Ecuador

Located in northwestern South America, Ecuador features a diverse landscape that includes the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the coastal lowlands, and the Galápagos Islands, with a total area of approximately 283,561 square kilometers. The nation operates as a unitary presidential republic with Quito as its capital and Guayaquil as its largest city, utilizing the United States dollar as its official currency. Economically, Ecuador generates a GDP of roughly $122.76 billion nominally, ranking 63th globally, while its economy relies heavily on oil exports, agriculture, and tourism. With a population of over 17 million people, the country maintains a Human Development Index of 0.777, reflecting moderate development levels amidst a mix of indigenous, mestizo, and Afro-Ecuadorian demographics.