History of Ecuador in Timeline

Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia and Peru, with a Pacific coastline. It also includes the Galápagos Islands. Quito is the capital, and Guayaquil is its largest city. Ecuador is geographically diverse, with the Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and coastal regions.

May 1904: Tobar-Rio Branco Treaty signed

On May 6, 1904, Ecuador signed the Tobar-Rio Branco Treaty recognizing Brazil's claims to the Amazon.

1904: Territorial losses to Brazil

In 1904, Ecuador lost contested territories to Brazil through a series of peace treaties.

1910: Border dispute arbitration with Spain fails

From 1880 to 1910, the border dispute between Ecuador and Peru was submitted to Spain for arbitration, but it was unsuccessful.

1911: Concession to British Oil Company

In 1911, the Government of Ecuador conceded 98 mines, occupying an area of 38,842 hectares, to the British oil company Anglo Ecuadorian Oilfields.

July 1916: Muñoz Vernaza-Suarez Treaty signed

On July 15, 1916, the Muñoz Vernaza-Suarez Treaty was signed, recognizing Colombian rights to the Putumayo River and Ecuador's rights to the Napo River, establishing a new border.

1916: Territorial losses to Colombia

In 1916, Ecuador lost contested territories to Colombia.

1920: Establishment of Air Academy Cosme Rennella

The Air Academy Cosme Rennella, located in Salinas, Ecuador, graduates air force officers since around 1920.

1921: Emergency Quota Act

The Italian government came to be more interested in the emigration phenomenon in Ecuador because of the necessity of finding an outlet for the large number of immigrants who traditionally went to the United States but who could no longer enter this country because of the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 that restricted immigration of Southern and Eastern Europeans as well as other "undesirables".

March 1922: Salomon-Lozano Treaty

On March 24, 1922, the Salomon-Lozano Treaty was signed between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador protested this secret treaty.

July 1924: Ponce-Castro Oyanguren Protocol signed

On July 21, 1924, the Ponce-Castro Oyanguren Protocol was signed between Ecuador and Peru, agreeing to direct negotiations and to submit differing points to the United States for arbitration.

1925: Julian Revolution

In 1925, the military "Julian Revolution" ended the rule of the liberal wing that had been in power since 1895.

1930: Lebanese immigrants in Ecuador

By 1930, there were 577 Lebanese immigrants and 489 of their descendants residing in Ecuador.

1933: Arrival of Ashkenazi Jews

Ashkenazi Jews arrived in Ecuador mostly as refugees after the ascendance of National Socialism in Germany in 1933.

September 1935: Negotiations begin in Washington

On September 30, 1935, negotiations between Ecuadorian and Peruvian representatives began in Washington.

1936: Compulsory Voting Introduced

Since 1936, voting is compulsory for literate persons aged 18–65, and optional for other citizens over 16.

September 1937: Negotiations break off

On September 29, 1937, the Peruvian representatives broke off negotiations with Ecuador.

1939: Entry permits for Jewish refugees

In 1939, when several South American countries refused to accept 165 Jewish refugees from Germany aboard the ship Koenigstein, Ecuador granted them entry permits.

1940: Jewish population number

In 1940, there were 3,000 Jews in Ecuador.

July 1941: Ecuadorian-Peruvian War begins

In July 1941, amidst tensions over disputed territories, war broke out between Ecuador and Peru. On July 5, Peruvian forces crossed the Zarumilla river, and on July 23, Peru launched a major invasion into the Ecuadorian province of El Oro.

January 1942: Rio Protocol signed

On January 29, 1942, Ecuador and Peru signed the Rio Protocol, formalizing an accord that favored Peru with the territory they occupied at the time the war came to an end.

1942: Territorial losses to Peru

In 1942, Ecuador lost contested territories to Peru after a short war in which the Protocol of Rio de Janeiro was signed.

1944: Glorious May Revolution

In 1944, the Glorious May Revolution removed Carlos Arroyo del Río as a dictator from Ecuador's government.

1950: Peak Jewish population

In 1950, the Jewish population of Ecuador was estimated at 4,000, marking its peak.

1950: Infant mortality rate

In 1950, the infant mortality rate in Ecuador was 140 per 1,000 live births.

1964: Texaco Operations Begin

In 1964, the American oil company Texaco began operating in the Ecuadorian Amazon region.

1967: Current public health care system

The current structure of the Ecuadorian public health care system dates back to 1967, with the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública del Ecuador) responsible for regulation and policy creation.

1972: Military junta overthrows Velasco Ibarra

In 1972, a military junta overthrew the government of Velasco Ibarra, exiling him to Argentina.

1972: Andean pipeline completion

In 1972, construction of the Andean pipeline was completed, making Ecuador South America's second largest oil exporter.

1973: Ecuador Joins OPEC

Ecuador joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1973.

1976: Another military government takes power

In 1976, Guillermo Rodriguez was removed by another military government.

1978: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In 1978, the city of Quito and the Galápagos Islands were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making the first two properties in the world to become listed sites.

April 1979: Jaime Roldós Aguilera elected president

On April 29, 1979, Jaime Roldós Aguilera was elected president under a new constitution.

1980: Founding of the Partido Pueblo, Cambio y Democracia

In 1980, Jaime Roldós founded the Partido Pueblo, Cambio y Democracia party.

February 1981: Paquisha Incident

In January-February 1981, a border skirmish known as the Paquisha Incident occurred between Ecuador and Peru.

May 1981: Death of Jaime Roldós Aguilera

On May 24, 1981, President Jaime Roldós Aguilera died in a plane crash near the Peruvian border.

1984: León Febres Cordero elected president

In 1984, León Febres Cordero from the Social Christian Party was elected president of Ecuador.

1986: Estimate of Lebanese descendants

A 1986 estimate from Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated there were 100,000 Lebanese descendants in Ecuador.

1988: Rodrigo Borja Cevallos wins presidency

In 1988, Rodrigo Borja Cevallos of the Democratic Left party won the presidency.

1991: Speakers of Indigenous Languages

In 1991, Northern Kichwa (Quechua) and other pre-colonial American languages were spoken by 2,500,000 people in Ecuador.

1992: Ecuador Suspends OPEC Membership

In 1992, Ecuador suspended its membership in OPEC.

1992: Texaco Operations End

In 1992, Texaco ceased operations in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, leaving behind significant environmental damage.

January 1995: Cenepa War

In January 1995, full-scale warfare broke out between Ecuador and Peru, known as the Cenepa War.

1995: Cenepa War with Peru

In 1995, the Cenepa War was fought between Ecuador and Peru.

1996: Ecuador wins first Olympic medal

In 1996, Jefferson Pérez won gold in the 20 km walk at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, marking Ecuador's first Olympic medal.

1996: Net primary enrollment rate

In 1996, the net primary enrollment rate in Ecuador was 96.9%, and 71.8% of children stayed in school until the fifth grade/age 10.

October 1998: Brasilia Presidential Act signed

On October 26, 1998, Ecuador and Peru signed the Brasilia Presidential Act peace agreement, ending hostilities and resolving the territorial dispute.

May 1999: Final border demarcation

On May 13, 1999, the final border demarcation between Ecuador and Peru came into effect.

June 1999: MOMEP troop withdrawal

On June 17, 1999, the multi-national MOMEP troop deployment withdrew from the Ecuador-Peru border area.

1999: GDP Doubled

Between 1999 and 2007, Ecuador's GDP doubled.

1999: Opposition parties gain control of Congress

In 1999, opposition parties gained control of Congress in Ecuador.

1999: Decline in Extreme Poverty Rate

The extreme poverty rate in Ecuador declined significantly between 1999 and 2010.

April 2000: Adoption of the US dollar

On April 13, 2000, Ecuador adopted the United States dollar as its national currency to stabilize the country's economy.

2000: Average Growth of Ecuadorian Economy

Between 2000 and 2006, Ecuador's economy experienced an average growth of 4.6%.

2000: Adoption of U.S. Dollar

Ecuador adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency in 2000.

2000: Health care ranking

Ecuador currently ranks 20, in most efficient health care countries, compared to 111 back in the year 2000.

2001: Estimated Extreme Poverty Rate

In 2001, the extreme poverty rate in Ecuador was estimated at 40% of the population.

2002: Growth in Colombian and Venezuelan refugees

Starting from 2002, there has been an exponential and significant growth in Colombian and Venezuelan refugees in Ecuador.

2003: Amnesty International Report on Human Rights

A 2003 Amnesty International report criticized the scarce prosecutions for human rights violations committed by security forces, allegations of routine torture of prisoners, and "abominable" conditions in overcrowded detention centers.

April 2005: Removal of President Lucio Gutiérrez

In April 2005, President Lucio Gutiérrez was removed from office by Congress due to government failures and destabilizing efforts. Vice President Alfredo Palacio then took his place.

2006: Average Growth of Ecuadorian Economy

Between 2000 and 2006, Ecuador's economy experienced an average growth of 4.6%.

2006: Trade surplus increase

Compared to 2006, Ecuador's trade surplus had risen by about $425 million by August 2012.

2006: Rafael Correa Wins Presidency

In 2006, Rafael Correa won the presidential election in Ecuador.

2006: Poverty decrease

In 2006, poverty in Ecuador decreased from 36.7%.

January 2007: Rafael Correa's Swearing-In Ceremony

In January 2007, several left-wing political leaders of Latin America, who would later become his allies, attended Rafael Correa's swearing-in ceremony after he gained the presidency in the 2006 election.

April 2007: Debt payment to IMF

In April 2007, Ecuador paid off its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

December 2007: Monthly Unemployment Rate

From December 2007 until September 2008, the monthly unemployment rate remained at about 6 and 8 percent.

2007: Start of Correa's Presidential Terms

From 2007 to 2017, Rafael Correa served three consecutive presidential terms.

2007: Initiatives to attract Ecuadorians abroad

From 2007, the Ecuador government created multiple initiatives to attract Ecuadorians abroad mostly from the United States, Italy, and Spain to return after many left during the 90s economic crisis or La Decada Perdida.

2007: Trade surplus comparison

In 2007, Ecuador's trade surplus reached only $5.7 million, which was a much smaller figure compared to the surplus in the first six months of 2012.

2007: Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly Written

In 2007, The Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly wrote the current Ecuadorian constitution.

January 2008: Inflation Rate

The inflation rate until January 2008, was about 1.14%, the highest in the past year, according to the government.

September 2008: Monthly Unemployment Rate

From December 2007 until September 2008, the monthly unemployment rate remained at about 6 and 8 percent.

November 2008: Monthly Unemployment Rate

In November 2008 the unemployment rate dropped again to 8 percent.

December 2008: Correa Declares National Debt Illegitimate

In December 2008, President Correa declared Ecuador's national debt illegitimate, arguing it was odious debt contracted by corrupt regimes. He then announced the country would default on over $3 billion worth of bonds.

2008: Land Protection and Sociobosque Program

As of 2008, 19% of Ecuador's land area was protected. Also in 2008, a program called Sociobosque, began preserving another 2.3% of total land area.

2008: Constitution Approved by Referendum

In 2008, Ecuador's current constitution written by the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly elected in 2007, was approved by referendum.

2008: New constitution recognizes rights of nature

In 2008, Ecuador's new constitution became the first in the world to recognize legally enforceable rights of nature.

2008: LDU Quito runners-up in FIFA Club World Cup

In 2008, LDU Quito was the runner-up in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the Ecuadorian football team.

2008: Social security coverage

In 2008, the government introduced universal and compulsory social security coverage in Ecuador.

2008: Oil trade balance positive revenues

In 2008, the oil trade balance had positive revenues of $3.295 million, while the non-oil trade balance was negative, amounting to $2.842 million.

2008: Rise in returning nationals

In 2008, these policies resulted in the rapid and significant rise in the flow of returning nationals, most notably during the 2008 economic crisis that affected Europe and North America.

2008: Free basic health care

Since 2008, basic health care, including doctor's visits, basic surgeries, and basic medications, has been provided free in Ecuador.

2008: Shift in Poverty Reduction Strategy

Starting in 2008, poverty reduction in Ecuador was realized through social spending, mainly in education and health.

January 2009: Central Bank Growth Forecast

In January 2009, the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) put the 2010 growth forecast at 6.88%.

June 2009: Ecuador Joins Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas

In June 2009, under the leadership of Rafael Correa, Ecuador joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA).

2009: Restructuring of Armed Forces

In 2009, the Defense Ministry launched a deep restructuring within the Ecuadorian Armed Forces, increasing the spending budget to $1,691,776,803, an increase of 25%.

2010: Ethnic Group statistics

As of 2010, the largest ethnic group in Ecuador was the Mestizos, constituting about 71% of the population (or about 79% including the Montubio).

2010: Unemployment Rate

In 2010, the unemployment rate in Ecuador was 7.6%.

2010: Decline in Extreme Poverty Rate

The extreme poverty rate in Ecuador declined significantly between 1999 and 2010.

2011: Oil reserves estimated

As of 2011, Ecuador's proven oil reserves were estimated at 6.51 billion barrels, contributing to a positive trade balance as oil accounts for 40% of exports.

2011: Extreme Poverty Rate

By 2011, the extreme poverty rate in Ecuador dropped to 17.4% of the total population.

2011: GDP Growth

In 2011, Ecuador's GDP grew at 8%, ranking third highest in Latin America.

August 2012: Trade balance surplus

In August 2012, the overall trade balance for the first six months of 2012 was a surplus of almost $390 million.

2012: Latter-day Saints membership

At the end of 2012, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accounted for about 1.4% of the population of Ecuador, or 211,165 members.

2012: Unemployment Rate

In 2012, the unemployment rate in Ecuador was 4.8%.

2012: Restrictions on Media and Prosecution of Protesters

In 2012, twenty private TV or radio stations were closed down in Ecuador. People engaging in public protests were prosecuted for "terrorism and sabotage".

February 2013: Inauguration of new Quito airport

In February 2013, a new airport was inaugurated in Tababela, Quito, with Canadian assistance.

2013: Innovation ranking

In 2013, Ecuador was placed in 96th position for innovation in technology according to a World Economic Forum study.

2013: Lasso Finishes Second in Presidential Election

In 2013, Guillermo Lasso finished second in the presidential election.

2014: School years completed

In 2014 the mean number of school years completed in rural areas is 7.39 as compared to 10.86 in urban areas, according to the Ministry of Education.

2014: Road to new Quito airport still unfinished

In late 2014, the main road leading from Quito city center to the new airport, inaugurated in February 2013, was expected to be finished, causing travel times from the airport to downtown Quito to be as long as two hours during rush hour.

2015: Corruption problem

In 2015, corruption remained a problem in Ecuador, with overbilling recorded in 20% of public establishments and in 80% of private establishments.

2015: Ministry of Education Report

In a 2015 report, The Ministry of Education states that in 2014 the mean number of school years completed in rural areas is 7.39 as compared to 10.86 in urban areas.

2016: New public hospitals built

Between 2008 and 2016, new public hospitals have been built in Ecuador.

2016: Poverty and Gini Index Improvement

By 2016, poverty had decreased to 22.5%, and the country's Gini index of economic inequality improved from 0.55 to 0.47.

2017: Decrease in Restrictions on Media and Civil Society

According to Freedom House, restrictions on the media and civil society in Ecuador have decreased since 2017.

2017: Lasso Finishes Second in Presidential Election

In 2017, Guillermo Lasso finished second in the presidential election.

2017: Lenín Moreno Elected President

In 2017, Lenín Moreno was elected president of Ecuador, succeeding Rafael Correa. He served as president from 2017 to 2021.

2017: Law on Human Mobility Adopted

In 2017, the Ecuadorian parliament adopted a law on human mobility.

2017: Jehovah's Witnesses membership

In 2017, there were 92,752 Jehovah's Witnesses in Ecuador.

August 2018: Ecuador Leaves Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (Alba)

In August 2018, Ecuador left the left-wing Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (Alba).

October 2018: Ecuador Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Venezuela

In October 2018, the Moreno government cut diplomatic relations with the Maduro administration of Venezuela.

2018: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score

In 2018, Ecuador had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 7.66/10, ranking it 35th globally out of 172 countries.

March 2019: Ecuador Withdraws from UNASUR

In March 2019, Ecuador withdrew from the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

March 2019: Inauguration of Cuenca's tramway

On 8 March 2019, Cuenca's tramway, the largest public transport system in the city and the first modern tramway in Ecuador, was inaugurated.

June 2019: Agreement to Allow US Military Planes

In June 2019, Ecuador agreed to allow US military planes to operate from an airport on the Galapagos Islands.

October 2019: Protests Against Austerity Measures

In October 2019, a series of protests began against the end of fuel subsidies and austerity measures adopted by the Moreno government. Protesters overran Quito on October 10, causing the government to relocate temporarily to Guayaquil, before eventually returning to Quito later in 2019. On October 14, the government restored fuel subsidies and withdrew the austerity package, ending the protests.

February 2020: Meeting Between Ecuadorian and U.S. President

In February 2020, the president of Ecuador visited Washington, marking the first meeting between an Ecuadorian and U.S. president in 17 years.

2020: Smallest Jewish community

Around 2020, the Jewish population in Ecuador diminished to some 290, forming one of the smallest Jewish communities in South America.

2020: Ecuador Leaves OPEC Again

In 2020, Ecuador left OPEC again under President Moreno to increase crude oil exportation.

April 2021: Guillermo Lasso Wins Presidential Election

In April 2021, Guillermo Lasso won the presidential election with 52.4% of the vote, defeating Andrés Aráuz.

May 2021: Guillermo Lasso Sworn In

On May 24, 2021, Guillermo Lasso was sworn in as president, becoming the country's first right-wing leader in 14 years.

October 2021: State of Emergency Declared to Combat Crime

In October 2021, President Lasso declared a 60-day state of emergency to combat crime and drug-related violence, including clashes in prisons.

2021: Population estimate

In 2021, estimates put Ecuador's population at 17,797,737.

2021: Force majeure declared for oil exports

In late 2021, Ecuador declared a Force majeure for oil exports due to erosion near key pipelines (privately owned OCP pipeline and state-owned SOTE pipeline) in the Amazon, lasting about three weeks and resulting in just over $500 million in economic losses.

October 2022: United Nations Expresses Concerns

In October 2022, the United Nations expressed concerns about the dire situation in various detention centers and prisons in Ecuador, and the human rights of those deprived of liberty.

2022: Supreme Court Decision on Collective Rights

In 2022, the Supreme Court of Ecuador decided that "under no circumstances can a project be carried out that generates excessive sacrifices to the collective rights of communities and nature."

2022: Oil production returns to normal

In early 2022, Ecuador's oil production returned to its normal level of 435,000 barrels per day (69,200 m/d) after the Force majeure declared in late 2021.

February 2023: Referendum Rejects Lasso's Proposed Changes

In a referendum in February 2023, voters overwhelmingly rejected President Lasso's proposed constitutional changes, weakening his political standing.

October 2023: Daniel Noboa Wins Presidential Election

On October 15, 2023, centrist candidate Daniel Noboa won the premature presidential election with 52.3% of the vote against leftist candidate Luisa González.

November 2023: Noboa Sworn In

On November 23, 2023, Daniel Noboa was sworn in as president of Ecuador.

January 2024: Internal Armed Conflict Declared

In January 2024, President Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" against organized crime, in response to the escape of a cartel leader and an armed attack at a public television channel.