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Ecuador
The name Ecuador is literally translated from the Spanish to mean "Equator," which is a fitting name since the country sits on the Equator.
Introduction:
Ecuador is a mountainous country that makes settling the lands quite difficult in many areas. However, for those who did settle the lands, many created unique cultures and lifestyles that developed over time with few outside influences. This changed with the arrival of the Incan Empire, who took over the region and unified the people.
The Incans spread their influence to the people of the region as Incan culture, technology, and their lifestyle took over many of the local people. However, this rule was short-lived since the Spanish arrived shortly after the Incans and their effect on the culture was much stronger and more permanent. This began with the spread of European diseases, which killed many of the indigenous people.
The flag of Ecuador reflects that of Colombia, both of which are modeled on the flag of Gran Colombia, a country that broke up in 1830. The yellow represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, the blue symbolizes the sky, sea, and rivers, while the red represents the blood spilled in the fight for independence. In the middle of the flag is the country's coat of arms.
Name: Republic of Ecuador
Independence: May 24, 1822
Capital: Quito
Currency: Sucre
Population: 15,439,429 (2013 estimate)
Ethnicity: Mestizo & Indigenous
Language: Spanish
Religion: Catholic
The Spanish dominated most cultural aspects, including language and religion. Plus the Spanish and indigenous people often intermarried, creating a new ethnicity and culture, which was generally Spanish-dominated. However, the indigenous people maintained their languages to varying degrees as well as other cultural aspects of life. This was especially true in the more rural and mountainous parts of the country where Spanish influence was less pronounced. Even today many of the Quechua speakers as well as groups of people who live along the Amazon River continue to keep many cultural traditions, languages, and lifestyles alive today.
The Spanish dominance is best seen today, and in the past, in the cities, where Spanish culture, language, lifestyle, and architecture rule. Additionally, many of the mestizos also tend to cling more closely to Spanish traditions than indigenous cultures, making the Spanish culture of the past still present and dominate in the country today.
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Information for Ecuador was last updated: May, 2013 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks