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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Entering December, most countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing snow as the air gets colder. Later, around March, the white, icy mantle will melt as spring approaches. These seasonal changes, however, are not applicable, especially for countries on the equator.
Citing Britannica, the equator refers to an imaginary line circling the Earth that lies in a plane perpendicular to the planet’s axis. This line divides our planet into what’s known as the northern and southern hemispheres.
Furthermore, countries lying on the equator are characterized by warmer climates due to the constant exposure to sunlight all year long, ThoughtCo explains. These countries are spread over three continents, from Asia to South America.
So, what countries are on the equator? Citing ThoughtCo, Britannica, and other sources, let’s discover the 13 equator countries across the globe.
Equator Countries in Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, there are three countries lying on the equator: Indonesia, Kiribati, and the Maldives.
1. Indonesia
It is safe to say that Indonesia is the largest equatorial country by area in Asia Pacific. According to Worldometer, the country has a total area of approximately 1.9 million km² (735,358 mi²).
Aside from being the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is also archipelagic, comprising over 17,000 islands, according to Indonesia Travel. Moreover, given its extensive coastline, the country is blessed with an array of stunning beaches.
2. Kiribati
Much like Indonesia, Kiribati is an island country comprising about 33 islands. Regardless, the population is mainly concentrated in the Gilbert Islands, with the governments located at Ambo, Bairiki, and Betio.
The diet of the people of Kiribati is largely based on seafood and also coconuts. The latter is apparently abundant on each island in the Oceania country.
3. Maldives
Maldives is particularly popular for its water activities. Citing Authentic India Tours, the country, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of around 1,200 islands and is made up of 26 coral atolls.
Not to mention that the country is home to some of the rarest beaches on the planet since they feature crushed corals. Coral reefs only account for 5 percent of the world’s beaches.
Equatorial Countries in Africa
Africa is home to seven equatorial countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, the Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, and Uganda.
1. Democratic Republic of Congo
Aside from being an African country lying on the equator, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the second largest on the continent, with a total area of 2,344,858 km² (905,354 mi²). The DRC is considered to be landlocked, with only a 40 km coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Given the tropical climate, the so-called equatorial forest, which is home to various plants and trees towering up to 50 meters, flourishes in the country. Alongside grasslands and woodlands, mangroves dominate the coastal areas of the DRC.
2. Gabon
Sharing borders with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo, Gabon is also covered with equatorial rainforest, much like the DRC. These green areas contain over 3,000 species of vegetation and a wide array of faunas, from antelopes and gorillas to tropical birds.
3. Kenya
Another equatorial country in Africa is Kenya. The international community mostly knows the East African country for its wildlife preserves. Yes, Kenya is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and more, which are often seen rummaging around the savanna.
4. Republic of the Congo
Don’t mistake the DRC for the Republic of the Congo since both are different, despite being on the equator. Given the latter, the Central African country’s climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, as well as heavy precipitation, Britannica explains.
5. São Tomé and Príncipe
Besides Kiribati, São Tomé and Príncipe is, too, an island country crossed by the equator. Made up of two main islands, São Tomé and Principe, the population is mostly of Forros blood; they are basically the descendants of enslaved Africans and immigrant Europeans.
6. Somalia
With a coastline extending over 3000 km, Somalia is considered to be a coastal country, bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Aden to the north. It’s either a dry or rainy season for Somalia, and the land is filled with thornbush savanna, as well as grassy plains.
But did you know that Somalia is among the most dangerous countries for women? In terms of access to healthcare and economic resources, the country is challenging for women to live in.
7. Uganda
As an equatorial country, Uganda witnesses diverse landscapes, from towering volcanic mountains to forested swamps. The country benefits from the fertile land, which is ideal for coffee plantations. In fact, coffee has long been the primary product of the Ugandan agricultural economy.
Equator Countries in South America
Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador are the equatorial countries in South America. Learn more about these tropical countries below.
1. Brazil
Brazil is currently the fifth-largest country by area worldwide, boasting a total area of 8,515,767 km² (3,287,955 mi²). It is also among the most populous, with an estimated population in 2024 clocking approximately 212 million people, as per Worldometer.
Beyond its massive size, Brazil is the leader of sugar-producing countries in the world. According to Statista, the South American country’s sugarcane production is forecasted to reach approximately 686 million metric tons in crop year 2024/2025.
2. Colombia
As a country on the equator, Colombia is blessed with diverse climates, vegetation, and crops. The country is also home to one of the most significant mountain ranges in the world, the Andean Cordillera.
3. Ecuador
It’s not a list of countries on the equator without including Ecuador. You guessed it; the country is named after its location, that is, the equator.
Similar to its tropical neighbors, Ecuador presents a diverse range of flora and fauna, with around 25,000 plant species and 1,600 bird species, according to National Geographic Kids.
The renowned Galápagos Islands are within this country’s territory. The islands are home to the Galápagos tortoise, Galápagos penguin, and more.
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