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. It is located in South America, flowing through seven countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Guyana.
The river originates in the Andes Mountains in Peru and flows northwards through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon River is approximately 6,400 kilometers long and has a drainage basin of over 7 million square kilometers.
Amazon River Countries
- Brazil: The largest country in the Amazon River basin, accounting for about 60% of the river's length.
- Peru: The second-largest country in the Amazon River basin, with the river originating in the Andes Mountains.
- Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Guyana: The remaining countries that the Amazon River flows through.
The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest are home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including over 2,000 species of fish, 1,500 species of birds, and more than 3,000 species of plants.