ECUADOR

A Little About Ecuador

Ecuador, with a population of 12 million, is considered among the most mega-diverse countries in the world. In relation to its surface, Ecuador holds the greatest amount of species of plants and animals on Earth. It occupies fourth place in bird diversity.

Ecuadors official language is Spanish. Its capital is Quito (3 ½ hours by plane from Miami). Its government is a Democratic Republic. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is complete religious freedom. The country is divided into four different zones: Amazon Basin, Andean Highlands (where Vilcabamba is located), Pacific Lowlands and Galapagos Islands. Since it is located right on the equator, the country as a whole experiences no extreme weather changes.

The currency is the US Dollar. Ecuadors local coins are equivalent to American pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and fifty-cent pieces, all of which are legal tender in Ecuador. Ecuador is located in the same time zone as the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, and it does not have daylight savings time. Ecuador welcomes Americans who seek residency. There is no income tax and very low property taxes. There is a consumption tax (sales tax) of 12%. Foreigners are permitted to own land in Ecuador, and many have done so happily for many years.