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Ecuador 2012

Ecuador

Salasaca, Ecuador

Early in the morning, the men and women of Salasaca, an indigenous community in the central Andes of Ecuador, head for the fields. There, they cut fresh grass and alfalfa to bring back to their sheep, cows, and guinea pigs. Caring for their animals is an important part of daily life, and the job of carrying the heavy loads back is shared by the people and their donkeys. Here a colt trots alongside his mother as they make their way home along a dirt path.
– Lisa Benitez ©2007

Ecuador/Republica del Ecuador
In Western South America. Coastal plain, inter-Andean central highlands, and flat to rolling eastern jungle. 283,561 km2 (slightly > NV), 5.7% arable.

Capital Quito (1.6M)

Population 15M (53/km2)

Life expectancy 76 years

HIV/AIDS 0.4%

Literacy 91%

Languages Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Religions Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Ethnic Groups mestizo (mixed Amerindian & white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and other 7%, black 3%

Gov’t Republic

GDP/cap $8,000

PCVs 1962 - present; health, agriculture, youth development, and habitat conservation (Volunteers in country: 118; total to date: 5912)

Nat’l holiday Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Adult Books

Stories from Ecuador: A Collection by Tyrel Nelson
by Tyrel Nelson

Paperback: 114 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1442130975

Book Description
A collection of honest, first-hand accounts of the most memorable people, places, and moments from a young man's year-long journey. A colorful mix of tales incorporating levity, beauty and even boredom, in an unexpected and refreshing way.

Kids' Books

The Queen of Water
by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango

Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73897-2
Interest Level: YA
Age Range: 13+ years
Publisher: Delacorte Press, p2011, c2011

Films

Film: End of Spear
Director: Jim Hanon (2005)

Music

Carlos Bonilla Chávez: Music from Ecuador

Focus Word

Focus Word for 2012 - "Freedom"

Quechua: qispikuy (cuh-speak-we)

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