Ecuador, located in 0º 0’ 0" latitude was also the center of the world for fashion beauty and glamour in June, 2004.

Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins, a 20-year-old Australian 5-foot-11 blonde with blue eyes won the Miss Universe title on Tuesday 1, 2004.

Jennifer Hawkins, was chosen from among 80 beauty delegates. Shandi Finnessey (Miss USA), was named first runner-up during the pageant at the CEMEXPO convention center located north of Quito.

The three other finalists were Miss Puerto Rico Alba Reyes, Miss Paraguay Yanina Gonzalez and Miss Trinidad & Tobago Danielle Jones.

Daisy Fuentes and Billy Bush hosted the show and some of the members of the jury included Thom Allcock (of Rolling Stone magazine) Kristen Ingersoll (Hearst magazines editor), Wendy Fitzwilliam (Miss Universe 1998), Bo Derek (actress) and Emilio Estefan (music producer).

Over six hundred million people from all over the globe watched the pageant with 7,600 spectators who paid 250 dollars a seat to watch the event live.

Miss Universe show highlighted Ecuador’s most beautiful attractions, ranging from the Galapagos Islands unique flora and fauna to snowcapped volcanoes, highland and coastline lush spectacular sceneries.

Though a small country, the 80 beautiful delegates enjoyed their stay while visiting Ecuador and its unique attractions including the Galapagos Islands, Malecon 2000, Guayaquil, Quito, the middle of the world, Cuenca and many other stunning Ecuador destinations.