Let's delve further into the demographic landscape of Ecuador.
Population of Ecuador: 2022-2023
In 2023, Ecuador's population stands at 18,190,484, reflecting a 1.05% growth compared to the 2022 figure of 18,001,000. The population in 2022 had experienced a 1.14% increase from the previous year, 2021.
Population of Ecuador: density and growth rate
The population of Ecuador is increasing at an annual rate of 1.2%.
Ecuador has a population density of 70.21 individuals per square kilometer.
Ecuador has a population density of 70.21 individuals per square kilometer.
Indigenous population in Ecuador: percentage
Ecuador has an Indigenous population of around 1.1 million people. In 2007, the country voted in favor of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ratified ILO Convention 169. Despite these commitments, the Indigenous community lacks comprehensive assurances of their civil, political, cultural, and territorial rights. They continue to encounter significant challenges, with the absence of specific public policies aimed at preventing and mitigating the risks of the disappearance of Ecuador's Indigenous Peoples.
Ecuador cities by population
Ecuador's largest cities are characterized by diverse histories, functions, and populations. Guayaquil, situated in the Guayas Province, stands as the most extensive and populous city in the country, boasting a population of approximately 2,278,691. Founded in 1538, Guayaquil has evolved into a vital commercial hub, facilitating much of Ecuador's import and export trade through the Gulf of Guayaquil. The city's populace engages in various activities, including trade, agriculture, aquaculture, and other businesses, while also serving pivotal roles in transportation, education, sports, tourism, and entertainment.
Following Guayaquil, Quito ranks as Ecuador's second-largest city, with a population of around 1,607,734. Serving as the capital of the Pichincha Province, Quito was declared a city in 1541 and holds significance as a historical center. The city's divisions include a modern northern region with contemporary infrastructure, a central area housing the old colonial city, and a southern region featuring industrial and residential units.
In the highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca claims the third spot among the largest and most populous cities, with approximately 329,928 residents. Founded in 1557 by Spanish colonizers, Cuenca boasts unique Spanish architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as archaeological artifacts from the city's earlier inhabitants. Cuenca serves crucial functions in education, administration, transportation, and culture, surrounded by scenic areas such as Molleturo, the Andes ranges, and El Cajas National Park.
Santo Domingo, founded in 1861, secures the fourth position in terms of population, with around 270,875 inhabitants. Serving as the commercial and industrial center as well as the capital of Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas, the city is strategically located in the foothills of the west Andean ranges, connecting lowland cities to the Pacific coast. Despite its economic importance, Santo Domingo faces challenges such as pollution, deforestation, and flooding during the rainy season, impacting the traditional way of life for local residents.
Following Guayaquil, Quito ranks as Ecuador's second-largest city, with a population of around 1,607,734. Serving as the capital of the Pichincha Province, Quito was declared a city in 1541 and holds significance as a historical center. The city's divisions include a modern northern region with contemporary infrastructure, a central area housing the old colonial city, and a southern region featuring industrial and residential units.
In the highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca claims the third spot among the largest and most populous cities, with approximately 329,928 residents. Founded in 1557 by Spanish colonizers, Cuenca boasts unique Spanish architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as archaeological artifacts from the city's earlier inhabitants. Cuenca serves crucial functions in education, administration, transportation, and culture, surrounded by scenic areas such as Molleturo, the Andes ranges, and El Cajas National Park.
Santo Domingo, founded in 1861, secures the fourth position in terms of population, with around 270,875 inhabitants. Serving as the commercial and industrial center as well as the capital of Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas, the city is strategically located in the foothills of the west Andean ranges, connecting lowland cities to the Pacific coast. Despite its economic importance, Santo Domingo faces challenges such as pollution, deforestation, and flooding during the rainy season, impacting the traditional way of life for local residents.
Ecuador population by religion
Ecuador's religious landscape is characterized by a predominant affiliation with Catholicism, embraced by 80.4% of the population. Protestantism constitutes 11.3% of the religious adherents, while another 1.29% identify with other Christian denominations. Additionally, 6.96% of the population either follows no specific religious affiliation or adheres to other belief systems.
Ecuador population by race
Ecuador's population exhibits diverse ethnic compositions, with Mestizo individuals, of mixed Amerindian and White heritage, constituting the majority at 71.9%. Montubio, with a distinct cultural identity, represents 7.4%, while Amerindians make up 7% of the population. The White population stands at 6.1%, Afroecuadorians at 4.3%, and Mulatto individuals at 1.9%. Black individuals account for 1%, and other ethnic groups collectively represent 0.4%.
Black and white population in Ecuador
Ecuador is home to approximately 1,120,000 individuals with African ancestry, and the Afro-Ecuadorian culture is predominantly present in the northwest coastal region of the country. The province of Esmeraldas stands out, where Africans constitute a majority, accounting for around 70% of the population. Another significant Afro-Ecuadorian community is situated in the Valle del Chota within the Imbabura Province. Additionally, notable numbers of individuals of African descent can be found in urban centers such as Quito and Guayaquil.
Ecuador has a diverse population with a majority being of mestizo descent, which is a mix of indigenous and European ancestry. The white population, consisting primarily of individuals of European descent, is a minority in the country.
Ecuador has a diverse population with a majority being of mestizo descent, which is a mix of indigenous and European ancestry. The white population, consisting primarily of individuals of European descent, is a minority in the country.
