Ecuador Factbook

Ecuador is traditionally Roman Catholic, and most of the people are classified as Catholic today. However, evangelicals are multiplying, and opportunities abound. There is still much work to be done.

Ecuador is located on the west coast of South America. The equator runs through the northern part of the country. The Andes Mountains run in a north-south direction through the center of the country dividing the eastern Amazon jungle from the fertile coastal plain in the west.

Over 13 million people live in Ecuador. The people are predominantly Spanish speaking. However, there is also a large native Indian community.

Ecuador is blessed with valuable natural resources including oil, abundant ocean life, and rich soil for agriculture. Ecuador exports a number of products, but the economy is subject to fluctuations in the price for these commodities. Moreover, the wealth from oil is concentrated in a relatively small number of people. Overall, the native Indians are quite poor.

Ecuador gained independence from Spain in 1830. The time since independence has been one of almost continual turmoil with the average government lasting only 2 years. A new constitution was adopted in 1998. Pray that the latest government may act wisely and provide stability.

Ecuador is culturally Roman Catholic. Today, nearly 90% of the people are counted as Catholic. As is true in many such countries, far fewer actually have any real connection to the church. Although there is freedom of religion, there is still much cultural pressure to remain Catholic.

The people have suffered through political turmoil and natural disasters, but the Lord appears to have used this to spark an interest in the gospel. In 1960, Ecuador had the smallest percentage of evangelicals in South America. Since then, their numbers have grown rapidly. Today, the evangelicals are over 6% of the population. In particular, many of the native indians have come to Christ.

With that growth has come difficulties. There is a continual need for adequately trained pastors and better training facilities. There is opposition to missionary activity from anthropologists and others.

We can praise the Lord that there is a Bible translation in nearly every language spoken in Ecuador. Pray for the opportunity to use these Bibles wisely.

Ecuador is also blessed with a large Christian radio station, HCJB high in the mountains in Quito. This station broadcasts the gospel to much of the world.

Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison

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