23 Facts About Ecuador

Ecuador is a country on South America's west coast that straddles the equator.

Its varied landscape includes the Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands, and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.

Quito, the capital, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial centre, which includes decorated 16th- and 17th-century palaces and religious sites such as the ornate Compaa de Jesus Church.

Ecuador was the first country in the world to officially recognise the rights of nature in 2008.

Ecuador abolished slavery permanently in 1851, freeing all black slaves.

Ecuador took the lead early in the twentieth century when it became the first country to abolish the death penalty.

Most Ecuadorians consume chocolate on a daily basis. Cacao has been grown in South and Central America for many years, and it has a long history, including cacao being used for anti-inflammatory properties in the past.

Chocolate has been consumed here for over 5000 years. Cacao may have originated in Ecuador.

Ecuador is, in fact, the world's largest banana exporter. They not only provide the delicious yellow fruit, but it is also a staple in the Ecuadorian diet and cuisine.

Ecuador has around 300 different types of bananas.

The closest point to the Sun is Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador.

Ecuador is well-known for its diverse flora and fauna, but it also has the world's highest biodiversity per square kilometre. Not only that, but it is one of only 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.

40% of adults in the country do not even have a bank account.

Ecuador's official language is Spanish, though there are some regional dialects.

Ecuador may top the list of countries with more phones than people.

Ecuador is famous for its beautiful orchids, in addition to its collection of over 25,000 plant species. It is even known as the world's orchid capital, with over 4,000 species of the beautiful flower.

Statistics show that the country has more birds per square kilometre than any other country on the planet.

With 1632 different species, this is the place to discover new birds. Even the bird calls are diverse, with 132 different ones.

Only in Quito does water boil at 90 degrees Celsius rather than 100. It appears to be due to the altitude.

Thousands of flowers can be found among Ecuador's 25,000 plant species. The rose is the country's official flower.

In Ecuador, citizens between the ages of 18 and 65 are required to vote.

Rosalie Arteaga, Ecuador's first female president, served for only two days.

The meaning or translation of Ecuador's official name, República del Ecuador, is "the Republic of the Equator".