Why is Quito (ecuador) defined as the middle of the world?

Question

I know is on the equator but what about the other countries that are on the equator line too?

Answer 1

As the equator divides the globe into two parts, and Quito is close to that line the claim is made. Actually Quito is a short distance (about 30km) south of the equator, but it is the closest large city to the line anywhere on earth. Otherwise there is no basis for the claim.



There is a rather awful small amusement park directly on the equator, about an hour by bus out of central Quito, Mitad del Mundo, where one can straddle the equator for a photograph.

Answer 2

Quito is the only major city in the world located directly on the equator.