Ecuador

By : Syed Mehran AsimBB073080

OUTLINE

Introduction

Regionalism

Religion

Gift giving etiquette

INTRODUCTION

Location: Western South America, bordering the Pacific

Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Capital: Quito

Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at

higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Population: 13,927,650 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white)

65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

REGIONALISM

Ecuador has 4 diverse regions: the Amazon Rain

forest, the Coast, the highland Andes, and the

Galapagos Archipelago.

The Sierra is the heartland of Ecuador's indigenous

culture. The oldest cultures of America lived on the

Ecuadorian coast.

RELIGION

The Roman Catholic Church has a strong influence on

personal and social behavior is part of national identity

Most holidays and celebrations are based on Christian

festivals.

Indigenous Ecuadorians, while nominally Catholic, tend to

blend Catholicism with their traditional beliefs.

GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE

GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE

Ecuadorians give gifts for birthdays, Christmas or

New Year, as well as religious events in a person’s life.

A young girl’s 15th birthday is considered a special

date and is much celebrated.

A bouquet of roses is always well received

 Fine wines and liquors make good gifts

ETIQUETTE CONT…

If invited to an Ecuadorian home, bring flowers, good

quality spirits, pastries, imported sweets for the hosts.

If you know the person well, perfume is an excellent

gift.

Gifts are generally opened when received.

If you are given a gift, be very effusive in your thanks.

ETIQUETTE CONT…

DO NOT!! Give lilies or marigolds as they are used at

funerals.

Give scissors or knives as they indicate you want to

sever the relationship.

THANK YOU!!