Amazon Basin
Rainforest, rivers, and one of Earth's largest drainage systems.
The Amazon Basin holds the world's largest tropical rainforest and the Amazon River system — together they store carbon, recycle rainfall, and host extraordinary biodiversity.
The map highlights lowland drainage across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and neighbouring countries. Andean headwaters feed the main stem; the mouth at the Atlantic carries huge sediment loads.
- Deforestation & climate — forest loss affects regional rainfall.
- Settlement frontiers — cities and roads press on protected areas.
- Indigenous lands — long-standing stewardship of forest resources.
See also: Biomes & ecosystems, Major river systems.
