The California Highway Patrol is the largest state police agency in the United States, with more than 10,500 employees, 7,200 of whom are sworn officers, according to FBI data.
Ecuadorâs official currency is the US dollar. Aside from Euros, Peruvian soles and Colombian nuevos soles, itâs very difficult to change foreign currencies in Ecuador. Western Union offices are in most big cities. Better restaurants add a 12% tax and a 10% service charge to the bill.
Ecuador is a democratic presidential republic. The new constitution of 2008 is the first in the world to recognize legally enforceable Rights of Nature, or ecosystem rights. Ecuador is also known for its rich ecology, hosting many endemic plants and animals, such as those of the GalÃ¡pagos Islands.