Ecuador Essay, Research Paper
Ecuador, a country smaller than the size of Nevada, is located in western South America. It borders the Pacific Ocean at the Equator and is a tropical region. The capital of Ecuador is Quito. Quito is located in Northern Central Ecuador. One interesting fact about Ecuador is that it contains the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The volcano is located just below the capita, Quito. Due to their new constitution the economic status of Ecuador, a Third World country, is rising.
The GDP is $58.7 billion. The GDP per capita is $4,800. Only 35% of the population are below the poverty line. The lowest 10% of income is shared by 2.3% of the population and the highest 10% are 37.6%. The foreign debt is $12.5 billion. 12% of people who live in Ecuador experience wide spread unemployment. Their industrial production growth rate is 2.4%. The budget in Ecuador is $5.1 billion, not including money from private organizations.
Ecuador produces a range of products to be exported. They export 30% petroleum, 26% bananas, 16% shrimp, 2% cut flowers, and 1.9% fish. They export to the United States (39%); Latin America (25%); EU countries (22%); and Asia (12%). Ecuador imports $2.9 billion worth of products. These include transport equipment, consumer goods, vehicles, machinery, and chemicals. They import from the United States (32%), EU countries (19%), Latin America (35%), and Asia (11%). Ecuador s industrial force produces: petroleum, food, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fish, and lumber. Ecuador s agricultural production
includes: bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc, plantains, sugar cane, cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products, balsa wood, fish and shrimp.
Ecuador s social indicators are really not too disturbing. The infant mortality rate is 30.69 deaths/1,000 live births. This is not a very high rate compared to many other Third World countries. The average life expectancy for an Ecuadorian is 72.16 years. The average for a male is 69.54 years, and for females the life expectancy is 74.9 years. The population growth rate is 1.78%. This is not a great increase. The literacy rate for the total population is 90.1%. This is outstandingly high. The main religion in Ecuador is Roman Catholic, which includes 95% of the population.
Petroleum, fish, and timber are Ecuador s three main natural resources. The climate in Ecuador is mainly tropical along the coast, and as one moves inland it becomes much cooler. Arable land makes up 6% of land, along with permanent crops (5%), permanent pastures (18%), forests and woodland (56%), and other areas (15%). Ecuador faces many natural hazards, which include frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, and periodic droughts. Deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, water pollution, and pollution from oil production wastes are some of the environmental issues facing Ecuador.
The government of Ecuador is a unitary republic. Their system is set up much like the United States. The government contains three branches- legislative, executive, and judicial. The people elect the president and vice-president by casting only one ballot. In congress, the representatives are limited to four-year terms. Impeachment of a
president, would require support of one-fourth of representatives. In order to actually remove him or her from office it would take a vote of two-thirds of the representatives.
On August 10 1998, President Jamil Mahuad took his term as Ecuador s president, and the new government brought forth a new constitution. Primary and secondary education will be free to everyone, in the new constituiton. Universities will not be included in this; students also will be required, much like in the United States, to pass admissions requirements before entering the university. Education is a major factor in helping the poor of Ecuador, by being educated one can start to help themselves by finding better jobs that pay more.
Under the new constitution, the state must now try to sustain economic growth. The new constitution stops the state from changing contracts that have been already signed if the law was not enacted previously. Having this will create more private investment, which will help Ecuador obtain foreign capital.
Since the establishment of the new government in 1998, the congress has been receiving pressure from citizens to pass a balanced budget and tax reform. Special interest groups and many other interest groups have slowed the progress ofcongress by raising questions about how this is going to happen and disagreeing with congress s plans. Congress has been threatened by numerous associations to get the budget bill passed. Questions on whether a legislature should remain are arising.
Ecuador is also having problems paying their debt. They have defaulted on their interest payments on Brady and Eurobonds. With the already week financial system, some analyst believe this may cause bankruptcy for new institutions.
Electricity prices have always been a sore spot in Ecuador. Since the lack of enforcement of the new budget and tax reform, outrage is even more prevalent. CONELEC, the National Electricity Council, has been pressed with the issue of how to implement the higher taxes. Many ideas have been brought to the forefront. One idea is to base the price of electric off the price of the exchange rate of the United States dollar. Another idea is to not enforce the increase until January and then increase the price 34%. After January keep increasing the price monthly until Ecuador breaks even.
Ecuador has a new government and with that comes conflicts. They have an excellent government system working for them, but as in every society someone wants to change that. Ecuador is working on convincing some of the old institutions that the government they have now is good. The government is doing good things for the economy by helping reducing the number of the poor. Ecuador s economy will probable thrive as soon as the bugs are worked out of the system.
A volcano threat in Ecuador has forced many individuals to leave their homes. The Tungurahua volcano, located about 120 miles south of Ecuador s capital Quito, blanketed the area with ash. The Tungurahua volcano is 5,000 meters high and it spews about 10,000 tons of vapor a day. Many experts believe there is an 80% chance that the
Tungurahua volcano will erupt. Only minor eye irritations and respiratory problems have been reported as a result of the volcanic gases and activity.
Economic development seems to be doing well along with the reduction of poverty since the new constitution was established in 1998. Although I would have liked to have a law that even though primary and secondary education is free-that it is required one attends until a certain age. With a lot of Ecuador s economy based on agriculture I am concerned that even though education is free, one s children may not be able to attend due to the need to be on the farm. Education coincides with poverty reduction so I find that the two go hand in hand. Poverty can not be solved in one day, but I do think that education is the right approach. I think there should programs set up to go to the older population and help educate them as well so that they understand why it is important for their children to receive and education.
Ecuador is a complicated country with many strong attributes. The country essentially is starting over with a new government, which will take time for everyone to adjust. Ecuador s economic data and social indicators look good for Ecuador s future.
References
ABC News Online. Fear of Volcano in Ecuador Forces Locals to Evacuate (18
October 1999): n.pag. On-line. Internet. 19 October 1999. Available
WWW:abc.au/news/newslink/weekly/newsnat-18oct1999-48.htm
Analytica Securities. Ecuador Weekly Report (25 October 1999): n.page. On-line.
Internet. 2 Nov. 1999. Available WWW:ecuador/news1.html.
Druckerman, Pamela &Vogel, Thomas T. Jr. Outlook on Ecuador debt dims as
Eurobond Payment Is Put Off. Wall Street Journal 25 October 1999, eastern
Ed.:1
Embassy of Ecuador: Washington, DC Information About Ecuador n.pag. On-line.
Internet. 2 November 1999. Available WWW:ecuador/law&
Government.htm
The World Factbook 1999 Ecuador n.pag. On-line. Internet 24 October 1999.
Available WWW:cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/ec.html
Tim s Ecuador Page n.pag. On-line. Internet 2 November 1999. Available
WWW:net1plus/users/tdriskell/ecuador.html
316
Другие работы по теме:
American Citizens Essay Research Paper George Washington
American Citizens Essay, Research Paper George Washington bravely fought so that our country, The United Stastes of America, could be called a free and independent nation. As American citizens it is our duty and responsibility to use that freedom to better undertsatnd ourselves, our community and our country.
Freedom Essay Research Paper As with any
Freedom Essay, Research Paper As with any government, there is the necessity of an economy, or else the government would fail because economy is one of the basic necessities of a government. With a democracy like we have in a country of our size, managing this economy becomes a big problem. One important factor is; In a country based on freedom, how much are we willing to give up to keep the economy stable? None? A little bit? All of it? The answer is not as simple as any of those.
Hades Essay Research Paper Hades Did you
Hades Essay, Research Paper Hades Did you know that Hades is the richest god? He could buy anything. He has a lot of gold and he could buy Mexico or better artillery for our
Hades Essay Research Paper Did you know
Hades Essay, Research Paper Did you know that Hades is the richest god? He could buy anything. He has a lot of gold and he could buy Mexico or better artillery for our country. Hades is the king of the Underworld
Terrorism Essay Research Paper Terrorism is defined
Terrorism Essay, Research Paper Terrorism is defined as “the use of violent means against non-military targets”. Acts of terrorism are typically designed to destroy the authority and legitimacy of a country. While the US is a legitmate world power, we do not experience a substantial amount of terrorism.
Ivan Iv Essay Research Paper Ivan IV
Ivan Iv Essay, Research Paper Ivan IV: The First TsarIvan the Terrible was only 3 years old when he became the tsar of Russia. Obviously too young to actually rule, his mother Elena and her lover, Ivan Obolensky, ruled the country for him. In 1538, Elena died and Ivan Obolensky killed for the chance to rule the country.
Satire Essay Research Paper With all of
Satire Essay, Research Paper With all of the problems in today s society, it is great to know that we have one great thing going for us. That would be the talented men and women of our government. The powerful president, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors, and other politicians work together to keep this country it s very best.
The Causes Of Malaria Essay Research Paper
THE CAUSES OF MALARIA Malaria is an infection by parasites which is spread by mosquito bites. The parasites are one cell animals which spend their live in the red blood cells of humans, and part in female anophleles mosquitos. The parasites are called protozoals of the species of plasmodia. It is most wide spead in the malaria belt which includes Mexico, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ecuador, Africa, India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Starting Again Essay Research Paper Start AgainStarting
Starting Again Essay, Research Paper Start Again Starting a new life in another country can be extremely stressful. To adapt to a different culture, to lack of financial support and absence of the family can be a very threatening situation.
Religion Is Important Essay Research Paper I
Religion Is Important Essay, Research Paper I think culture, religion, ethnicity is very important in one’s life. They should know where there from and who they are. Everyone comes from somewhere around the world, even if they were born in another country, they still
Ecuador Essay Research Paper Ecuador South America
Ecuador Essay, Research Paper Ecuador, South America s second smallest country, is regarded as one of the most geographically and ethnically diverse countries on the continent. This culture-rich country is largely uncharted, making it an exciting and adventurous place to visit. Simply learning about this country is a remarkable experience.
Ecuador Essay Research Paper EcuadorI picked this
Ecuador Essay, Research Paper Ecuador I picked this country because when we saw the video on Ecuador it made me want to learn more about the country. Ecuador has a population approximately 10,500,000 and is a little bit smaller than Nevada. 85% of the people aged 15 or older are literate. The Galapagos Islands are also part of Ecuador and the total population is about 10,000 people.
Ecuador Essay Research Paper EcuadorEcuador is the
Ecuador Essay, Research Paper Ecuador Ecuador is the small country in Latin America. The conditions in Ecuador are not anywhere near what we expect and get everyday. There are numerous active volcanoes and many earthquakes that cause much damage. The economic situation is not good and health problems are many.
Freedom Essay Research Paper English 9
Freedom Essay, Research Paper English 9 – 2January 11 , 1999 What Freedom Means to Me When I think of freedom I think of courage. In order for us to receivefreedom our country has gone through a great deal of courageous fighting towin the battles that most of us take for granted. If our forefathers hadn’tfought we might live in a world where there was a ruler, and we would not beallowed to make up our own minds.
Colombia Essay Research Paper Colombia is located
Colombia Essay, Research Paper Colombia is located in the northwestern part of South America. Colombia’s neighboring countries are Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. It has coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Their relations with these countries are very good because of the trading factor.
Colombia Essay Research Paper COLOMBIA GEOGRAPHY Colombia
Colombia Essay, Research Paper COLOMBIA GEOGRAPHY: Colombia stretches over approximately 1,140,000 sq. km, roughly equal to the area of Portugal, Spain, and France put together. Colombia occupies the northwestern end of South America, and is the only country there with coasts on both the Pacific (1350 km long), and the Atlantic (over 1600 km.) Three Andean ranges run north and south through the western half of the country (about 45% of the total territory.) The eastern part is a vast lowland which can be generally divided into two regions: a huge open savannah on the north, and the amazon in the south (400,000 sq. km approx.).Colombia is a country of geographical contrasts and extremes.
Sir Lanval Essay Research Paper Intro paragraph
Sir Lanval Essay, Research Paper Intro paragraph: A warrior is a person that values his country and will protect it at all costs. He is brave and valient and does not care whether he dies in battle just as long as he’s fighting for his country and for a good cause. Sometimes warriors sacrifice their beliefs in the case of love or religion.
Mali Essay Research Paper Developing a CountryThe
Mali Essay, Research Paper Developing a Country The country of Mali is considered an under developed country. Our group had to think of a proposal that would help a town in Mali stay well off on their own. The
Foreign Bribary Essay Research Paper Since moral
Foreign Bribary Essay, Research Paper Since moral standards vary across cultures, firms that develop in global markets have to face more complex ethical issues than if they just made business in one country and one culture. Laws and customs in one country don’t necessarily agree with the laws and customs from another country and that is what makes the international business system so complex.
Jefferson Vs Hamilton Essay Research Paper Between
Jefferson Vs Hamilton Essay, Research Paper Between Jefferson and Hamilton the two both wanted what was best for the newly formed country but just had different opinions on how to go about it. Hamilton wanted the United States to be governed by an aristocracy while Jefferson had his faith in the people and disagreed with Hamilton.
Enfluening OF Music Essay Research Paper This
Enfluening OF Music Essay, Research Paper This Essay is about how music can influence the emotions and effects of a person. I will be giving you precentages. I will also be giving you quotes of students
Brazil Essay Research Paper My report is
Brazil Essay, Research Paper My report is on the famous country of Brazil. I found my report fun and full of stuff I never new that Brazil was famous for, I also found out Brazil is way different than we are here in America such as, they celebrate the festival of Carnavel. I also found out that the real name for Brazil is Federative Republic of Brazil, and it is the 5 largest country in the world!
To What Extent Should Nationalism Be Encouraged
? Essay, Research Paper Nationalism is very important towards a person’s self pride towards the country they live in. Nationalism is the base on what a country stand for and how strong the country is as a whole. With this in mind do people go over board and express this sense of pride to an extent to which it can be dangerous.
Latin American Politics Essay Research Paper Present
Latin American Politics Essay, Research Paper Present Political Problems of Three Latin American Countries: Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador Latin American countries have experienced different trajectories, which have made their political transitions very unique, and have also influenced and contributed to the present political problems of each particular country.
The Myth Of The Incari Essay Research
Paper Before the Spaniards founded the first Spanish city in Peru in 1532, there was an Empire called the Tawantinsuyu, which means “four parts together.” The Incas built the Tawantinsuyu. The Incas were a culture from the highlands, or Andes, that conquered many different cultures all the way from Ecuador to Chile.
Intewrnationl Day Essay Research Paper International DayInternational
Intewrnationl Day Essay, Research Paper International Day International Day was a day where the students from foreign country’s get to share there pride in there country and culture and that’s exactly what they did. This international day was the first one I’ve ever attended and I will attend them from now on.
Country Music Essay Research Paper Country MusicToday
Country Music Essay, Research Paper Country Music Today, many people in the United States listen to country music. People have almost always listen to this type of music, from early rebels, to the families of today. The topic of true country music usually remains the same in all songs. The country atmosphere is more family oriented and provides children and all people with good role models.
Eucalyptus Trees Essay Research Paper The eucalypt
Eucalyptus Trees Essay, Research Paper The eucalypt is one of the tallest trees in the world. There are more then 600 species of eucalypts in Australia. Blackbutt, jarrah, karri, stringybark, ironbark are common names of eucalypts that grow in various parts of Australia. More than ninety per cent of Australia’s trees are eucalypts.
Eastern Djibouti Essay Research Paper Eastern DjiboutiThe
Eastern Djibouti Essay, Research Paper Eastern Djibouti The country of Eastern Djibouti is located in eastern sub-Saharan Africa near the countries of Ethiopia and Sudan. The government of this nation takes after that of World War II Italy in that it is a fascist dictatorship. Eastern Djibouti is led by the military?s top official, General Ryan Schutte.
Panama Essay Research Paper The Panama CanalThe
Panama Essay, Research Paper The Panama Canal The history of the Panama Canal goes back to the 16th century. After realizing the riches of Peru, Ecuador, and Asia, and realizing how long it took the gold to reach
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseIn
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse In this country the problem of child abuse is very serious. Child abuse can happen to almost any child. The abuser and the child may seem