by Dan Evon

Created on: September 18, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

The Republic of Ecuador straddles the equator in the northwestern portion of South America. It is a beautiful country that contains some of the most exotic animals in the world. Many of which reside in the infamous Galapagos Islands that lay a few hundreds miles off of Ecuador's coast.

GEOGRAPHY

Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America and is aptly named for the equator which runs through the center of the country. Ecuador consists of

four distinct geographical regions in the small 300,000 square kilometer country of Ecuador. The coastal region, called the Litoral, is full of banana and palm farms. The coast also has grand beaches and is a haven for shrimp breeding. The Amazon, called the Oriente, which lies at the base of the Andes is a thick mass of rain forest. The Andean Highlands, called the Sierra, has two active volcano ranges. And The Galapagos Islands contains some unique specimens of wildlife.

WEATHER

Quito is known for some of the best weather in the world. Because of their central location on the equator the weather stays rather consistent. People often refer to it as 'the land of eternal spring.' The temperature stays relatively close to the high sixties and occasionally can be plagued with mild rain.

FOOD AND DRINK

Seafood is abundant in Ecuador and one of their more popular dishes is ceviche, which consists of raw seafood that is marinated in lemon juice. Ecuador also considers guinea pig a delicacy that can be washed down with an aguardiente, a liquor drink made from sugar cane.

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galapagos Islands is Ecuador's first National Park, and is the worlds second largest marine reserve. Much of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was developed observing the unique animals that inhabit The Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are home to 26 different animals that are endemic to the islands. These animals, including the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin's finches can be found no where else in the world.

INTERESTING EXTRAS

In 1945, Ecuador was a founding member of The United Nations.

Ecuador is the leading supplier of Balsa wood.

Many medicines were found in the rain forests in Ecuador. Including the first treatment for Malaria. The drug quinine is found on the cinchona tree in the Andes mountains.

Ecuador gained its independence from Spain in 1822. They gained their independence from Gran Columbia in 1830.

Ecuadorian culture consists of Spanish, African and Native Indian influences.

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