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Ecuador, named for its position on the equator, is the smallest country of South America with 256.370 sq km after Uruguay and the Guianas. (Roughly the size of the US State of Colorado)
Local Time.- Ecuador continental territory is on Eastern Standard Time (GMT –5). The Galapagos Islands are on Central Standard (GMT –6). There is no Daylight Savings Time
The country of Ecuador has 22 provinces, 10 spreading out from the highlands, 6 in the Amazon region, a further 5 in the coastal areas and the Galapagos islands.
The major beach resorts in the southern central area worth visiting are Salinas the jewel of the coastline, Montañita (famous for surfing), Manta, Bahía de Caráquez, Puerto Bolivar and Puerto López, many of the beaches are sandy and Palm fringed as well as having all year round warm waters for swimming in comparison to other countries such as Peru and Chile who's waters are much cooler depending on the time of year.
Salinas is Considered the best tourist beach resort in Ecuador and the Pacific coastline by many visitors as well as one of the best climates in the world due to its peninsular position.
Official name: Republic of Ecuador
Type of government: Democracy, Presidential Republic.
Independence: May 24, 1822. From Spain.
Capital City: Quito.
Main cities: Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca.
Currency: US Dollars.
Languages: Spanish (official) and other native languages such as: Quechua (Incas' language) and Shuar. English is the most spoken foreigner language amongst tourist providers and professionals.
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic.
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