Ecuador is a country in South America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2025 it has about 18.3 million people (UN estimate), the 71st most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1945Population: 71st
Ecuadorエクアドル
Region
South America, Latin America and the Caribbean
Population
about 18.3 million (71st)
Area
257,215 km² (75th)
UN member since
December 21, 1945
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Ecuador in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 18.3 million, the 71st most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/6 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 257,215 km², the 75th largest of the 193. That is about the same as Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 71.
Joining the United Nations
Ecuador joined the United Nations on December 21, 1945.
It was a member before Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Iraq.
Think about it
Q1Compare Ecuador’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Ecuador on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Ecuador, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 12 UN member states in South America. The one with the most people is Brazil.