The National Shield has a condor at the upper part, a sun crossed
by a ribbon with four zodiac signs that correspond to the four months
of overthrowing General Juan José Flores, the first president
of Ecuador. Behind this is Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador.
From the mountain springs a river that symbolizes the Guayas river.
In the river is the Guayas ship, considered to be the first ship constructed
in South America in Guayaquil in 1841.
Ecuador's National Anthem was written by Juan León
Mera and the music composed by Antonio Neumane. The anthem is widely
acclaimed to be among the world's most emotive national songs.
Health
The health of Ecuador's citizens is guaranteed by a public health
system called the Social Security Institute (IESS). Private health
is easy to find in the urban areas but is more difficult in rural
areas. There are several national and international companies that
provide private health insurance. The death rate is 5.44/1,000 and
the birth rate is 25.99/1,000. Infant mortality is 31.98/1000. Life
expectancy for males is 69 years; for females 75 years.
Education
The literacy rate (defined as those aged 15 and over who can read)
is 92.5%. However, public education is seen to be mostly deficient
due to budgetary issues. Private education is not available for the
majority of the population. Illiteracy is greater in rural areas than
in urban areas.
Economic Indices
GDP: purchasing power parity - $37.2 billion (2000 est.)
GDP: per capita purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2000 est.)
GDP: composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 36% services:
50% (1999 est.)
Population below poverty line: 60% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13%; note - widespread underemployment (2000 est.)
