The Amazon River is one of the most magnificent natural systems on our planet.
Its waters flow for thousands of kilometers through the heart of South America, nourishing both human life and some of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
Let’s discover some fascinating and fun facts about the Amazon River.
1. Where is the Amazon Located?
The Amazon River is located in South America, flowing through Guyana, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
It holds one of the largest drainage basins in the world.
2. The Length of the Amazon
The Amazon River is approximately 6,400 kilometers (about 4,000 miles) long.
This makes it one of the longest rivers on Earth, rivaled only by the Nile.
3. The Amazon During the Rainy Season
During the wet season, the Amazon can expand to more than 190 kilometers (120 miles) wide.
At times, it becomes so vast that it’s hard to distinguish one riverbank from the other — it looks almost like an ocean.
4. Why Are There No Bridges Across the Amazon?
There are no bridges spanning the Amazon River.
The reason is simple: the river mainly flows through dense tropical rainforests, where there are few roads and large cities.
Most transportation is carried out by boats and river ferries.
5. The Largest City on the Amazon
The largest city along the river is Manaus, located in Brazil, with a population of over 1.7 million people.
Manaus is known as a hub of industry and ecotourism in the region.
6. The Fish of the Amazon
The Amazon River is home to more than 3,000 species of fish, and scientists continue to discover new ones.
This makes it one of the most biodiverse aquatic ecosystems on the planet.
7. Anacondas – The Giants of the River
In the shallow waters of the Amazon Basin live anacondas — among the largest snakes in the world.
Some are so massive that they can attack large animals, such as deer, that come to the river to drink.
8. Piranhas – The River’s Fearsome Fish
The Amazon is also home to the famous piranhas.
These small but razor-toothed fish are carnivorous and sometimes attack animals that fall into the water in groups.
Although many movies have been made about them, real piranha attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Conclusion
The Amazon River is more than just a flow of water — it is the lifeblood of our planet.
It sustains millions of animal species, thousands of plants, and hundreds of human communities.
To protect the Amazon is, in truth, to protect the Earth itself.