Spanning 24,901 miles, the equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. While it may seem like just a line on a map, the equator holds a special significance for 11 countries that it passes through. These countries, located in Africa, South America, and Asia, have capitalized on their unique position near the equator to attract tourists looking to experience its special attributes.
One of the countries that the equator passes through is Ecuador, after which the equator is named. In Ecuador, tourists can visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument located just outside the capital city of Quito. Here, visitors can straddle the equator line and participate in experiments that demonstrate the effects of being at the equator, such as balancing an egg on a nail. The country also boasts the popular tourist destination, the Galapagos Islands, which are located just south of the equator.
Moving towards Africa, the equator passes through Gabon, a country known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. In Gabon, tourists can visit the equatorial forests to observe a wide range of animals, including gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees. The equator also crosses through Kenya, where tourists can visit the equator line near Nanyuki and participate in experiments that showcase the unique properties of being at the equator, such as the Coriolis effect on water draining from a sink.
In South America, the equator passes through Colombia, where tourists can visit the town of Mocoa located near the equator line. In Mocoa, visitors can experience the Piscina del Diablo (Devil’s Pool), a natural swimming hole with crystal-clear waters that is fed by waterfalls from the surrounding jungle. The equator also crosses through Brazil, where tourists can visit the city of Macapa located near the equator line. In Macapa, visitors can see the Equatorial Monument, a structure that marks the exact location of the equator.
Continuing on to Asia, the equator passes through the islands of Indonesia, where tourists can visit the island of Sumatra located near the equator line. In Sumatra, visitors can explore the equatorial rainforests, home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including orangutans and tigers. The equator also crosses through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where tourists can visit the equatorial rainforests of the Congo Basin to observe wildlife such as gorillas, bonobos, and forest elephants.
Overall, the equator serves as a unique marker of the Earth’s geography, and the countries that it passes through have capitalized on its presence to attract tourists looking to experience its special characteristics. From straddling the equator line in Ecuador to swimming in the Devil’s Pool in Colombia, the equator offers a range of activities and experiences for adventurous travelers. Whether exploring the equatorial rainforests in Gabon or witnessing the Coriolis effect in Kenya, tourists have the opportunity to connect with the natural world in a special way at the equator. So, if you’re looking for a truly unique travel experience, consider visiting one of the 11 countries that the equator passes through and discover the magic of this imaginary line that encircles the Earth.
