Difference Between Peru and Ecuador

Key Difference – Peru vs Ecuador
 

Peru and Ecuador are two bordering countries in Western South America. Both countries are Andean countries, and this influence can be seen in their geography, climate, and culture as well. However, there are many differences between the two countries as well. The key difference between Peru and Ecuador is their size; Peru is the third largest country in South America whereas Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America. However, both these countries are made up of a variety of landscapes and are known as two of the most diverse countries in the world.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Peru
3. What is Ecuador
4. Similarities Between Peru and Ecuador
5. Side by Side Comparison – Peru vs Ecuador in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is Peru?

Peru, or the Republic of Peru, is a South American country bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. This is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina.

Peru is a country with an extreme diversity, made up of a variety of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, deserts as well as rain forests. The most populated area, however, is the coast of the Pacific Ocean, where the capital Lima is located. The Amazon rain forest covers half the country. Peru is also home to several ancient cultures, including the Inca Empire. The famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu is situated in this country.

Peru has one of the most prosperous economies in the South American region since it is very rich in natural resources such as gold, silver, lead, copper, oil and natural gas. Peruvian population is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, and Asians. The official and the main spoken language is Spanish, a heritage from the Spanish colonization.

What is Ecuador?

Ecuador, (official name: Republic of Ecuador) is the one of the smallest countries in South America. Ecuador is also considered as one of the most diverse areas of the world, and the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific is a part of Ecuador. This country is named after the Equator which runs through the country, and a large part of the country is in the South hemisphere.

Ecuador is categorized into four unique geographic regions: La Costa (the coast), La Sierra (the highlands), El Oriente or La Amazonía (the east) and La Región Insular (regions including Galapagos Island). Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, is also situated in Ecuador.

Ecuador is known as a middle-income country with a developing economy, which is dependent petroleum and agricultural products. The capital city of this country is Quito, but the largest city is Guayaquil.

What are the Similarities Between Peru and Ecuador?

• Peru and Ecuador are Andean countries; thus, the Andes influence significantly the geography, climate, and culture of these countries.
• Economies of both countries depend on extraction and exportation of natural resources.
• Majority of the population in both countries is Catholic.
• The official language of both countries is Spanish.
• Both countries were once colonies of the Spanish Empire but gained independence in the nineteenth century.
• Both Peru and Ecuador are known for their biodiversity.

What is the Difference Between Peru and Ecuador?

Summary – Peru vs Ecuador

Since both Peru and Ecuador are neighboring Andean countries, many similarities can be found between them in their culture, geography, climate, and people. However, there are some differences as well. The main difference between Peru and Ecuador is their size.

Download the PDF Version of Peru vs Ecuador

You can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation note. Please download PDF version here Difference Between Peru and Ecuador

Reference:

1.“18 interesting facts about Ecuador.” Atlas & Boots, 14 Sept. 2017. Available here  
2.“Ecuador Country Profile.” National Geographic Kids, 21 Mar. 2014. Available here 
3.“Peru.” National Geographic Kids, 21 Mar. 2014. Available here 

Image Courtesy:

1.’80 – Machu Picchu – Juin 2009 – edit.2′ By Martin St-Amant (S23678) – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.’2108901′ (Public Domain) via Max Pixel