Exciting Ecuador. Everything you need to know about this vibrant South American country - The smallest country in South America, Ecuador has a population of around 15 million. Hugged by Colombia and Peru, its western border is the Pacific Ocean. Rich in history and culture and blessed with rare and stunning flora and fauna, this is a nation to absorb at leisure. Plan your trip with this checklist of things to know and places to see.

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Colonization - Ecuador was colonized in 1532 by the Spaniards, who conquered the Inca.

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What's in a name? - Ecuador is named after its geographical location at the Equator. It is the only country in the world named after a geographical feature.

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War years - Ecuador and neighboring Peru were at odds with each other for almost a century over disputed territory within the Amazon basin. The conflict was settled in 1999, when the two countries signed a peace agreement.

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A peaceful country - Despite historical conflict and unrest in the past, Ecuador has enjoyed peace for many years and is considered one of the safest countries in South America to visit.

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Borders - Ecuador is one of only two countries in South America that doesn't share a border with Brazil. The other is Chile.

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Going bananas - The country is a major exporter of bananas, accounting for around 23% of the world's production and export.

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Currency - The US dollar became legal tender in Ecuador in March 2000 to prevent inflation.

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Cuisine - Cuy, or guinea pig, is considered a specialty of the country. Served roasted, it is said to be similar in taste to rabbit.

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Language - Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, but there are 13 indigenous languages spoken by large parts of the population.

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Health system - Ecuador has admirable health and social care: the country ranks 20th in the world for quality of medical services.

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House call - House calls from your doctor are common in Ecuador.

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Voting system - Voting is compulsory for all literate persons aged 18–65, optional for all other citizens.

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Traditional music - Pasillo is a genre of indigenous music that's performed across the country in dance halls and at festivals by men and women dressed in traditional costume. Pasillo is said to have originated in Colombia.

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National flag - The three colors of the national flag are symbolic. Yellow is for the crops and soils (the diversity of the land), blue is for the ocean and clear skies, and red mirrors the blood spilled by heroes fighting for the country's freedom and sovereign rights.

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Sun rise, sun set - Times for sunrise and sunset differ little over the year because of the country's position on the equator. Expect the sun to rise and set at around 6 am and 6 pm respectively.

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Death penalty - Ecuador was the first country in the world to abolish the death penalty, written into law in 1906.

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Birdlife - More than 1,600 different bird species are found in Ecuador, which is equivalent to 15% of the world's entire birdlife.

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Religion - Around 90% of the population is Roman Catholic.

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Close to the sun - Ecuador is one of the countries closest to the sun. The summit of Mount Chimborazo is one of the highest points on the planet.

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Preserving nature - Ecuador was the first country in the world to protect and preserve nature by constitutional law. In 2008 the country declared that nature has the right to exist, to expand, and to regenerate. In other words, Ecuador's natural resources are no longer treated as property.

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Iguanas - Ecuador is one of the safest places in the world for iguanas. The lizard has its own dedicated reserve, the Iguana Park in Guyaquil.

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Bus travel - In cities, buses will stop anywhere that people signal to the driver their intention to board.

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Trash - Garbage trucks play music to alert people of their presence. Don't mistake them for the ice cream truck.

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Work - It is very common for Ecuadorean people to hold down several jobs at once, topping up their income by taking on extra work beyond their main job.

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Lunch - Lunch is regarded as the most important meal of the day. People will leave the workplace or school to meet in restaurants for a midday family get-together.

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Size doesn't matter - Ecuador is the smallest country in South America. Its landmass is similar in size to the US state of Colorado.

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Inspiration - Charles Darwin was astonished by the biodiversity he recorded on Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. His visit helped fuel his evolutionary theory.

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UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Galapagos Islands were classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. This was the first location to be awarded the prestigious title.

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The first female president - Rosalía Arteaga served as acting president for only two days in 1997, the first woman to take the role.

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The capital city - Quito, the country's capital, lies 9,350 feet above sea level. It is the highest capital city in the world.

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