Ecuador

Population: 13 million

Life Expectancy: 77 years

Infant Mortality: 22 per 1000 live births

Mortality under age 5: 25 per 1000 live births

Has Safe Water: 94 percent of total population; 89 percent of the rural population (far lower among indigenous populations)

Has Adequate Sanitation: 89 percent of total population; 82 percent of the rural population (far lower among indigenous populations)

Religion: Roman Catholic 95 percent. Other 5 percent

National Wealth: Admirable educational system; 92 percent literacy rate; abundant natural resources and agricultural crops including petroleum, fish, shrimp, timber, gold, bananas, seafood, flowers, coffee, cacao, and sugar.

National Challenges: Earthquakes, landslides, and periodic droughts; only 6 percent arable land; lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education among indigenous populations

Lifewater: Lifewater has worked in Ecuador since 2002, offering its national partner training in well drilling, hygiene education, and water quality testing. In 2006, Lifewater offered hygiene training in villages on the coast and in the inland jungle. A total of 20 wells were completed during the year. Over 2,800 villagers received hygiene education, and 30 people were trained as hygiene educators. Almost 3,000 people gained access to safe water as a result of the work.

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Sources: UNICEF 2004 stats, CIA World Factbook 2007, Lifewater Projects Dept.