The Equator

The Equator is an imaginary line that goes around the middle of the Earth. It divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The Equator is the widest part of the Earth. Places near the Equator are usually very warm all year long.

Where Is the Equator

The Equator passes through 13 countries. It crosses parts of South America, Africa, and Asia. Countries like Ecuador, Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia sit on or near the Equator. Ecuador was even named after the Equator.

Life at the Equator

Places near the Equator get the most direct sunlight. That is why they are warm all year. Many tropical rainforests grow near the Equator. These areas get a lot of rain. The days and nights are nearly equal in length all year long at the Equator.

Fun Facts

• The Equator is about 24,901 miles long.
• At the Equator, the Earth spins at about 1,000 miles per hour.
• The Equator is at zero degrees latitude.

Did You Know?

In the city of Quito, Ecuador, there is a monument where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere!