Ecuador: In Focus

History and Politics Power in Ecuador has changed hands

many times. First ruled by the Incas. Incan ruler Huayna-Capac died;

kingdom split between 2 sons. Atahualpa ruled North, Huascar ruled

South. Atahualpa invaded South, killing his

brother and reunited the kingdom.

History and Politics Kingdom was weakened. Spanish conquistador Pizarro

invaded and killed Atahualpa. Conquest complete: Dec. 6, 1534.

Kingdom named the Royal District of Quito.

Years of native resistance; Jose de Sucro defeated the Spanish and natives were freed from their rule.

Ecuador was then named the Audencia de Quito.

History and Politics This federation fell apart in 1830. Juan Jose Flores founded “Ecuador”,

so named because of its location on the equator.

Although Ecuador was thought to have some measure of peace after this turbulent history, their border disputes with Peru continue until this day.

People and Society People: Indigenous tribes,

Europeans, and descendants of African slaves.

Descendants of Indians and Spaniard are mestizos, or chagras (cowboys).

Very poor. Most impoverished:

indigenous and Africans. Disproportioned wealth

tracing back to times of slavery and Spanish rule.

Shuar Woman

People and Society Overall, very friendly. Rule by “macho” society. Alcoholism sometimes rampant,

leading to domestic disputes. Racism is also a problem. Mestizos and whites look on Indians

as second-class citizens. Virtually no interracial mixing.

People and Society Great difference in quality between state

and private hospitals. Majority of population has no access to

adequate healthcare because they do not live in the larger cities.

These people instead turn to a shaman for their treatments.

A shaman’s practice is a mix of science, religion, and politics.

Highly esteemed by their people.

Shaman

People and Society Education is severely lacking in Ecuador. Every child is entitled to 9 years of

education, but most only complete 6 years. One of the central problems is that teacher

training is often inadequate. Many children work in the streets, selling

wares. 96% of the country is Roman Catholic. Its

influence remains a prevalent part of Ecuadorean society.

Economy and Environment Greatest export: petroleum. Since 1970, transformation from an

agricultural economy to an oil economy

The country invested a large sum in the industrial sector that led to great national debt

In 1996, this debt was $16 billion or $1400 pp

Economy and Environment The greatest problem: structural

imbalance. Ecuador earns foreign currency from

natural resources Industrial aspect of the economy is

virtually nonexistent. Prediction: supply of natural

resources will be depleted in 20 years

Economy and Environment Major exporter of bananas,

cut flowers, cocoa, coffee, and shrimp

world’s only exporter of “vegetable ivory” called tagua, which is a brown nut

200 pounds of nuts will produce as many products as one elephant tusk valued at $10,000

Economy and Environment Use of natural resources=exploitation

of the natural environment Pesticide poisoning, deforestation,

and pollution are great causes for concern

Oil leaks are also a huge problem: one pipe leaked a total of 30 times over the course of 20 years.

Economy and Environment Tourism in Ecuador has increased in

recent years, providing hope Tourists offer a great addition to

Ecuadoreans’ income For this reason, many are very

welcoming and hospitable to strangers

Culture Festivals are the high points of the year

and a mixture of Roman Catholic and Indian traditions

One person is chosen each year to be the prioste, who is the sponsor and organizer of the festival.

Many of the festivals coincide with Christian holidays

Ex: “pase del niño” ( Christmas) and “hoy fanesca” (Good Friday)

Culture The center piece of each festival is

the roast guinea pig A tiny bone from the ear is placed in

a glass with a strong drink. Whoever swallows the bone in one gulp is allowed to make a wish.

Music is an integral part of the festivals: traditional Indian music and modern Spanish-European music

Roast Guinea Pig

Inti Raymi, 2008http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjyQ7ybNjmw

Culture The two most important sports

played are soccer and volleyball Graffiti is an expressive part of

Ecuadorean culture Ecuador graffiti is poetic and

inspiring, such as“No es mas facil describir lo que no es

amor.”

Tips for Travellers Crime is prevalent in big cities and tourist

sites Other hazards include unhygienic

restaurants and “some of the world’s worst drivers”.

Health issues include malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, and altitude sickness

“It is advisable not to buy any illegal drugs in Ecuador, since penalties are harsh and prisons far from comfortable.”

Ecuador: In Focus Despite its turbulent history and high

crime rate, Ecuador is a place of great beauty.

It is claimed that you can canoe in the Amazon rainforest in the morning, cross the Andes in the afternoon, and swim in the tropical Pacific Ocean in the evening.