1. Introduction

Countries Explorer ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our web application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Countries Explorer does not require user registration or personal information to access basic features. However, if you contact us, we may collect:

• Email address (when you contact us)
• Name (if provided in communications)
• Message content (in support requests)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our service, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Usage patterns and preferences
• Search queries and selected countries
• Time and date of visits

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain the Countries Explorer service
• Improve user experience and service functionality
• Respond to user inquiries and support requests
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance the application
• Ensure security and prevent abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the application
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Consent: With your explicit consent for specific purposes

5. Third-Party Services

Countries Explorer uses the following third-party services:

• REST Countries API: For country data (restcountries.com)
• Hosting Services: For application deployment and delivery
• Analytics Services: For usage analysis and improvement

These services have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS encryption for data transmission
• Secure hosting infrastructure
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to personal information

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Cookies and Local Storage

Countries Explorer may use cookies and local storage to:

• Remember your theme preferences (dark/light mode)
• Store search history and selected countries
• Improve application performance
• Analyze usage patterns

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may affect functionality.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access to your personal information
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion of your personal information
• Restriction of processing
• Data portability
• Objection to processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

9. Children's Privacy

Countries Explorer is suitable for all ages and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: