The Amazon: Ranks as the Second Longest River in the World
According to Geography, the Amazon River spans an impressive 6,400 kilometers, positioning it as the longest river in South America and the second-longest worldwide, trailing only behind the Nile River, which stretches for 6,650 kilometers.
Britannica notes that the Amazon River boasts three mouths, with two located on the north side of Marajó Island and one in the south, merging with the Para River.
The Amazon: Home to Indigenous Tribes in the Heart of the Amazon
The Amazon River courses through an expansive and dense rainforest, where the Huaorani people reside. These indigenous people lead a lifestyle that involves living off the land, shunning clothing, and relying entirely on nature.
Estimates suggest that the Huaorani have occupied the Rainforest for thousands of years. They have never left their forest habitat and have fiercely guarded their territory against outside intrusion.
Hosts an Abundance of Fauna
The Amazon River serves as the dwelling place for over 2,000 fish species and more than 400 amphibian species. Among the plethora of fish species, you can encounter piranhas, Amazon catfish, electric eels, candiru fish, and many others. Notably, the arapaima, a fish species that can weigh up to 200 kilograms and reach lengths of 3 meters, has also been found in the Amazon River.
Flows Through Eight Countries
Stretching across 6,400 kilometers, the Amazon River traverses a total of eight countries. These countries include Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Among these nations, Brazil lays claim to the most extensive portion of the River’s course.
Possesses One of the World’s Swiftest Flows
The Amazon River ranks as one of the world’s swiftest-flowing rivers. It maintains an average water discharge of approximately 209,000 cubic meters per second. When combined, this discharge surpasses the flow rates of the seven largest rivers globally.
Encompasses an Immense Rainforest
The River basin comprises a vast rainforest expanse, covering 7.7 million square kilometers. This area equates to three times the landmass of Indonesia. Due to its immense size, the Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.” Additionally, it serves as a focal point for extensive research due to its vast and diverse ecosystems.
Boasts a Network of Thousands of Tributaries
The River boasts an intricate network of tributaries, totaling around 1,100, with lengths reaching up to 1,500 meters for some of these tributaries.
Lacks Bridges Spanning Its Waters
Remarkably, despite being the second-longest river globally, the River lacks any bridges traversing its waters. This absence of bridges can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Amazon does not directly border major cities. Secondly, the river’s water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, leading to seasonal erosion and shifts in the soft sediments along its banks. These conditions pose substantial challenges to bridge construction over the Amazon River.
The River remains a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, housing an astounding array of life and maintaining a unique and pristine environment. Its significance extends beyond its length, making it a treasure of immeasurable value in our natural world.