When you picture the Amazon rainforest, you likely imagine a vast, green expanse teeming with life. While this magnificent biome stretches across nine different countries in South America, the majority of it—a staggering 60%—is found within the borders of Brazil. It’s a place of immense scale and global importance, often called the “lungs of the planet.”
But where exactly is this Brazilian giant located? It’s not just a small corner of the country; it’s a dominant feature that defines Brazil’s northern region. Knowing its location helps us appreciate its sheer size and its role in shaping the nation’s environment and culture.
The States That Make Up Brazil’s Amazon
The Brazilian Amazon isn’t confined to a single state. Instead, it spans nine states in the country’s North Region. The largest portion lies within the state of Amazonas, which is itself bigger than most countries. Other key states include Pará, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima, and parts of Mato Grosso, Maranhão, and Tocantins. This massive area is officially defined as the Legal Amazon, a specific socio-geographic division created to help guide policy and development for the region.
Major Cities and Access Points
While the rainforest itself is a wilderness, it’s dotted with vibrant cities that serve as gateways. Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, is the largest city in the rainforest and a major industrial and cultural hub. It sits at the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers, which meet to form the mighty Amazon River. Belém, located in the state of Pará at the mouth of the Amazon River, is another crucial port city. These urban centers are your starting point for river tours and deeper journeys into the jungle.
Why Its Location Matters for the World
The placement of the Amazon in northern Brazil is crucial for more than just geography. This region is home to an incredible portion of the world’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in regulating global climate patterns by storing massive amounts of carbon. The health of this forest, located so specifically within these Brazilian states, has a direct impact on weather systems and environmental stability across the entire planet.
So, the Brazilian Amazon is far more than a remote jungle; it’s a central feature of the nation’s north, accessible through specific cities, and its location is key to its role as a global ecological treasure.
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