Ekvador

Ekvador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country situated in northwestern South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The equator, from which the country derives its name, crosses through its territory. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, largely due to its varied ecosystems which include the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, and the Pacific coastal region.

The country is divided into four natural regions: the Costa (coast), the Sierra (Andes), the Oriente (Amazon), and the Galápagos Islands. The capital city is Quito, located in the Sierra region, while Guayaquil is the largest city and a major port on the Costa. Ecuador's economy is heavily reliant on the export of commodities, particularly oil, bananas, shrimp, and flowers. It was the first country in the world to grant constitutional rights to nature.

Historically, the territory of present-day Ecuador was inhabited by various indigenous groups before being incorporated into the Inca Empire. It gained independence from Spain in 1822 and was part of Gran Colombia before becoming a separate republic in 1830. Ecuador has experienced periods of political instability and economic challenges throughout its history. The official language is Spanish, and the currency is the United States dollar. The nation is known for its rich cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial history, which is reflected in its festivals, music, and cuisine.