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Ecuador is located in the western top corner of South America. The country has a population of 18 million people and is made up of mostly Ecuadorian people, with Catholicism being the major religion. The flag features a condor on an oval shield with snowy mountains, a river, a steamship, and a sun. The country is named after the word "equator", which cuts through the country. The country is bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific.

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Ecuador is currently in one of worst droughts in history, affecting the Amazon River heavily. The river is at historically low water levels for the month of July and August, there has been declared an official water shortage. About two months ago the Mexican Embassy was raided in Quito, Ecuador. Ecuadorian police and military raided the embassy to arrest the former Ecuadorian president who was convicted of corruption and was living in the embassy for the past year. The former president was granted political asylum a few hours before the raid took place, causing many countries to cut relations with Ecuador.

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There are many different traditions that Ecuadorian people celebrate throughout the year. One of those is called "Inti Raymi" which translate to Sun Festival. This event is to honor the Incan Sun God, Inti. The event is hosted on June 21st, which is the day of the annual summer solstice. The festival is related to the end of the harvest season.

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The tourism in Ecuador is rated some of the best in the entire world. Ecuador being a coastal city means it have lots of beaches and wildlife. There is a varying number of activities you can do, some including kayaking, surfing, jet-skiing, horse riding and even more. Off the coast of Ecuador there is a group of Islands called the Galapagos, these Islands have some of the most diverse nature in the world. There are animal and plant species that are on these Islands that are nowhere else in the entire world. Ecuador has great architecture and towns to explore. It is one of the most beautiful countries in South America.

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Ecuadorian cuisine features a rich mix of indigenous and Spanish influences, highlighting fresh, local ingredients. Staples include ceviche, a tangy seafood dish, and locro de papa, a creamy potato soup. Coastal areas focus on plantains and seafood, while the highlands favor hearty stews like caldo de gallina. This diverse food reflects Ecuador's vibrant cultural heritage.

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Ecuador has a strong tradition of music and dance that is central to its culture. Traditional music includes instruments such as the charango and panpipes. Dance styles like Sanjuanito are commonly performed during festivals and celebrations. Recently, there has been a focus on preserving these traditional forms of art. The city of Quito recently held a major folk music festival featuring local performers. This event aimed to highlight Ecuadorian musical traditions. There are concerns that modernization may affect the preservation of these cultural practices. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that traditional music and dance continue to be an important part of Ecuadorian culture.

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Sports in Ecuador play a significant role in the country's culture and social life, with soccer being the most popular and beloved sport. The national team, known as "La Tri," has made notable appearances in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, where it has garnered national pride and unity. Beyond soccer, Ecuador is also passionate about other sports such as volleyball, basketball, and cycling, with many cities hosting local tournaments and events. The country's diverse geography provides a unique backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing, attracting both locals and tourists. Additionally, indigenous sports, such as the traditional game of "Juego de la Killa," reflect Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage. Overall, sports in Ecuador not only promote physical fitness but also foster community spirit and national pride, making them an essential part of Ecuadorian life.

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After researching Ecuador for the past two months, I've really like learning about all the things about the country. Some of my favorite things to learn about were the Music and Dance of Ecuador. I listened to a few Ecuadorian songs and found them very different then modern American songs and I liked them a lot. I found the traditional instruments like the charango and panpipes very cool sounding as well. Another thing I liked learning about was the food in Ecuador. I've had ceviche before and have loved it, it has a super-rich unique flavor that makes it really great to eat. Overall Ecuador is a one of kind country that I would definitely visit, and I highly recommend anyone else to visit it.