Ecuador is a democratic republic located in the northern region of South America.  Ecuador’s capital city is Quito, and its largest city is Guayaquil. The region which Ecuador makes up today was originally inhabited by Inca tribes in the 15th century and taken under Spanish rule in the 16th century. The country obtained its independence in the 1820s as a part of Gran Colombia; the country officially celebrates its Independence Day on August 10, 1830, when it officially separated from the Gran Colombian Federation. Many celebrate the first Independence from Spanish rule, which occurred on May 24, 1822.

The country is classified as a middle-economy, developing country, which is dependent on petroleum, commodities, and agriculture. It is considered one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world; because of this, the new Constitution which was enacted in 2008, became the first Constitution in the world to observe Nature Rights, or ecosystem rights, to preserve the habitat, wildlife, and diverse plant life in the country.

The government is comprised of five branches which are, the Executive, Judicial, Legislative, Transparency & Social Control, and the Electoral branches. The current President is Lenin Moreno, and elections are held every 4-years to elect a new candidate. The Judicial Council is the primary governing body under the judicial branch, which also includes  the National Court of Justice, provincial courts, and lower courts.

The country’s economy is the 8th largest in Latin America, which is highly influenced by agriculture, commodities, and petroleum industries. Nearly 40% of all exports from Ecuador are in oil/petroleum. The country also exports agricultural products including sugarcane, cassava, coffee, potatoes, and other crops, with trading partners. The vast biodiversity in the country, has also given rise to the tourism industry in Ecuador, which in recent years has impacted their economy as well.

Visitors to the National Law Review can read about the latest news, stories, and developments happening in Ecuador. US and international trade relations, election news, federal agency news, international pharma-patents and healthcare news, are among the topics covered online for visitors. Visitors will regularly find updated news stories, and content as it relates to the residents living in Ecuador, and international relations with countries around the world, when visiting the National Law Review.