This question should have been in my Change of Life topic. With all the talk about Ecuador being a great place to live and retire in, particularly Cuenca I would assume that this country is generally safe and stable. Is this really so despite some talk on this forum that Ecuador has a serious crime problem. As for stability, are the laws strong enough in Ecuador to ensure that one day you won't find yourself out of home and country should the govermnet change? Silly question perhaps, but if you are going to invest your life and money into a place and you aren't rich, it is good to know these things.