Amazon River Facts for Kids
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The Amazon River is one of the most incredible and fascinating places on our planet. It is the second-longest river in the world, and it flows through South America, beginning in Peru and ending in Brazil, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are some interesting facts about the Amazon River that will help you learn more about this unique region:
1. It’s the largest river in the world by volume.
The Amazon River discharges 209,000 cubic meters per second of water, which is more than any other river in the world. In fact, the Amazon is responsible for about 20% of the world’s freshwater that is carried out into the ocean.
2. The Amazon Basin is home to millions of people.
Around thirty million people live in the Amazon Basin, and many of them depend on the river for their livelihoods, such as fishing, agriculture, and hunting. There are also numerous indigenous tribes living along the river and its nearby areas, some of which have never had any contact with the outside world.
3. The Amazon River is home to thousands of animal species.
The Amazon is known for its amazing biodiversity. It is home to one in ten of all known species on Earth! Some of the animals that are found in the Amazon include anacondas, jaguars, river dolphins, and capybaras. There are so many creatures that rely on the Amazon that scientists say they are still discovering new species!
4. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world.
The Amazon region covers more than 6.7 million square kilometers and includes nine different countries. Large amounts of forests in the Amazon have been destroyed by logging, farming, and development, which has caused significant harm to biodiversity in the region. The Amazon Rainforest is a vital source of oxygen that affects not just Brazil, but also the whole world.
5. The Amazon’s water can affect the ocean.
The Amazon’s river water carries a high level of sediments that changes the color of the ocean where it meets. The river’s water even changes the salinity of the ocean, affecting sea life in the area as well.