Size: The Galápagos archipelago consists of 13 large islands (five inhabited) and more than 100 smaller ones. Land area is about 5,000 square miles; marine reserve covers 50,000 square miles.

Population: About 28,000.

RICHARD HALLMAN/Staff (ENLARGE)

The statuesque Galapagos hawk, with strong feet and talons, is an aggressive and versatile predator.

History: The islands were discovered in 1535, and early inhabitants were pirates and renegades. Ecuador annexed the islands in 1832.

Currency: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

Darwin connection: Biologist and naturalist Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835 and used his studies of plants and animals on the islands for his "Origin of Species."

Sources: Galápagos Conservancy, Ecuador Ministry of Tourism