Formation
May 24, 1822
May 24, 1822
Quito
17.8 million (2021)
A country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century. The country is home to part of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River basin.
Its rainforests have monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, foxes, weasels, otters, skunks, raccoons, coatis and kinkajous. The Galápagos Islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Bolon de Verde is considered a national dish.