The equator passes through how many countries?

The equator passes through 13 countries, making this the correct answer. This unique line of latitude is situated equidistant from the poles and cuts across several continents, including South America, Africa, and Asia. The countries intersected by the equator include Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kiribati, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Each of these nations experiences a tropical climate, characterized by relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year and significant rainfall. The equator's position results in relatively equal day and night lengths year-round, which profoundly affects biodiversity and ecosystems in these regions. Understanding the equator's geographical significance helps highlight the cultural and environmental diversity found in these countries.