Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country on the west coast of South America. It is named after the equator, the imaginary line around the middle of the Earth. Ecuador has mountains, jungles, and the famous Galapagos Islands.

Land and People

About 18 million people live in Ecuador. The capital is Quito, one of the highest capital cities in the world. The Andes Mountains run through the center. The Amazon jungle covers the east. The Galapagos Islands are in the Pacific Ocean.

Culture and Fun Facts

Ecuadorians eat ceviche, roasted guinea pig, and many tropical fruits. Panama hats are actually from Ecuador! Markets are full of colorful crafts. Many people speak both Spanish and Quechua, an ancient language.

Fun Facts

• The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador and helped Charles Darwin develop his ideas about evolution.
• Panama hats actually come from Ecuador, not Panama.
• Quito, the capital, sits at nearly 9,400 feet above sea level.

Did You Know?

In Ecuador, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. There is a monument at the equator line near Quito where visitors love to take this special photo.