Ecuador

Key Stats

Capital: Quito

Population: 16 million

Average life expectancy: 77 years

Literacy rate: 94%

Population living below poverty line: 26%

Population without electricity: 500,000

Population without access to safe drinking water: 2.4 million

Most widely spoken language: Spanish

Source: The World Factbook

About Ecuador

"The middle of the world," Ecuador is located at the equator in South America. The land here contains the biggest "mega-diversity" on the planet, featuring tropical rainforests, humid lowlands, and temperate highlands. The country has improved standards of living, but it is still characterized by marked inequalities of wealth; high poverty affects mostly indigenous, mixed race, and rural populations. Indigenous groups create weavings and other crafts with incredible color combinations and materials.

Ecuador

  • Artisans in Ecuador
    Artisans in Ecuador receive fair wages and access to international fair trade markets through fair trade, allowing them to receive training and preserve traditional craft techniques.
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  • Handcrafters in Ecuador

    Through fair trade, handcrafters in Ecuador earn a steady income while preserving cultural traditions.
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