Capital: Quito
Population: 12.4 million
Language: Spanish
Access to Clean Water: Urban - 81% Rural-51%
Access to Adequate Sanitation: Urban- 70% Rural -37%
Under 5 mortality rate: 3.5%
GNP per capita: $1,310
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Ecuadorians are known for their open, generous and inviting attitude. Unannounced visitors are welcome and encouraged. When socializing, Ecuadorians place all their furniture near the walls to make room for dancing. When visitors leave, they receive a small gift -- regalito -- such as candy or fruit.
Ecaudorians have many interesting holiday traditions. For example, they celebrate the New Year by burning effagies (symbols) of the old year in the streets. Large festivals with bullfights and sporting events are also held on December 6th, to honor the day in 1809 when Quito was founded.
The midday meal is the most important. Rice, potatoes, beans, soup and bananas are favorites. A popular soup, locro, is made with potatoes, cheese, meat and avacado.
Most poor families live in shacks made of split cane or scrap materials. These homes often have dirt floors and tin or thatched roofing. Though education is compulsoruy, many children are unable to attend because their families cannot afford required supplies and uniforms. There is also a severe shortage of schools, especially in rural areas.
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