Ecuador is a South American country known for its exceptional biodiversity and diverse geography, which includes the Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Pacific coast, all centered on the equator. Its capital is Quito and its largest city is Guayaquil. The country is a republic with a presidential system and is a member of the Andean Community. Ecuador is a nation with a rich cultural mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, and it includes the world-famous Galápagos Islands, a vital ecosystem studied by Charles Darwin.