There is a significant population of black people in Ecuador, particularly in the Esmeraldas province, which is known for its Afro-Ecuadorian community. Additionally, black communities can also be found in other regions of the country, such as Guayaquil and Quito.
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In Ecuador, the black population is primarily concentrated in the Esmeraldas province, which is recognized for its thriving Afro-Ecuadorian community. However, black communities can also be found in other regions of the country, such as Guayaquil and Quito.
Esmeraldas province, located on Ecuador’s northwest coast, has historically been home to a large number of Afro-Ecuadorians. Influenced by African cultural heritage, the province’s population embraces a vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian identity, with rich traditions in music, dance, and cuisine. According to the 2010 national census, Esmeraldas province had the highest proportion of black inhabitants in Ecuador, with approximately 47% of its population identifying as Afro-Ecuadorian.
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port, also has a notable black population. Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Guayaquil has attracted people from diverse backgrounds, including Afro-Ecuadorians who have migrated from other parts of the country, seeking better opportunities. The city’s cultural landscape is further enriched by Afro-Ecuadorian influences.
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, may not have as sizable a black population as Esmeraldas or Guayaquil, but it still has communities where Afro-Ecuadorians reside. These communities contribute to the city’s multicultural tapestry, blending their African heritage with the cultural mosaic of Quito.
To further enrich our understanding of the Afro-Ecuadorian community, here are some interesting facts:
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Afro-Ecuadorians have significantly influenced Ecuadorian music, particularly through their contributions to genres like marimba music and bomba del chota. These musical styles have deep African roots and are cherished as part of the Afro-Ecuadorian cultural heritage.
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The Afro-Ecuadorian population in Esmeraldas province traces its ancestry back to the arrival of enslaved Africans in the region during the colonial period. Many Afro-Ecuadorians today can trace their roots to the ancestral communities that resisted enslavement and established themselves in the province.
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The black population of Ecuador has faced historical challenges, including discrimination and marginalization. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to promote Afro-Ecuadorian rights, cultural recognition, and social inclusion.
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Afro-Ecuadorian festivities, such as the Festival de las Marimbas, celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions of the community. These festivals showcase lively music, captivating dances, and traditional cuisine, providing a platform to honor and preserve Afro-Ecuadorian heritage.
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During the month of August, Ecuador celebrates Afro-Ecuadorian Heritage Month, officially recognizing the contributions and cultural significance of the Afro-Ecuadorian community. This month is dedicated to promoting awareness, appreciation, and respect for Afro-Ecuadorian culture.
In the words of author and Afro-Ecuadorian activist, Nelson Estupiñán Bass, “These are my people; they are not survivors, but victors. They have overcome conditions that make one shudder. They have achieved positions in science, art, literature, and the armed forces… They do not beg but ask for better conditions and demand to be recognized as an important part of the nation.”
Table: Regions with significant Afro-Ecuadorian population
| Province | Afro-Ecuadorian Population |
|---|---|
| Esmeraldas | High |
| Guayaquil | Moderate |
| Quito | Small |
| Other regions | Varies |
With their rich cultural heritage and contributions to Ecuador’s diverse society, the Afro-Ecuadorian community plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s identity and fostering cultural understanding.
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The speaker in the video discusses a few things that she wishes she knew before moving to Ecuador. Firstly, she underestimated the rainy and gloomy rainy season, which affected her mood and motivation to explore. The weather in Ecuador is unpredictable, with changes throughout the day. She also emphasizes the need for sunscreen, as even on gloomy days, the proximity to the sun can still cause sunburn. Additionally, she notes the cold temperatures inside due to the architecture and lack of centralized heating, leading to the need for heaters and insulation. The speaker gives practical advice on staying warm and navigating the hilly terrain with an SUV or four-wheel drive. She also mentions adjusting budget expectations, as living in Ecuador is not drastically cheaper than the US, and budgeting for travel expenses. Overall, the speaker shares her experiences and encourages viewers to subscribe to her channel.
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Afro-Ecuadorian people and culture are found primarily in the country’s northwest coastal region. The majority of the Afro-Ecuadorian population (70%) are found in the province of Esmeraldas and the Valle del Chota in the Imbabura Province, where they are the majority.
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What is the black population in Ecuador?
Response will be: about 1.1 million
The black and mulatto population is estimated to be about 1.1 million, or 8 percent of the total population. Afro-Ecuadorians are the descendants of slaves originally brought to the country in the early 16th century.
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Where do Afro-Ecuadorians live?
As a response to this: province of Esmeraldas
Living mostly in the northern coastal province of Esmeraldas, Guayas and in other provinces in the south-central coastal region, around three-quarters of Afro-Ecuadorians now reside in urban areas.
How many Afro-Ecuadorians are in Ecuador?
approximately 1.2 million people
For a marginalized people, Afro-Ecuadorians have a considerable population—approximately 1.2 million people out of the Ecuador’s total 13.5. Perhaps even more surprising is how concentrated this population is, as around 70% of Afro-Ecuadorians reside in the coastal province of Esmeraldas in northwestern Ecuador.
What is the black population in Esmeraldas Ecuador?
People who do not live in Ecuador may be surprised to learn that the country has a relatively large Afro-Ecuadorian population, approximately 1.2 million out of a total 13.5 million people according to most sources. About 70% of Afro-Ecuadorians live in the northwestern coastal province of Esmeraldas.