Probably, the Amazon is the most well known landmark of Brazil - is all one can imagine and much more! The Amazon is the world's largest rain forest. Its land area represents 40% of Brazil's territory. 1,800 species of birds 250 varieties of mammals are sheltered by an infinite assortment of trees and plants. The Amazon Rain Forest is directly responsible for the production of 50% of the world's replenishable supply of oxygen. It is a paradise for scientists, photographers and fishermen. The world's largest river basin contains 1,500 varieties of fish in a seemingly endless succession of rivers and tributaries.
The Amazon River and its tributaries make up 20% of the world's supply of fresh water. Of the twenty largest rivers in the world, ten are in the Amazon Basin. The Amazon River itself is 4,087 miles long (2,246 miles of which are in Brazilian territory). The force of the river at its mouth is enough to generate waves 12 feet high.
Aquatic plant life on the Amazon is especially exuberant. The best known plants are the "Victoria Régia" water lilies, whose leaves sometimes grow to seven feet in diameter. Not surprisingly, waterways are the main access routes within the Amazon; and boats are the principal means of transportation.
