Ecuador, Republic in South America.
Ecuador is a South American republic stretching from the Pacific Ocean through the Andes mountains into the Amazon basin, uniting three different climate zones within a compact territory. The equator crosses the country at latitude zero, giving it its name, while the Galápagos Islands lie offshore in the Pacific.
The country became independent in 1830, breaking away from Gran Colombia after centuries of Spanish colonial rule. In 2000, the US dollar replaced the sucre as official currency, a response to a severe economic crisis in the late 20th century.
Many place names come from Kichwa, an indigenous language still spoken daily by millions across the highlands and lowlands. In local markets and streets, you often hear Spanish mixed with Quechua words, while rural areas celebrate traditional festivals with colorful dress and dances throughout the year.
The US dollar serves as official currency, removing the need for exchange when arriving from North America, while other travelers can change money in most major cities. The three climate zones mean packing different clothing depending on your destination, from warm coast to cool mountains to humid rainforest.
The Galápagos archipelago lies roughly 900 kilometers offshore and hosts many endemic species that inspired Charles Darwin during his observations on evolution. A monument near Quito marks the official equator line at latitude zero, though the actual position lies a few hundred meters north.
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