Ecuador has made significant socio-economic progress over the last decade, particularly in terms of social protection and development programmes. However, humanitarian needs are increasing among vulnerable populations and access to basic goods and services has become more difficult. Inequalities persist in access as health, education, housing and economic inclusion.
The poverty rate is estimated at 25% of the population, while the extreme poverty rate is 10.7% and mostly affects rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious economic consequences, increasing unemployment and poverty.
t is estimated that around half a million refugees and migrants from Venezuela are currently living in Ecuador, a large proportion of whom are in the country illegally (73%). This limits their access to state services and formal employment, exposing them to risks and limiting their prospects for socio-economic integration.
Ecuador is also prone to natural disasters including floods, landslides, droughts and earthquakes. Vulnerability to phenomena such as El Niño is heightened by the fact that 96% of the urban population lives in coastal and mountainous regions.
Number of HI staff: 1
Programmed opened in: 1986
