Despite its commodity riches Ecuador is one of the poorer Latin American countries. Oil production and agriculture are the hallmarks of the economy. At the moment the global economic backdrop is the best it has been for decades for such countries. High commodity and food prices should finally be giving Ecuador something of a boost. However, the opposite is happening: the country is slipping further and further down the international league. Poltical uncertainty is leaving deep marks in the economy. In 2007 growth is estimated to have been only 2.7 % real. This is one of the lowest growth rates in the region and for Ecuador itself the lowest in recent years. / Only available in German.