Ecuador: the land of active volcanoes, renowned beaches and ecological diversity. Also, a country that not many people know exists. Those who have heard about it, know it's somewhere on Earth. I mean, that's where it should be, right?

I was raised in this small country and have travelled to the United States ever since I was a kid. Telling people I am from this country always brought me new surprises. Here are 10 reactions from Americans to me telling them I come from Ecuador.

1. "Wow! Ecuador? Is that in Africa?"

My response usually involves a map of South America.

2. "Ohhh, I know where that is. I've been to Cancun which is right next to Ecuador."

No, honey. South America is not Mexico.

3. Or the classic: "I wen't to Costa Rica for spring break, which is pretty close, right?"

I usually give them my classic disapproval nod.

4. Never forget the repeatedly asked question: "Do you live in the trees?"

I won't lie, many indigenous communities do live in the Amazon Jungle. However, we're not monkeys. It's impressive to see how developed these segregated communities are, but to answer your question: no, we don't hang from trees.

5. "Oh my God! It's crazy that you live in the Galapagos!"

This is where I, once again, feel obligated to give a geography lesson. Ecuador, though small, has 4 different regions: the Sierra, which is translated to Highlands, the Costa or the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Jungle and the Galapagos Archipelago (all noted in the map above). Within these regions live many people, so my response to people thinking I live in the Islands is usually another map, this time of my country.

6. It never fails to impress me when someone comes up with the following question: "Is wifi a thing in your country?"

What amazes me is that they're actually impressed when I respond "yes".

7. "You don't look Ecuadorian."

Ecuador is a country with so much diversity so I don't really understand what they mean when they tell me this.

8. "It's such a beautiful country! Truly unique!"

That moment when one person who actually knows something about Ecuador compliments it. It's a call for victory!