Central Bank of Ecuador)
2022: $1.12 billion (Source: Central Bank of Ecuador)
Comparative Ranking: 52nd in the world (2022 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $34.9 billion (2022 est.)
Key Export Partners: United States, China, Panama, Chile, Colombia
Main Exports: Petroleum, bananas, shrimp, cacao, cut flowers
Imports: $32.8 billion (2022 est.)
Key Import Partners: China, United States, Colombia, Mexico, Panama
Main Imports: Machinery, vehicles, electronics, chemicals, plastics

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $7.3 billion (March 2023 est.)
Gold Reserves: 19.4 tonnes (December 2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$107,435,665,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 34.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.61. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $2.46. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 3.97%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: noun – Ecuadorian(s), adjective – Ecuadorian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups: Mestizo 71.9%, Montubio 7.4%, Afroecuadorian 7.2%, Amerindian 7%, White 6.1%, Other 0.4%

3. Religions

Religious affiliations: Roman Catholic 74%, Evangelical 10.4%, Jehovah’s Witness 1.2%, Other 6.4%, None 7.9%

4. Age Structure

Age distribution: 0-14 years: 25.78% (male 1,790,948/female 1,717,732), 15-64 years: 66.61% (male 4,498,649/female 4,588,253), 65 years and over: 7.61% (male 465,139/female 569,757)

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 49.8 (youth dependency ratio: 39, elderly dependency ratio: 10.8)

6. Median Age

Median age: Total: 28.2 years, Male: 27.4 years, Female: 29 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 19.9% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 7.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco use: 14.3% of adults aged 15 and over (2020)
Other: Life expectancy at birth: 77.5 years (2022 est.)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:19.72. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.43. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 53.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 11,116,711. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):43.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Ecuador’s military consists of the Ecuadorian Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry and Naval Aviation units), and Air Force. There are also specialized units like the Jungle Brigade and the elite Special Forces Brigade. The National Police is responsible for maintaining internal security and public order, while the National Court Police handles courthouse security.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 2.6%
  • 2021: 2.8%
  • 2020: 3.1%
  • 2019: 2.8%
  • 2018: 2.5%

Ecuador’s military spending ranks 74th globally.

Personnel Strengths

Total active-duty military personnel: 43,000

  • Army: 25,000
  • Navy: 8,000
  • Air Force: 5,000
  • National Police: 45,000

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Ecuador’s military hardware includes armored vehicles, artillery, helicopters, and combat aircraft. The Army operates Israeli-made Merkava tanks and Russian T-72 tanks, while the Air Force flies a mix of Brazilian, Russian, and U.S. aircraft. Future acquisitions include plans to upgrade the Navy’s fleet of coastal patrol vessels.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service is voluntary in Ecuador, with an enlistment age of 18-24 years for the Army and 18-28 years for the Navy and Air Force. There is no mandatory military conscription, although the government can reinstate it in times of national emergency.

Military Deployments

Ecuador has approximately 300 troops deployed as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). It also contributes personnel to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

Strategic Military Notes

Ecuador’s defense strategy focuses on protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and natural resources. The military plays a key role in counter-narcotics operations and border security along the country’s northern border with Colombia. Ecuador is a member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and participates in regional security initiatives.

  • Armed Forces Size: 41000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 02.04
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 68.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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