Ecuador: In Focus
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Transcript of Ecuador: In Focus
Ecuador: In Focus
History and Politics Power in Ecuador has changed hands
many times. First ruled by the Incas. Incan ruler Huayna-Capac died;
kingdom split between 2 sons. Atahualpa ruled North, Huascar ruled
South. Atahualpa invaded South, killing his
brother and reunited the kingdom.
History and Politics Kingdom was weakened. Spanish conquistador Pizarro
invaded and killed Atahualpa. Conquest complete: Dec. 6, 1534.
Kingdom named the Royal District of Quito.
Years of native resistance; Jose de Sucro defeated the Spanish and natives were freed from their rule.
Ecuador was then named the Audencia de Quito.
History and Politics This federation fell apart in 1830. Juan Jose Flores founded “Ecuador”,
so named because of its location on the equator.
Although Ecuador was thought to have some measure of peace after this turbulent history, their border disputes with Peru continue until this day.
People and Society People: Indigenous tribes,
Europeans, and descendants of African slaves.
Descendants of Indians and Spaniard are mestizos, or chagras (cowboys).
Very poor. Most impoverished:
indigenous and Africans. Disproportioned wealth
tracing back to times of slavery and Spanish rule.
Shuar Woman
People and Society Overall, very friendly. Rule by “macho” society. Alcoholism sometimes rampant,
leading to domestic disputes. Racism is also a problem. Mestizos and whites look on Indians
as second-class citizens. Virtually no interracial mixing.
People and Society Great difference in quality between state
and private hospitals. Majority of population has no access to
adequate healthcare because they do not live in the larger cities.
These people instead turn to a shaman for their treatments.
A shaman’s practice is a mix of science, religion, and politics.
Highly esteemed by their people.
Shaman
People and Society Education is severely lacking in Ecuador. Every child is entitled to 9 years of
education, but most only complete 6 years. One of the central problems is that teacher
training is often inadequate. Many children work in the streets, selling
wares. 96% of the country is Roman Catholic. Its
influence remains a prevalent part of Ecuadorean society.
Economy and Environment Greatest export: petroleum. Since 1970, transformation from an
agricultural economy to an oil economy
The country invested a large sum in the industrial sector that led to great national debt
In 1996, this debt was $16 billion or $1400 pp
Economy and Environment The greatest problem: structural
imbalance. Ecuador earns foreign currency from
natural resources Industrial aspect of the economy is
virtually nonexistent. Prediction: supply of natural
resources will be depleted in 20 years
Economy and Environment Major exporter of bananas,
cut flowers, cocoa, coffee, and shrimp
world’s only exporter of “vegetable ivory” called tagua, which is a brown nut
200 pounds of nuts will produce as many products as one elephant tusk valued at $10,000
Economy and Environment Use of natural resources=exploitation
of the natural environment Pesticide poisoning, deforestation,
and pollution are great causes for concern
Oil leaks are also a huge problem: one pipe leaked a total of 30 times over the course of 20 years.
Economy and Environment Tourism in Ecuador has increased in
recent years, providing hope Tourists offer a great addition to
Ecuadoreans’ income For this reason, many are very
welcoming and hospitable to strangers
Culture Festivals are the high points of the year
and a mixture of Roman Catholic and Indian traditions
One person is chosen each year to be the prioste, who is the sponsor and organizer of the festival.
Many of the festivals coincide with Christian holidays
Ex: “pase del niño” ( Christmas) and “hoy fanesca” (Good Friday)
Culture The center piece of each festival is
the roast guinea pig A tiny bone from the ear is placed in
a glass with a strong drink. Whoever swallows the bone in one gulp is allowed to make a wish.
Music is an integral part of the festivals: traditional Indian music and modern Spanish-European music
Roast Guinea Pig
Inti Raymi, 2008http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjyQ7ybNjmw
Culture The two most important sports
played are soccer and volleyball Graffiti is an expressive part of
Ecuadorean culture Ecuador graffiti is poetic and
inspiring, such as“No es mas facil describir lo que no es
amor.”
Tips for Travellers Crime is prevalent in big cities and tourist
sites Other hazards include unhygienic
restaurants and “some of the world’s worst drivers”.
Health issues include malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, and altitude sickness
“It is advisable not to buy any illegal drugs in Ecuador, since penalties are harsh and prisons far from comfortable.”
Ecuador: In Focus Despite its turbulent history and high
crime rate, Ecuador is a place of great beauty.
It is claimed that you can canoe in the Amazon rainforest in the morning, cross the Andes in the afternoon, and swim in the tropical Pacific Ocean in the evening.