Ecuador, situated on the Pacific Coast of South America, is home to over 15 million people.
The official language is Spanish, although most business people understand English.
Ruled as a civilian and military dictatorship from 1968-1979, Ecuador is now a unitary multiparty republic with a President that serves as chief of state and head of the government.
Ecuadorans are guaranteed religious freedom, although the vast majority (over 95%) are practicing Roman Catholics.
The U.S. dollar is recognized as official currency in Ecuador.