Which capital city is nearest to the Equator, lying about 15 miles (24.14km) south of it?

Quito is the closest capital city to the equator. It is the capital of Ecuador, a country in South America. The city is built on a long plateau at an altitude of 2,820 metres (9,250 feet). Due to this and its positon near the equator, Quito has an average temperature of 15.6 °C (60.1 °F).

In 1978, Quito was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site, making it the first city to be honoured in such a way. Quito was first declared a city by the Spanish in 1541, and in 1556 received the title 'Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de San Francisco de Quito' ('Very Noble and Loyal City of San Francisco of Quito'). Until 1717, it belonged to the Viceroyalty of Peru, after which it became a part of the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada. Ecuador eventually gained its independence on 24th May 1822, thus making Quito an independent city.

As of 2011, the city's population is over 2,239,191 people. There are approximately 130 monumental buildings in the city, many of which are found in the Historic Centre of Quito. The area is considered to be one of the most important historic areas in Latin America.

Kampala, Sao Tome and Libreville are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th closest capital cities to the equator.