 Like
much of South America, Ecuadorian culture blends the
influences of Spanish colonialism with the resilient traditions of
pre-Columbian peoples. Ecuador's population is ethnically diverse.
The largest ethnic groups are the Mestizos (those of mixed Spanish
and Amerindian ancestry) and constitute just over 65 per cent of the
current population.
Amerindians are second in numbers and account
for approximately a quarter of the people, around 25%. Whites are
mainly Creoles, unmixed descendants of Spanish colonist, and account
for 7% of the Ecuadorian population. A small minority of
Afro-Ecuadorians, including Mulattos and "Zambos", constitute the
remainder. Although the population was heavily concentrated in the
Andes highlands region a few decades ago, today it is divided about
equally between that area and the coast.
Ecuador demographics
 Our culture mirrors the demographics
of the country itself, and is a rich amalgam of various influences.
Much like the ancestry of the mestizo majority, the national culture
is also a mixture of both European and Amerindian influences,
infused with various other elements inherited through the
descendants of the country’s African slave past.
In addition to the national culture, many of the existing indigenous
communities also practice their own autochthonous cultures.
Migration toward cities - particularly Quito and
Guayaquil - in all regions has increased the urban population to
more than 50 percent. A large percentage of this population is
children.
Ecuador language
Most Ecuadorians speak Spanish, though many speak Amerindian
languages such as Quichua Shimi, Awapit, Cha'palachi, Tsafiqui,
Paicoca, A'ingae, Huaotirio, Shuar-chichan, and Záparo, are widely
spoken in areas with large indigenous populations.
Ecuador culture and religion
In common with other Latin American countries. In
Ecuador the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, but many
communities still preserve their ancient beliefs of worship of the
earth, the mountains, and the sun. Ecuador's colonial religious
architecture is predominantly baroque, and in this style the main
edifices (churches and convents) are unequaled in the World. continues... |
