Indigenous Ecuadorians face numerous challenges, including lack of water and sanitation, chronic child malnutrition, low-wage employment, low-quality education, and poor housing conditions. The unemployment rate in Ecuador has risen from 3. 8% in March 2015 to 5. 7% in the same month in 2023. The importance of family life in Ecuador is highlighted, with 1. 5 million Ecuadorians living in extreme poverty. According to the World Bank, 30. 6 of the Ecuadorian population lived in poverty and 10. 8 in extreme poverty.
Family social capital plays a crucial role in intergenerational reciprocity among mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons in Ecuador. As of June 2023, an average of 27% of the country was living in poverty. The crisis in Ecuador will contribute to historic levels of regional displacement and migration as people seek safety or struggle to earn a living.
In Ecuador, over one in three people live in rural areas where unemployment and underemployment are high, salaries are low, and there is limited access to markets. Ecuador’s BDH is a cash transfer given to extremely poor families each month, as long as their children are regularly attending school and health clinics.
The main results show that monetary poverty rates are significantly lower when equivalent income is applied, indicating high poverty sensitivity. Ecuador has been grappling with a profound crisis marked by heightened insecurity, exacerbated by the implementation of neoliberal policies.
In conclusion, the importance of family life in Ecuador cannot be overstated. The country faces numerous challenges, including lack of water and sanitation, chronic child malnutrition, low-wage employment, low-quality education, and poor housing conditions. The implementation of neoliberal policies has further exacerbated these issues, making it crucial for Ecuadorian governments to address these issues and ensure economic stability.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis in Ecuador: What you need to know and how to help | The crisis in Ecuador will contribute to historic levels of regional displacement and migration as people seek safety or struggle to earn a … | rescue.org |
| Regional Analysis of Poverty in Ecuador: Sensitivity to the … | by DF García-Vélez · 2022 · Cited by 3 — The main results show that monetary poverty rates are significantly lower when equivalent income is applied, that there is high poverty sensitivity. | pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |
| Yes, Giving Money to Very Poor People Will Make Their Lives … | Ecuador’s BDH is a cash transfer given to extremely poor families each month, as long as their children are regularly attending school and health clinics. | ourworld.unu.edu |
📹 The Ecuadorian Reality in the Midst of a Crisis…
The reality in Ecuador as an Ecuadorian is very different from that of someone who isn’t and these are just a part of the reality that …
Does Ecuador Have A Good Quality Of Life?
Ecuador boasts a Quality of Life score of 83. 9 when assessed against the 'Income adjusted' benchmark, making it an attractive destination for expats. With a unique charm, Ecuador is home to more dogs than people, and locals tend to be friendly and generous despite limited incomes. The low cost of living is a significant advantage, especially for those with foreign income. Expats will find diverse living experiences across the country, from the vibrant urban life in Quito to the relaxed beach atmosphere of Salinas.
The country offers excellent healthcare services and affordable real estate, contributing to a high quality of life. Ecuador's stunning natural landscapes and temperate climate enhance the overall experience, reflecting the local culture's appreciation for the outdoors. While the cost of living is particularly low in comparison to the USA—food, housing, and transport can be about 25% of their American counterparts—Ecuador also features quality amenities such as healthcare, education, and public transport. To explore the best living options, expats are encouraged to visit and experience the diverse environments Ecuador has to offer.
What Is Family Life Like In Ecuador?
In Ecuador, family is central to social life, with strong emphasis on kinship established through godparent roles during baptism. Significant life events include quinceañera celebrations for girls at age 15, marriages, and funerals. Daily life tends to be quiet and family-oriented, balancing vibrant nightlife with close-knit social networks. Ecuadorians prioritize quality time with family and maintain strong ties. The culture showcases a wide variety of family structures, with many expats sharing their experiences of raising children in diverse settings like Cotacachi and Baños.
Children have more freedom in Ecuador, often learning responsibilities by running errands for their families. Elders are respected and may live with their children, further solidifying family bonds. However, the machismo culture persists, influencing gender roles.
Various factors shape daily life in Ecuador, including economic status and location, with kids typically starting school around 7 AM. Quito offers amenities and activities for families, including the Interactive Science Museum. Overall, Ecuador provides a unique environment for family growth, enriched by cultural experiences. Families engage in numerous group activities, from mountain trips to beach outings, further deepening their connections. As families navigate these experiences, they learn and reflect on cultural similarities and differences that enrich their lives.
Is Ecuador A High Or Low Income Country?
Ecuador is recognized as a middle-income country with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately 121. 6 billion U. S. dollars, positioning it as the 8th largest economy in Latin America. However, its GDP per capita is significantly below the regional average, nearly 3, 500 U. S. dollars lower than the median. As of the latest World Bank classifications for 2024-2025, countries are categorized into four income groups: low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high, based on their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
Ecuador faces multiple challenges, including political instability, natural disasters, and limited competition, which hinder growth and poverty reduction. Despite these obstacles, the country is making strides in social spending and infrastructure investments. It has a relatively low unemployment rate, second in Latin America after Mexico. Approximately 40% of the workforce in Quito Metro are women. To transition towards high-income status, Ecuador must effectively utilize its natural resources and address income inequality, particularly among indigenous and rural populations.
What Is Ecuador'S Main Source Of Income?
La economía ecuatoriana se fundamenta en la producción de petróleo, la manufactura principalmente para el mercado interno, el comercio y la producción agrícola para el consumo nacional y la exportación. Sus principales productos de exportación incluyen petróleo, bananos, camarones, flores y otros productos agrícolas. Ecuador es la octava economía más grande de América Latina y la 69ª a nivel mundial en términos de PIB total.
Dependiendo de las exportaciones de petróleo, bananos y remesas de emigrantes ecuatorianos, que representaron el 2. 7% del PIB en 2017, el país se clasifica como un país de ingresos medianos, con una economía que depende en gran medida de los recursos naturales y la agricultura de exportación.
El PIB es de aproximadamente 121. 6 mil millones de dólares y se espera que para 2023, el total de bienes exportados represente el 12. 8% del PIB total proyectado de 242. 6 mil millones de dólares. Los principales socios comerciales son Estados Unidos y China. El sector servicios representa cerca del 50% del PIB. A pesar de ser una economía en crecimiento, Ecuador enfrenta desafíos significativos de pobreza y desigualdad, especialmente en poblaciones indígenas y rurales, lo que ha llevado al gobierno a aumentar el gasto social.
How Does Labor Law Affect Poverty In Ecuador?
La aplicación de la ley laboral también contribuye a las tasas de pobreza en Ecuador. Según un informe de la ONU, el Ministerio de Trabajo y Empleo de Ecuador cuenta con solo 140 inspectores laborales para hacer cumplir la normativa en un país con una población de 18 millones. A esto se suma un estudio de UNICEF que indica que 715, 000 hogares vivirán en pobreza multidimensional, con un aumento en el trabajo infantil y la reducción drástica de ingresos familiares.
La falta de cumplimiento de la regulación laboral es uno de los factores que perpetúa esta situación. La ONU ha criticado al gobierno por no tomar medidas efectivas contra el trabajo forzado, especialmente entre las minorías, y ha señalado la vulnerabilidad de mujeres y niños ante la pobreza y la falta de protección social. A pesar de los esfuerzos del gobierno para aliviar la pobreza, la situación sigue siendo crítica, con un 35% de la población viviendo en condiciones de pobreza, especialmente en áreas rurales.
En términos de empleo, el modelo ECUAMOD ha sido utilizado para simular el impacto de un crédito laboral destinado a trabajadoras formales de bajos ingresos, sugiriendo que podría tener efectos positivos en los salarios. En general, la desigualdad y el desempleo siguen siendo retos importantes para el desarrollo económico de Ecuador, con una tasa de desempleo del 8. 1% en 2020, que ha mejorado ligeramente en los últimos años.
Is Ecuador Monitoring The SDGs?
In 2020, Ecuador presented its voluntary national review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2016, the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) has enhanced the monitoring system for SDG 6. 1 and 6. 2. The Sustainable Development Report 2024 evaluates the performance of all UN Member States regarding the 17 SDGs, collecting data from national coordination efforts since 2018. Ecuador reaffirmed its commitment to the SDGs, integrating the 2030 Agenda into national policy, with the National Assembly also committing to these goals.
The report monitors trend indicators in Ecuador and highlights initiatives like "ODS Territorio Ecuador," started in 2017 to engage citizens. Ecuador has established fiscal rules to effectively manage finances, aiming to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 45 by 2030. The country is on track to achieve its SDG targets, with statistical monitoring led by INEC. Ecuador’s commitments center on improving well-being, alongside substantial data collection on child welfare within the SDG framework. As a middle-income country, Ecuador's approach to the SDGs exemplifies their focus on collective action and domestic integration of global frameworks.
How Much Does The Average Ecuadorian Make?
En Ecuador, el salario promedio mensual es de aproximadamente $1, 360 USD, lo que equivale a cerca de $8 USD por hora. Esta cifra incluye diversas industrias y profesiones, así como beneficios como vivienda y transporte. Según el Banco Central del Ecuador, el salario promedio fue de $524. 80 USD en noviembre, con el sector manufacturero mostrando salarios decrecientes a $450 USD/mes. A nivel nacional, el salario medio anual se sitúa alrededor de $48, 684 USD, aunque los datos varían considerablemente dependiendo del sector y de la región.
En 2024, se reporta un salario promedio de $6, 135 anuales, con los 50% de los mejores salarios en Ecuador promediando $4, 785, y el 10% superior ganando aproximadamente $12, 270. El salario mínimo se fija cerca de $460 USD al mes, mientras que los salarios han fluctuado de un promedio de $322. 24 USD/mes en 2000 a un máximo histórico de $536. 60 USD en enero de 2024. A pesar de estas cifras, se estima que más del 50% de la población percibe menos que el salario promedio, subrayando la desigualdad en el ingreso. Así, el análisis de salarios en Ecuador refleja tanto oportunidades como retos económicos para sus trabajadores.
What Is The Average Monthly Cost Of Living In Ecuador?
El costo de vida en Ecuador es notablemente más bajo que en Estados Unidos. Para una familia de cuatro, los costos mensuales estimados son de aproximadamente $1, 908 sin incluir el alquiler, mientras que una persona soltera tendría un gasto mensual promedio de $533. Este costo es, en promedio, un 54% inferior al de EE. UU. Los alquileres en Ecuador son considerablemente más económicos, con precios que varían según la ubicación. En Quito, por ejemplo, los gastos mensuales alcanzan los $2, 066.
2 para una familia y $570. 7 para una persona sola. En Cuenca, estos costos son aún más bajos, en torno a $1, 798. 6 y $532. 7 respectivamente. El costo de vida promedio en Ecuador se sitúa en unos $814, lo que lo hace 1. 35 veces más barato que el promedio mundial. Existen opciones de vida de lujo en áreas como Cumbayá, desde $2, 000 al mes, pero también hay alternativas más asequibles en zonas rurales.
Además, los gastos mensuales por electricidad, agua y gas son razonables, alrededor de $65, y el internet de fibra óptica cuesta cerca de $30. En general, una pareja puede vivir cómodamente en Ecuador con un presupuesto anual menor a $23, 000.
Is Ecuador A Poor Or Rich Country?
Ecuador is classified as an upper-middle-income country with an economy heavily reliant on oil and agricultural exports. In recent years, the government has increased social spending and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education to combat poverty, which disproportionately affects indigenous populations. While Ecuador is rich in natural resources and diverse ecosystems, significant economic challenges remain, including income inequality.
In 1998, the top 10% of the population held 42. 5% of the income, highlighting wealth concentration issues. A UNICEF study revealed that approximately 1. 8 million people fell from the middle class into poverty last year, exacerbating the country's economic struggles. The poverty rate stood at 29. 9% in 2022, a slight decrease from previous years, yet the situation remains critical. Despite advancements, severe poverty persists, particularly in rural areas, impacting indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities.
To improve its economic status and reduce poverty, Ecuador must leverage its natural resources effectively. Overall, while it is not classified as a poor country, high poverty and income inequality continue to challenge the nation's growth and social stability.
What Is The Economic Problem In Ecuador?
In recent months, Ecuador's economic growth has significantly slowed, primarily due to increased insecurity from organized crime, disruptions in oil production, an energy crisis, and climate-related issues. The country showcased structural weaknesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including over-dependence on oil exports and limited access to capital markets. In 2023, Ecuador's economy is forecasted to grow by only 2. 6%. The World Justice Project ranks Ecuador 93rd out of 140 in rule of law.
Between 2007 and 2017, under President Rafael Correa, significant economic reforms were implemented, leading to increased social spending and reduced poverty. However, the economy contracted in annual terms during Q2, influenced by ongoing insecurity and high taxes. The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and existing economic challenges have compounded the situation. Ecuador, with a GDP of approximately $121. 6 billion, ranks as the eighth-largest economy in Latin America, yet remains vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on oil.
Recent increases in poverty and rising violence threaten to strain the already fragile economy. The struggle to balance local communities' rights, environmental protection, and foreign investment continues, with nearly half the rural population living in poverty, underscoring the persistent issue of income inequality.
What Is The Most Common Job In Ecuador?
Ecuador's economy is predominantly supported by two main sectors: oil and agriculture. The agricultural sector plays a crucial role, contributing significantly to the national GDP and employing over a quarter of the population, with 32. 18% of workers engaged in this field. The oil industry also provides a considerable number of secure jobs for Ecuadorians. In addition to these, sectors like chemicals, machinery, construction, and electronics are experiencing growth.
Despite the economic reliance on oil and agriculture, opportunities for expatriates from multinational corporations are increasing. However, obtaining a work permit is a prerequisite for legal employment, which can be complex. The job market offers diverse opportunities, with demand particularly high for English speakers, especially in teaching and tourism. Nonetheless, job availability for foreigners is relatively limited compared to larger Latin American countries.
Common professional avenues for expatriates include roles in engineering, electronics, construction, and teaching. The most lucrative occupations in Ecuador encompass surgeons, judges, lawyers, bank managers, CEOs, and professors. According to the Ecuadorean census, many locals are employed in basic service roles such as cleaning, street vending, and agricultural labor.
Overall, while Ecuador offers various employment avenues, particularly in the oil and agriculture sectors, many expats find that online or remote work is often more rewarding than local job opportunities. Interested individuals can explore job offers in thriving cities like Guayaquil, but a legal work visa is essential to navigate the job market effectively.
📹 Video shows Ecuadorian drug lord’s lavish accommodations in prison
Ecuador is bringing its military into prisons in an attempt to regain control over gang influence. CNN’s David Culver reports. #CNN …
I will be working hard to make things better and I hope everyone lives or is living their best lives! THANK YOU again to YouTube and Buy Me A Coffee Members: Mark Horning Lisa Taiz BespokeVocals by Kirk Lawrence Rick Joyce Robert Stuart Liam Roche Magnus B Laura Laslett Matt Crandall Enn Zee Beyond Borders Jay Jansen Raylan Givens Candice Daniel LaMonte Johnson
I just recently starting following your articles. I first discovered Amelia and JT. I arrived here on 12/17/23, met a great bunch of expats in Cuenca and have just spent about three weeks in the Galapagos. I’ve shared a couple of your articles about the current drug fiasco with friends back home along with all of my amazing adventures here. I can’t say enough about how much I have enjoyed, my time here, the people, the food, the wildlife. It has been an adventure beyond my wildest imagination. I hope to come back soon and would like to meet you one day. All the best to your, your family and Ecuador.
I am Ecuadorian and find it very hard surviving, I started my own busines some years ago, I ran my own business and had a hairdressing salon unfortunately it did not work out for various reasons. Then I became an English teacher and the salary was too low. I could not live on that income at all. I own my house, I have been trying to sell my other properties to pay my debts and stay afloat. I have found that people who are interested in buying my properties unfortunately do not have the money to do it. The potential buyers are all relying on bank loans. I was never before in such a terrible economical situation as I am at the moment! It is quite sad and depressing! The tourism industry has been badly affected!
💯 accurate everything you said! I’m Ecuadorian and was part of the group of people that got the Senescyt scholarship to study anywhere in the world. I did my Master degree in the UK and when I returned to Ecuador it was almost impossible to find a good job (a frustrating time). Some years later my partner was offered a good position in London as skilled worker and we both came together. Here in London I got a job completely related to what I studied in just 1 month, sometimes I can’t believe it 😮! Unfortunately, even though the country is so beautiful! I don’t think we will ever be coming back.
Hola Ace! Thanks for another fine article. I have been saving for a trip to Ecuador for a year. As a retiree on a fixed income my funds are limited, but it is still less expensive to visit Ecuador than to try to travel most places in the US. Besides, I have wanted to see Ecuador forever! I almost cancelled recently due to reports from there, but am coming on February 1st now as originally planned. In my own small way, I want to support the economy there and the people whose livelihoods rely on tourism. Your honest and direct articles are unique for helping people like me understand life there better. Thanks for this, for your teaching (my career was as a teacher too:), and for your realistic and good-hearted nature. All the best to you and your family, Bob
Ecuadorian here, currently living in Australia. Thankful for people like yourself spreading awareness of how difficult the situation is for ecuadorians. I’m also so grateful for the opportunities Australia has given me and articles like this make me appreciate my life over even more. Sending all the love to my ecuadorables ❤
One advantage Ecuadorians in Ecuador could be interpersonal relationships and community (for mutual support and aid) — we don’t have any real sense of community much anymore in the hyper-individualized USA. And it is getting increasingly difficult for US Americans to afford to live — most US Americans aren’t thriving currently at all.
Okay, Ecuador has always been a problem.I was actually quite impressed for the last few years when it became a theme that it was a cheap place for Americans to retire so on a so forth.As a child of ecuadorians who went to Ecuador yearly for over 20 years.I know very well the problems of Ecuador and they never really changed.They just got disguised
As a born US citizen this is a good informative report for outsiders like me ! But unfortunately even if we’re from different countries everything is connected.. For example when the US was in a Great depression in the 1900s, so was other countries because we was . I’m 26 from Wichita Kansas in we have the same problem.. you can go on indeed in find over 9,000 jobs frequently but most businesses won’t hire people without experience even if you have a degree.. In that puts you down because where do you start if no one gives you a chance? The cost of living is increasing here, inflation is real . Minimum wage is $7 in Kansas most homes cost $75,000 or more ! Living in the States isn’t a promise good life . I am grateful & blessed because i was born in the US but we all have problems, we all have obstacles, we all have different perspectives/perception of life .. No health care, yet immigrants in California have health care ! So each State & city is different . I wish the best for all of us, stay strong, cherish life ! Love to all Ecuadorians ! At the end of the day we’re all humans .
Seems like the reaction to the terrorism is worse than the risk from terror for the average citizens. Thanks for posting this honest message. I’ve been to Ecuador and thought about retiring there, but desperate people do desperate things. It’s sad because ‘la gente’ are people I’d like to live around, so to see them suffer through no fault of their own really is disturbing.
Good article! It’s hard to know where to live. Sometimes we dream up that by moving, our problems will be solved. I’m glad you mentioned that while the wages/salaries are higher in the US, so is the cost of living. I lived in Ecuador for a long time. I’m sure people looked at me as a gringo and assumed I had money. I definitely benefitted from being a native English speaker and being able to get certain overseas jobs, but I wasn’t wealthy. I only made about $800USD/month (which I know is almost double min wage there) and some months even less, some months a bit more. It was enough though to rent a very nice and large place, that could fit a couple people, and I might just be eating and sleeping a lot of the time, and not spending much more, but if I was careful with spending, I could make it. There was a lot less stress for me in Ecuador when it came to finances. I knew I would have a roof over my head at least and some food. In the United States, Canada, and some other English speaking countries now, there has been a lot of inflation just these past few years, with rent prices especially, and on basics like food. In the city I’m in, rent has almost doubled over just the last few years. It is almost impossible to find a place to rent for under $1100 a month, and probably you’ll be paying closer to $1400 for a tiny place. Half or a third of the size of the places I was renting in Ecuador. To get the places I had in Ecuador here in North America, could cost me easily $3000-$5000/month.
@gmaceM I am really sorry about what going on in Ecuador. Near the end of covid I spent a month on the coast in Montainita and fell in love with it the people and the friends I made. I pray for you all that things will get better soon and life returns to the Tranquilla life I found during my time in Ecuador.
The most dangerous places in the USA are those that do not allow the open carry of guns. We have a bill of rights that secures our right to bear arms and defend ourselves. In the American “Wild West” of the 1800s,, there was actually a very low rate of murder. The USA and Switzerland probably have the most guns per capita. They are probably the least invaded countries, also. Mexico has very strict gun laws, which keeps the criminals with guns safe to kill others. Because of corruption with police, there are many vigilantes taking back their communities in Mexico. They have obtained assault rifles like the drug cartels have obtained. To stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine handed out machine guns to their citizens. Maybe Equador should try arming local militias to protect their own communities.
I feel sorry for the actual ecuadorians I feel sorry that us Americans come over with our money and live their richly and basically laugh in the face of ecuadorians. It’s b***** that we come over. Our money is double the value over there. Not sure about it now. I wouldn’t want to live there now. I feel sorry for those that live there. I feel sorry for the ecuadorians the genuine ecuadorians not the American equaditians…