Ecuador
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador
Full Name: The Republic of Ecuador
Date of Independence: August 10th, 1809
Capital: Quito
Population: 17,888,474 (as of 2021)
Foreign-Born Population:
In 2019, there were 381,507 immigrants recorded in Ecuador (from Colombia, the US, Peru, Chile, and Venezuela)
Comprised of 72,229 refugees, mainly from Venezuela (one of the biggest Latin American refugee communities)
Government Structure: Unitary state
Leader(s): Guillermo Lasso (President since 2021)
Primary Flow of Immigration:
Traditionally an emigrant country
However, after 2001, has seen an increase in immigration from countries like Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia as a result of opportunities in terms of labor and the value of its money
Major Destinations of Emigrants:
Ecuadorians mainly migrate to:
United States (43.61%)
Spain (35.09%)
Italy (7.20%)
Primary “Push” Factors:
Overseas emigration:
Two waves that sent approximately 10-15% of Ecuadorians abroad:
First wave was predominantly migrants that originated in Southern Ecuador and headed mainly to the US
While Ecuador had economic growth at a certain point, when oil prices collapsed and a debt crisis occurred in the early 1980s- causing an increase of inflation- the worsened conditions resulted in an increase in emigration
The second wave went mostly to Spain, the US, and Italy
It’s important to note that there was also a significant amount of people entering Ecuador, mainly from neighboring countries whether it be for economic migration or seeking asylum
Further Reading:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/23/more-ecuadorians-leaving-for-us-amid-burst-in-migration
