Culture of Ecuador

Ecuador is a multiethnic and multicultural nation. It has a population of more than 13.7 million. A little less than half live in the highlands and about half live along Ecuador’s Pacific coast. The rest live in the Amazon region or on the Galapagos Islands. About 65% of the population is mestizo, or mixed indigenous and European, 25% is indigenous, 7% are of Spanish descent and about 3% of African heritage.

More than 14 indigenous groups live on the Ecuadorian mainland, maintaining their own traditions and ways of life. The main indigenous groups of the highlands are the Quichua, Cañaris, and Saraguros. On the Pacific coast live the Chachis, Cayapas, Tsáchilas and Huancavilcas. In the Amazon region, there are a number of indigenous groups, including the Huaoranis, Achuar, Shuar, Cofán, Siona-Secoya, Shiwiar and Záparo.

The official language of the country is Spanish, but other languages, such as Quichua Shimi, Awapit, Cha´palachi, Tsafiqui, Paicoca, A´ingae, Huaotirio, Shuar-chichan, and Záparo, are widely spoken in areas with large indigenous populations.

The predominant religion is Catholicism but many communities still preserve their ancient beliefs of worship of the earth, the mountains, and the sun. Many of the major holidays in Ecuador are centered around Catholic holidays.