Located in northwestern South America, Ecuador is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Much of what is now Ecuador was part of the Inca Empire, the largest political unit of pre-Columbian America. The region was colonized by Spain during the 16th century, and then became independent in 1820 as part of Gran Colombia, and 10 years later as its own nation state. The legacy of both empires is reflected in Ecuador's ethnically diverse population, which includes a number of indigenous-language-speaking groups along with highland and lowland Spanish-speaking mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and European descent). Ecuador is a country with a great contrast in terms of wealth and poverty.

By shopping at Village Goods, you can help support fair wages for the artisans in Ecuador through your purchase of items such as leather wallets and glass jewelry.