Geography of Ecuador

Geography of Ecuador
ContinentSouth America
RegionAmericas
Coordinates2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
AreaRanked 73rd
 • Total283,561 km2 (109,484 sq mi)
 • Land97.63%
 • Water2.37%
Coastline2,237 km (1,390 mi)
BordersTotal land borders:
2,237 km (1,390 mi)
Colombia: 708 km (440 mi)
Peru: 1,529 km (950 mi)
Highest pointChimborazo 6,267 m (20,561 ft)
Lowest pointPacific Ocean (0 m)
Longest riverRío Napo 855 km (531 mi)
Largest lakeCuicocha 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Exclusive economic zone1,077,231 km2 (415,921 sq mi)

Ecuador is a country in western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, for which the country is named. Ecuador encompasses a wide range of natural formations and climates, from the desert-like southern coast to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes mountain range to the plains of the Amazon Basin. Cotopaxi in Ecuador is one of the world's highest active volcanos. It also has a large series of rivers that follow the southern border and spill into the northwest area of Peru.