20 interesting facts about river Amazon

The Amazon River is one of the largest and most diverse river systems in the world. It is not only a vital source of water for the local people but also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of South America. Here are 26 fascinating facts about the Amazon River.

1. The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world, after the Nile River, and is approximately 6575 km in length.
2. The Amazon River flows through 9 countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
3. The Amazon Basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, spanning over 7 million square km.
4. The Amazon River discharges more water into the Atlantic Ocean than any other river in the world.
5. The Amazon River is home to over 3,000 species of fish, more than any other river in the world.
6. The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with over 16,000 species of trees and over 2.5 million species of insects.
7. The Amazon River is known for its pink river dolphins, which are unique in that they can swim in both salt and fresh water.
8. The Amazon River is believed to have been formed about 11 million years ago, during the Miocene era.
9. The Amazon River is home to indigenous tribes, some of which have had limited contact with the outside world.
10. The name “Amazon” is derived from the Greek mythology, where the Amazons were a tribe of warrior women.
11. The largest city on the Amazon River is Manaus, Brazil, with a population of over 2 million people.
12. The Amazon River was first explored by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana in 1541.
13. The Amazon River is responsible for 20% of the world’s fresh water discharge into the ocean.
14. The Amazon River has over 1,100 tributaries, with the largest being the Negro and Madeira rivers.
15. The Amazon River delta is one of the largest in the world, stretching over 7,000 km.
16. The Amazon River is home to anacondas, which are some of the largest snakes in the world.
17. The Amazon River is a major source of transport for goods in South America.
18. The Amazon River is a vital source of livelihood for millions of people in South America, providing food, water, and transportation.
19. The Amazon River is a major contributor to the global water cycle, playing a crucial role in regulating the world’s weather patterns.
20. The Amazon River is also a major source of hydroelectric power for the region.
21. The Amazon River has a rich cultural heritage, with many indigenous communities relying on it for subsistence and cultural practices.
22. The Amazon River has over 400 species of birds, including the hoatzin, which is known for its strong odor.
23. The Amazon River is home to the largest number of freshwater dolphins in the world, including the pink river dolphin, the boto, and the tucuxi.
24. The Amazon River is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.
25. The Amazon River is the largest river by volume, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined.
26. The Amazon River is home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the giant otter, the jaguar, and the giant arapaim.