According to petwithsupplies, Ecuador is a small country located in South America, with a population of approximately 17 million people. The country is home to a number of large cities, each with their own unique characteristics and attractions. The largest city in Ecuador is Guayaquil, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is the country’s main port and commercial center, and its population stands at around 2.7 million people. The city is known for its vibrant culture and lively nightlife, as well as its famous Malecon 2000 waterfront promenade which features numerous shops and restaurants. The second largest city in Ecuador is Quito, which has a population of around 2 million people. Located in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. It has many historic attractions including colonial churches and monasteries which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, it offers stunning views over the surrounding mountains and valleys from its location atop El Panecillo Hill. The third largest city in Ecuador is Cuenca, located near the Andes Mountains in southern Ecuador. With a population of around 600 thousand people, Cuenca offers visitors an insight into traditional Andean culture with its cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial-era buildings. It also has many parks and plazas where visitors can enjoy local cuisine or take part in traditional fiestas throughout the year. Finally, Ambato is another large city located near Quito with a population of around 400 thousand people. It has many attractions including parks and museums as well as being home to some of Ecuador’s most important agricultural industries such as sugarcane production and flower cultivation. In 2008, Ecuador was in a period of political transition following the election of Rafael Correa as president in 2006. Correa was an outspoken critic of the neoliberal policies that had been implemented by previous presidents and sought to implement a new form of socialism known as ‘21st Century Socialism’. The politics of Ecuador in 2008 were characterized by a high degree of polarization between supporters and opponents of Correa’s government. This resulted in a number of protests and demonstrations, particularly from indigenous peoples who felt that their rights were being threatened by the new government. Additionally, there were divisions between different factions within the country, such as those aligned with the traditional elites or those aligned with Correa’s vision for Ecuador. Ecuador also faced several international challenges during this period, including disputes regarding trade agreements with the United States and Colombia, as well as tensions with Venezuela over its support for Colombian rebels. At the same time, Ecuador received increased economic support from countries such as Australia and China which allowed it to invest heavily in infrastructure projects such as highways and hydroelectric dams. Overall, 2008 was a very tumultuous year for Ecuadorian politics which saw both significant progress towards achieving Correa’s goals but also considerable opposition from both within the country and abroad. Check eningbo for Ecuador in 2012.