Amazon basin

The Amazon Basin is the part of South America drained by the Amazon River and its branches. It is low-lying in relation to sea level.

The river has its origins high up in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador.  More than half of this drainage basin (54%) is in Brazil, including the lower part.  Other portions are tributaries from Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia.     

The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world, covering about  with dense tropical rain forest.  It is also known as Amazonia.  This is one of the world's most important ecosystems.  

Category:Regions of South America
Category:Drainage basins