Crisis and Dollarization in Ecuador: Stability, Growth, and Social Equity

Early in 2000, Ecuador, confronted with a serious economic and governance crises, adopted the U.S. dollar as its national currency. The economic situation was dire with high inflation, government intervention in the banking system including freezing of deposits to prevent further flight from the country, and large fiscal deficits. Politically, then President Mahaud was being challenged by a congressional lack of support for measures to stabilize the economic situation, a radicalized indigen...