Ecuador Regions

A process of decentralization is under way in Ecuador to transfer resources and responsibilities from the central government to the provinces and municipalities.

Reforms have been initiated with the aim of increasing local control of local services.

Traditionally, the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, is where the political power of the country resides, although Guayaquil, the largest city, is the commercial and financial center.

Ecuador is divided into 22 provinces and more than 220 municipalities. Large authorities such as Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, and Manta have led the demand for increased local democratic governance.

Guayas province is at the forefront, having already taken on responsibilities in areas such as transport, education, health, and water.

President Gutiérrez has declared his commitment to the decentralization process, which has the backing of the Inter-American Development Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).