Where is the Amazon Rainforest – Location, Size and Key Facts

The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, stretching across northern South America. It occupies much of the Amazon Basin, a vast drainage system that feeds the Amazon River. This forest covers roughly one-third of the continent and spans nine territories, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and six other countries and regions.

Scientists and conservation organizations describe the Amazon as one of the most biologically rich places on the planet. It holds about one in ten known species, stores an immense amount of carbon, and influences weather patterns as far away as the Andes. More than 30 million people call the Amazon region home, including hundreds of Indigenous groups.

Because of its global importance, the exact location and boundaries of the Amazon rainforest are widely documented. The information below answers the most common questions about where the Amazon is found, how big it is, and what makes it so essential.

Where is the Amazon Rainforest Located?

The Amazon rainforest lies within the Amazon Basin, which covers much of northern South America. Its core is centered on the Amazon River and its tributaries. According to WWF, about 60% of the forest is in Brazil, followed by Peru (13%) and Colombia (10%). Smaller portions extend into Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

• The Amazon rainforest spans nine South American countries, with Brazil holding 60%.
• It is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering about 5.5 million square kilometers.
• Around 30 million people live in the Amazon, including hundreds of Indigenous groups.
• The forest contains about one in ten known species on Earth.
• It stores roughly 150–200 billion tons of carbon, according to WWF estimates.
• The Amazon River, the longest river system in the world, drains the basin.
• Deforestation is a major threat – Brazil has already lost about 20% of its rainforest.

How Big is the Amazon Rainforest?

The Amazon rainforest is enormous. Its basin spans 6 to 7 million square kilometers (2.3 to 2.7 million square miles), and the forest itself covers roughly 6 million square kilometers – about 1.4 billion acres. To visualize the scale, the Amazon covers about one-third of South America, an area comparable to the contiguous United States.

How does its size compare to other rainforests?

The Amazon is roughly twice the size of the Congo rainforest, the world’s second-largest tropical forest. It is also larger than the combined area of all other tropical rainforests on the planet. Because its boundaries shift with deforestation and land use, exact size estimates vary among sources.

Why is the Amazon Rainforest Important?

Biodiversity

The Amazon is home to an estimated 390 billion trees representing about 16,000 tree species. It contains one-fifth of the world’s land species, according to NASA. This includes thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are found nowhere else.

Carbon storage and climate

The rainforest stores vast quantities of carbon. WWF estimates the Amazon holds 150–200 billion tons of carbon, while The Nature Conservancy reports that the trees alone contain about 48 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The forest also releases huge amounts of water vapor that create “flying rivers” – air currents that carry moisture across South America and influence rainfall patterns.

Do People Live in the Amazon Rainforest?

Yes. More than 30 million people live in the Amazon region, including about 2.2 million Indigenous people from hundreds of distinct groups. The Brazilian Amazon alone is home to about 21 million people. There are 3,344 formally recognized Indigenous territories in the region, according to some sources. Some groups remain uncontacted, living in voluntary isolation.

Is the Amazon rainforest dangerous?

The Amazon poses certain natural risks – venomous snakes, spiders, and disease-carrying insects exist. Illegal activities such as logging and mining can also create hazards. However, organized tourism with experienced guides is widely considered safe for visitors. Most dangers are manageable with proper preparation.

Amazon Rainforest: Key Dates & Changes

1. ~55 million years ago – Formation of the Amazon rainforest after the Andes uplift.
2. 1500s – European exploration begins.
3. 1970s – Large-scale deforestation accelerates.
4. 2004 – Brazil launches deforestation monitoring system.
5. 2020s – Record fires and deforestation rates; international conservation efforts increase.

What is Certain and What Remains Uncertain about the Amazon?

Why Does the Amazon Rainforest Matter Beyond Its Location?

The Amazon produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and is often called the “lungs of the planet.” More precisely, it acts as a major carbon sink, regulating global climate. It also contains about 20% of the world’s liquid freshwater, according to WWF. The forest’s health directly affects rainfall in South America and beyond.

Deforestation and climate change are pushing the Amazon toward a tipping point. If too much forest is lost, the ecosystem could shift from rainforest to savanna, releasing huge amounts of stored carbon. International conservation organizations, including Amazon Conservancy and WWF UK, work with local governments to protect the forest.

What Do Experts Say About the Amazon Rainforest?

“The Amazon rainforest is one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems, teeming with a dazzling array of wildlife and plants.”

— WWF

“The majority of the forest, 60%, is in Brazil, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombia with 10%.”

— Wikipedia

Where Can You Learn More?

For up-to-date deforestation figures, consult Brazil’s national space research institute (INPE). Reputable sources like Mongabay Rainforests provide detailed maps and country breakdowns. If you plan to visit, consider supporting responsible tourism operators. To understand the wildlife that makes this forest unique, see our article on Amazon Rainforest Animals. For an overview of the threats it faces, read about Amazon Rainforest Deforestation.

Frequently Asked Questions