The country of Ecuador is located in South America and has coasts extending into the Pacific Ocean. Geographically, Ecuador is composed of the Amazon Jungle, Andes Mountains, pacific coastal lowlands and the Galapagos Islands. These varying climates make Ecuador a very diverse country. The primary language in Ecuador is Spanish and the currency used is the United States dollar, similar to America. Ecuador’s primary export commodities are petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers and fish.
Ecuadorian culture is high power distance. No value is given to members of society equally. The military are viewed superior than others, creating an uneven distribution of power. There is a sense of low individualism. Belonging to an in-group is very important for the people and groups often have strong identity ties to race and class distinctions. Ecuadorian culture is described as high masculinity in that the society is driven by competition, achievement and success. Ecuador is high uncertainty avoidance. Culturally, people seek to avoid ambiguity and emotions are openly expressed. Legislation is extensive and detailed so all members of society are left without question.
Individuals living in Ecuador often have their own sources of food within their property. Rather than running to the grocery store, Ecuadorians have gardens to grow vegetables. Even if one had to run to the market, the shops are all outside, not constrained by walls and closed off like American food stores.
Ecuadorian hopes are typically made of mud or concrete blocks. Water is taken out of the ground near home properties. This type of housing is beneficial for Ecuadorians since the climate is very hot from living very close to the equator. The mud and concrete is able to cool down those inside and away from heat. Mud is also a good insulator when it becomes cold during the night.
Most families in Ecuador cannot afford to buy full meals from fast food restaurants like McDonald’s. There are not many fast food restaurants to by found anyway. Ecuadorian diet typically consists of rice, vegetable and free-range meat. Although this may seem like a bland meal to Americans, Ecuadorians are often more healthy as the food is nutritiously good for them.
The lack of electricity may be uncomfortable and unfathomable for Americans; however, Ecuadorians are able to manage when water, food, or electricity is lost due to their resourcefulness. Ecuadorians utilize the rivers when they are not able to bathe in their own homes. They search for tropical fruits to each and are not afraid to use candles to light their homes at night. Even if the Ecuadorian infrastructure failed, their society would be more than capable of surviving.
Ecuadorians do not place a high value on punctuality. They usually arrive late, up to an hour and still believe they are being polite. Pointing at people is considered impolite and Ecuadorians use their whole hand or chin instead. Public toilets typically do not have toilet paper in them. There is often an attendant who sells toilet paper at the door. Also, typically restaurants have a ten percent service charge that is automatically added to the bill rather than a voluntary tip. Bribery is also prevalent in Ecuador especially with bureaucracy. This reflects Ecuador’s high power distance as those in government and military hold higher power than residents.
Ecuador has many colorful festivals throughout the country. Ecuador celebrates the Day of the Dead, which is a memorial to loved ones who have passed away. It is often celebrated partly as a religious holiday and many Ecuadorians visit cemeteries where their dead relatives are buried. In Quito, Ecuador, thousands of people gather in cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. This shows the value of family and how Ecuador places importance on the past. It is a day to remember and reflect on dead loved ones. In America, Halloween is typically celebrated as a recreational holiday, however in Ecuador, the celebration of the dead is a serious festivity often being tied to religion.
Fiestas de Quito is another celebration that takes place from November 28 to December 6. During this time, Nativity reenactments, bullfights, traditional dancing and carnivals take place in the Old Town. This celebration reflects Ecuador’s history and their integrity to keep the past traditions and culture alive. Although many Ecuadorians have now adapted to even the Western world’s sense of clothing, Ecuadorians continue to wear traditional clothing especially during such celebrations.
Ecuadorians would have a difficult time living in America, as the values are different. Bribery is considered unethical in America and shunned in businesses and dealings with the government. Americans rely heavily on electricity and technology because immediate gratification is prized. Ecuadorians would be seen as odd for planting unnecessary amounts of crops on their lands if they were not commercial farmers. Also, Americans would most likely offend Ecuadorians for celebrating the Day of the Dead or Halloween more recreationally than religiously.