Fact 1: A Rose-Y Paradise
Ecuador is renowned for its roses worldwide and is one of the largest exporters of roses. The country's unique position right on the equator and its high altitude offer ideal conditions for the growth of these exquisite flowers. The warm days and cool nights make their colours more vivid, their stems longer and thicker, and their petals larger and velvety to the touch.
Fact 2: A Volcanic Delight
Ecuador is known for having the highest amount of volcanoes per square meter in the world with approximately 70 - 80 volcanoes depending on how they are classified. This includes both active and inactive volcanoes. If you're a thrill-seeker, some of these volcanoes are definitely worth a visit!
Fact 3: Home to the Equator Line
If you didn't guess it from the name, Ecuador is home to the planet's equator. In fact, Ecuador is actually named after the equator, which runs right through the country. From Latin words 'aequus' and 'noctium', meaning 'equal night', the name Ecuador directly translates to 'Republic of the Equator'.
Fact 4: Rich in Biodiversity
Despite being a small country, Ecuador boasts an impressive range of biodiversity. It is considered one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, with more species per square kilometer than any other nation. It's home to thousands of species of birds, plants, insects, mammals, and reptiles, many of which are endemics and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Fact 5: The Famed Galapagos Islands
Ecuador is known for its Galapagos Islands, which are located over 1,000 km away from the mainland. These islands are famous for their unique wildlife species that significantly influenced Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of the fascinating species here include marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and flightless cormorants.
Fact 6: Unofficial Ice Cream Salesmen
In Ecuador, it's quite usual to encounter an "heladero", or an ice cream salesman, especially near the beaches or tourist spots. Not so common is the fact that an "heladero" would often be accompanied by a tamed penguin. As odd as it sounds, this is a delightful sight for tourists and locals alike!
Fact 7: Embrace Diversity
Ecuador's population is incredibly diverse, boasting a mix of indigenous groups, mestizos, Afro-Ecuadorians, Montubios, and a small percentage of European immigrants. Each group has its own unique traditions and ways of life, making for a colourful melting pot of cultures.
Fact 8: The Mighty Andes
Ecuador is home to a portion of the enormous Andes Mountain Range, which is the longest in the world. Navarino Island, Chimborazo's summit, is the closest point to the sun on Earth, being further from the planet's center due to its location near the equator and the planet's oblate spheroid shape.
Fact 9: Cash-Free Transactions
Ecuador was the first country in the world to have a government-run electronic payment system, known as "dinero electrónico". This cash-free system was launched in 2015, however, faced considerable resistance from citizens and was ordered to shut down in 2018.
Fact 10: Respect for Nature in Constitution
In a world-first, Ecuador’s constitution recognizes the "rights of nature". Its Constitution now provides that nature has “the right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles."
Fact 11: Hearty Cuisine
The cuisine in Ecuador is known for its variety and depth of flavours. Whether it's succulent seafood from coastal regions, delicious roasts from highland areas, or exotic fruits from the Amazon, there's something for every palate.
Fact 12: Diverse Climate Zones
Despite being a small country, Ecuador boasts four diverse climate zones: the Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Pacific Coast, and Galapagos Islands. Few countries in the world boast such diverse climates within a relatively small geographic area.
Fact 13: The Inca Empire
During its history, Ecuador was once part of the mighty Inca Empire. Some of the most significant and best-preserved Inca ruins, Ingapirca, are located in Ecuador.
Fact 14: Banana Republic
Not just a clothing brand, Ecuador is also the world's leading banana exporter, responsible for approximately 25% of global banana exports.
Fact 15: Two Capitals
Ecuador is the only country with two capitals: Quito, which is the official administrative capital, and Guayaquil, which is the nation's largest city and acts as Ecuador’s economic capital.
Fact 16: Train up a Mountain
The Nariz del Diablo, or the Devil's Nose, is one of Ecuador's most famous sights. It's also reportedly one of the world's most challenging railway lines due to the steep ascents and descents. A ride on this train is sure to be a unique and exhilarating experience!
Fact 17: Amazon Rainforest
A part of the mighty Amazon Rainforest is located within Ecuador. Known as "El Oriente," this region hosts unparalleled biodiversity, several indigenous tribes, and has significant unexplored areas.
Fact 18: The Historic City of Quito
Quito was one of the first cities to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Its rich and well-preserved historic center is a delightful place to discover.
Fact 19: Hat's Off to Ecuador
Did you know what’s famously known as "Panama Hat" is actually from Ecuador? These hats originated in Ecuador where they are woven from the straw of the toquilla palm. They came to be known as Panama hats because they were exported to Panama first before being shipped to other places around the world.
Fact 20: Avian Lovers' Paradise
Ecuador is a birdwatcher's paradise! With over 1,600 bird species, roughly twice the number found in North America, Ecuador holds the world record for the widest variety of bird species in a single country. Among notable species are the Andean Condor, the national bird of Ecuador, and the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin species found north of the equator.