Ecuador is located in South America, on the equator, it also extends offshore to the Galapagos Islands. The people of Ecuador speak Spanish, Quechua and English is now starting to be part of the students' school curriculum. Ecuador is home to my entire family and perhaps my parents' retirement home. All this is possible since Ecuador separated from Gran Colombia. Going even further into the past, Ecuador not only began to be what it is today. Ecuador's history is divided into five different phases or eras: the pre-Columbian period, the conquest, the colonial period, the war of independence and the republican era. These times had to happen so that the place I call home could be what it is today. It has also undergone changes within the flag, which is used as a representation – or a symbol to show where one comes from. The townspeople are also at the heart of it all, and over time they learn to adapt to new lives and customs without losing traditions. Ecuador has gone through many changes to get to where it is today. The struggle was tough for most, but in the end the nation emerged as a strong nation. During the pre-Columbian era, many early indigenous civilizations arose. From civilizations like the Las Vegas culture to the Valdivia culture that left the coast of Ecuador only to see these civilizations conquered by the Incas. The Valdivia culture was the first culture to have a good amount of remains, so this discovery was important. They were also the first Americans to use pottery, and some of this pottery still survives and is on display. It is said that little by little, different cultures began to form around the Ecuadorian coast. With more and more cultures thriving, it's...... middle of paper...... people have different views on its method but all of that is debatable. People now seem to be moving forward, the poverty rate has gone down. Works Cited "CIA - The World Factbook -- Ecuador". Welcome to the website of the CIA's Central Intelligence Agency. Internet. February 26, 2010. “Ecuador – Flag”. Internet. February 27, 2010. “Ecuador (10/09). » US Department of State. Internet. February 27, 2010. “Ecuador.” Pre-Columbian Museum of Jade and Polished Stone. Internet. February 27, 2010. "Gran Colombia (historical republic, South America) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Internet. February 27. 2010. .