Ecuador

Ecuador (Spanish: República del Ecuador, literally “Republic of the Equator”) is a country located in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to its west. Its capital city is Quito, with Guayaquil as its largest city. It also has Amazon rainforest areas located in both eastern and southern parts of the country providing it with great biodiversity that supports an incredible array of wildlife including jaguars, sloths and toucans.

The official language spoken throughout Ecuador is Spanish; however many local indigenous languages are still spoken by some groups living within its borders. These include Kichwa or Quichua which was adopted as one of two national languages alongside Spanish in 2009 due to large numbers who speak it natively. The currency used across Ecuador since 2000 has been US Dollars although other currencies such as Euros can be found accepted at select locations around larger cities like Quito or Cuenca primarily for tourists’ convenience rather than necessity.

Since achieving independence from Spain in 1822 through Latin American wars for independence lead by Simón Bolívar against colonial powers , political power over this region has changed hands numerous times between different factions leading up until today where free elections have taken place every 4 years since 1979 following a new democratic constitution being drawn up . This newly formed democracy saw Rodrigo Borja Cevallos elected president from 1988-1992 followed shortly afterby Sixto Duran Ballen 1992-1996 before continuing into present day presidents Lucio Gutiérrez 2003 -2005 , Rafael Correa 2006 – 2017 & Lenin Moreno 2018 – Present Day all taking office during their respective terms under democratically held elections using secret ballots meaning each citizen had equal opportunity to vote without fear of repercussions regardless if they voted according to party lines or not .

This small republic offers visitors unique experiences ranging from exploring ancient ruins dating back prior Inca civilizations visiting natural reserves rich with exotic bird life such Galápagos Islands off shore near islands home to giant tortoises amongst many others only accessible via cruise ship excursions ; venturing high altitude snow capped mountains like Chimborazo peak exceeding heights reaching 6264 meters above sea level whilst trekking down volcanoes spread out along Andean mountain range running parallel much length longitude border shared neighbored countries Peru & Colombia respectively allowing access these spectacular landmarks no matter what your location may be inside nation boundaries making truly memorable experience available everyone interested seeking adventure looking explore past cultures while discovering nature wonders provided magnificent landlocked paradise known ECUADOR!