Facts About the Amazon Forest

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth," is the world's largest tropical rainforest. It spans nine countries in South America, primarily Brazil, but also includes parts of Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Covering an area of approximately 5.5 million square kilometers (2.1 million square miles), the Amazon is a biodiverse hotspot, home to an incredibly rich array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

The forest is characterized by dense vegetation, towering trees, and a complex network of rivers and tributaries, including the mighty Amazon River, the largest by discharge volume in the world. The region's climate is typically humid and tropical, with heavy rainfall contributing to its lush, vibrant ecosystem.

The Amazon plays a critical role in global climate regulation, as its dense vegetation absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide and produces a significant portion of the world's oxygen. Unfortunately, the forest is under threat due to deforestation, primarily driven by activities like logging, agriculture, and mining, as well as climate change.

Efforts are being made globally to conserve and protect the Amazon Rainforest, recognizing its immense ecological importance for the health of the planet and its unique biodiversity.