 |
|
Click
to enlarge view (~20K)
|
Background
Ecuador
is characterized by a mix of cultures and recent urban
migration. Among its 12 million people—55 percent
mestizo and 25 percent indigenous—most live equally
divided between the highlands and coastal areas. Half
the population now lives in urban areas, with few living
in the rainforest. Quito, the political capital, is a
cosmopolitan city with a small town geniality. It is also
rich in history and culture, and the cityscape is dotted
with cathedrals and museums of Baroque and religious art.
The country's diversity is reflected not only in its culture
but also in its geography. Though land area is small,
Ecuador has one of the highest levels of biodiversity
in the world.
Despite
its rich culture and geography, Ecuador is also a land
of widespread poverty. Continued poor economic performance
over several decades has exacerbated the situation and
limited growth in social development. Recently, Ecuador
has gone through dramatic macroeconomic crises, subsequent
political crises, and, concomitantly, a cultural "loss
of hope."
USAID,
a long-term, major donor in the country, has played
a seminal role in promoting social development through
support for microenterprise activities and critical
policy and legislative reforms pertaining to health
and family planning. Recently, however, USAID has begun
phasing out its work in these sectors and will focus
its support instead on the environment, judicial reform,
anti-corruption efforts, and the recent Ecuador-Peru
peace accord. more..
|
