Today we head to the small South American nation of Ecuador. Actually, it turns out it’s surprisingly large - being just slightly larger than New Zealand. The Mercator projection really has a lot to answer for.
What I knew about Ecuador before today
Ecuador translates to “equator” in Spanish. I also came reasonably close to visiting Ecuador back in 2016 and did quite a bit of research at the time. Sadly most of that research has now dissipated into the ether. I do remember it having some incredible looking rainforests and volcanoes though.
What’s Ecuador’s top tourist attraction?
It’s undoubtedly the Galápagos Islands located 1000km off the Ecuadorian coast. Famed for their influence in the creation of Darwin’s theory of evolution and their abundance of unique species. It’s estimated that 20% of the species found on the Galápagos are exclusive to the islands.
A bizarre fact about Ecuador
How about two bizarre facts as neither of these is particularly life-altering. Well, unless you’re a seller of Panama hats. It turns out Panama hats originate from Ecuador. Confusing, right? And finally, Ecuador’s capital Quito is the second-highest capital in the world behind La Paz in Bolivia.
Was Ecuador a former colony?
Yes, Ecuador was a Spanish colony from 1563 to 1822. This was followed by over a hundred years of instability and a drawn-out territorial dispute with neighbouring Peru.
What was the last war or conflict Ecuador took part in?
The territorial dispute with Peru became especially heated back in 1995 when the month-long Cenepa War broke out. It’s still considered the most recent military conflict between two nations in the Americas.
What are Ecuador’s main exports?
Oil, bananas, gold and shrimp. Although the shrimp exports may be in trouble. Ecuador exports roughly 60% of all of its shrimp exports to China, however in 2019 China temporarily banned imports due to reports of diseased shrimp and last year there were concerns with exported shrimp carrying Covid!
What’s Ecuador’s National dish?
Encebollado, a fish soup with lime pickled onions and cassava is considered the national dish of Ecuador. This isn’t the most famous food that Ecuadorians eat though. That title must be reserved for roasted guinea pig.
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