Fun Facts About Ecuador

The size of Ecuador is comparable to the size of Nevada.

Ecuador includes the Galapagos Islands, one  of the world's greatest wildlife treasures - It was here that Darwin made his observations that led to his theory of evolution.

Ecuador has more than 30 active volcanoes - Cotapaxi, just south of Quito is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Official language is Spanish, major religious tradition is Roman Catholic.

Soccer (futbol) is the most popular sport, but Ecuador also has it's own form of volleyball, called Ecuavolley.

The official currency is the US dollar.

The colors of the flag = Yellow for diversity, Blue for the sky and sea, and Red for the blood of those who fought for independence.

Ecuador's independence day is on August 10th.

Due to it's position near the Equator it is known as the closest point on Earth to the Sun.

Ecuador is one of only two countries in South America that do not share a border with Brazil.

Guinea pig is considered to be a delicacy in Ecuador.

Main exports: Petroleum, banana, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, roses, and tuna.

Under Ecuadorian law a woman can be returned to her parents if her husband finds out she is not a virgin on their wedding night.

Ecuador is home to 4,500 species of butterflies, 1,640 species of birds, 345 species of reptiles, 358 species of amphibians, and 258 species of mammals.

Ecuador has won only one Olympic gold medal -- the Men's 20km walk at the 1996 Olympics.