General Information
Ecuador, located on the equator, is known for the Galápagos Islands, Andes mountains, and Amazon rainforest.
Where Ecuador is Located
Ecuador is located in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for the Galápagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and Amazon rainforest. The equator passes through the country, giving it its name.
Landscape of Ecuador
Ecuador's compact size belies its extraordinary geographical diversity, containing four distinct regions: the Pacific coastal lowlands with tropical beaches and mangrove forests; the Andean highlands (Sierra) with over 20 snow-capped volcanoes along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes"; the Amazon rainforest (Oriente) covering nearly half the country; and the Galápagos Islands' unique volcanic landscapes. The Andes feature high-altitude paramo grasslands and crater lakes, while coastal areas transition from dry forests in the south to humid rainforests near Colombia. Cotopaxi (5,897m) is the world's highest active volcano.
Climate of Ecuador
Ecuador has a variety of climate zones, due to its diverse geography, from tropical rainforests on the Amazon side to cooler mountain climates in the Andean highlands. Coastal regions experience a humid, tropical climate, with a rainy season from January to April and dry weather from May to December. The highlands have a temperate climate, with cooler temperatures year-round, while the Galápagos Islands are more arid and mild.
Natural resources of Ecuador
Petroleum, fish, timber, and hydropower are abundant.
