Keith had celebrated his birthday a few days back. His best friend Andy had gifted him a big Globe. Keith always knew that the Earth was round but to see how different countries and continents are spread across the Earth was a lot of fun. It became his favorite spinning toy.

One day when Keith was observing the globe  a question popped up in his head. He ran to his dad who was reading the newspaper. Keith asked, ” Daddy, Which is this line that is cutting right through the center of the globe?”

Daddy folded his newspaper and answered, “Earth is a sphere and is divided into two hemispheres – northern and southern by a imaginary line called the Equator.”

“Oh , then these countries must be really special. Such an important line passes through them. Which countries are these?” Keith asked again.

“The Equator passes the territory – land and/or water – of  14 countries. They are – Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Gabon,  Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kiribati, Baker Island, Sao Tome and Principe.” Daddy said.

“I know what I am going to do now. I am going to spot each of these countries one by one on my globe. Then I’m going to tell Andy all about it when i meet him in school tomorrow.” And with that Keith ran to his room with his new toy.

Daddy smiled and got back to reading his newspaper.

 Did you know the following?

• Equator does not pass through the lands of Maldives, it just passes through its waters.
• Unlike the name suggests, Equatorial Guinea, a country located in Middle Africa is not on equator.
• Countries close to the Equator are hot and rainy throughout the year. Such an equitorial climate is also called “tropical climate” is perfect for growth of rainforests. No wonder most of world’s rainforests are in the countries around the equator!