Ecuador is a country located in 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 its diverse geography, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Galapagos Islands. The country has a population of approximately 17 million people, with the majority living in urban areas. The official language is Spanish, and the currency is the US dollar. Ecuador's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, but it also has a growing tourism industry. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous communities and colonial architecture.