The Amazon Rainforest, also known as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, spans across nine countries in South America: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It occupies approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, which is about 60% of the entire Amazon Basin region.
The history of the Amazon Rainforest dates back thousands of years. It is believed that human settlement in the area began around 11,000 BC. Indigenous tribes developed complex societies and managed the landscape through practices like agroforestry and slash-and-burn agriculture. European explorers like Francisco de Orellana first documented the Amazon in the 16th century, leading to its naming after the warriors of the Greek Mythology due to encounters with indigenous warriors.
The Amazon Rainforest is characterized by its equatorial climate with high humidity, substantial rainfall, and consistent temperatures. This unique environment supports the world's largest tropical rainforest, which plays a critical role in global climate regulation by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide.
The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" because of its role in oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. It's also crucial for water cycles, impacting rainfall patterns not just in South America but globally.
The rainforest supports various economic activities, from sustainable harvesting of forest products to eco-tourism. However, it also faces exploitation for resources like timber, minerals, and land for agriculture.
Over 400 indigenous tribes live within the Amazon Rainforest, many of whom have lived in voluntary isolation. Their knowledge and practices are integral for sustainable living in the region.