To measure distances north and south of the equator, we use lines of latitude. Lines of latitude are measured in degrees. The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, with values increasing to 90 degrees as you move toward the poles (north or south).
The prime meridian, which is the reference line for longitude, is located at 0 degrees longitude.
Lines of longitude are not an equal distance apart; they converge at the poles and are widest apart at the equator.