Andean states
The Andean states () are a group of nations in South America connected by the Andes mountain range. "Andean States" is sometimes used to refer to all seven countries that the Andes runs through, regions with a shared culture primarily spread during the times of the Inca Empire (such as the Quechua language and Andean cuisine), or it can be used in a geopolitical sense to designate countries in the region that are members of the Andean Community trade group and have a local (as opposed to a Southern Cone) cultural orientation. The Andes extend through the western part  of South America in the following countries: Other: When grouped as "the Andean states", the emphasis is on the mountainous regions of these countries. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are parts of the Andean Community (a trade grouping), and each contains Amazon rainforest and Amazonian indigenous people as well as Andean mountains.