Equador

Equador, in Portuguese the name for the country commonly known in English as Ecuador, is a country on the west coast of South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Galápagos Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the mainland and are part of the country.

The capital is Quito, and the largest city and main economic hub is Guayaquil. The country is traditionally divided into three geographic regions: the Andean highlands (Sierra), the coastal plain (Costa), and the eastern Amazon basin (Oriente). These regions produce a wide range of climates and ecosystems, from high-altitude temperate zones to tropical rainforests.

History in brief: Prior to European contact, diverse indigenous cultures inhabited the territory. It later became part of the Inca realm before being conquered by Spain in the 16th century. Ecuador achieved independence in 1822 as part of Gran Colombia and became a separate republic in 1830. The modern state has a multiethnic society with a democratic political system.

Government and economy: Ecuador is a unitary presidential republic with the president serving as both head of state and head of government. The country operates with a four-year electoral cycle and has faced changes to term limits over time. Since 2000, Ecuador has used the U.S. dollar as its official currency. The economy is mix-based, with oil, agriculture (notably bananas), and services contributing significantly, along with growing tourism and biodiversity-related activities.

Demographics and culture: Population is around 18 million. Spanish is the predominant language, with numerous indigenous languages such as Quechua and Shuar spoken in various regions. The country is known for its rich cultural traditions, biodiversity, and architectural heritage.