Ecuador's mainland is divided into three regions: the coastal plain, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. The coastal plain is a narrow strip of land that runs along the Pacific Ocean. The Andean highlands are a series of mountain ranges that run north to south through the center of the country. The Amazon rainforest is a vast, dense forest that covers the eastern half of Ecuador.
Ecuador also has several islands, including the Galapagos Islands, which are located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off the coast of the mainland. The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands that are famous for their unique flora and fauna.