Ecuador is a multiethnic and pluricultural nation. It has a population of more than 12.6 million. Of these, five and a half million live in the highlands. Six and a half million of Ecuador’s inhabitants live on the Pacific coast. The Amazon region is home to more than six hundred thousand inhabitants and nearly seventeen thousand live in the Galapagos Islands.

Education

More than 14 indigenous groups live on the Ecuadorian mainland, maintaining their own traditions and ways of life. The following are the principal indigenous groups of the Amazon region: Huaoranis, Achuar, Shuar, Cofán, Siona-Secoya, Shiwiar and Záparo.

In theory, elementary education is mandatory to the end of grade 6. In reality, only about 50% finish. Of those beginning secondary school, only about 50% finish grade 12.

A high school diploma is necessary for students to attend one of the approximately 22 universities or technical schools.
The school year differs between the coast and the highlands. On the coast, the school year begins in May and ends in January. In Quito and the highlands the year runs from October to July.
The adult literacy rate is approximately 91%.

Religion

About 95% of the population is Roman Catholic. This has resulted in many 16th and 17th century having been built in the older towns. One great example is the recently restored 450 year old church in Pujili.
While the Indians are nominally Roman Catholic, their beliefs and their ceremonies are mixed with their own, traditional, beliefs.

Language

Spanish is, of course, the main language of Ecuador. English is spoken only in the large hotels and tourist agencies (sometimes) in the larger cities.

Taking a basic course in Spanish before you come to Ecuador is a good idea. There are many excellent Spanish schools in Quito, where group rates are about US$1 per hour, and private lessons are US$3 or so. The basics are fairly easy to learn, because it is a very phonetic language. You can also buy a pocket phrase guide. Ecuadorians are wonderfully patient with foreigners trying to speak to them in their own language.