About the Amazon River
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by discharge volume, accounting for about 15% of the fresh water that flows into the oceans.
- The Amazon River originates in the Andes Mountains in Peru.
- It flows through Brazil, Colombia, and Peru before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Amazon River is approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long.
Geography of the Amazon River
The Amazon River flows through the Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
The river's basin covers over 40% of South America and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
The Amazon River is an essential part of the Earth's water cycle and plays a critical role in regulating the planet's climate.