Continent South America is the richest in terms of water resources. Of course, there is not a single sea on the mainland, but the rivers of South America are very full-flowing and so wide that in a weak current they resemble huge lakes. According to statistics, there are about 20 large rivers. Since the continent is washed by the waters of two oceans, the rivers belong to the basins of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. At the same time, the Andes mountain range is a natural watershed between them.
The largest river on mainland South America. Amazon is one of the greatest rivers on the planet.
We all know from the school geography course that the Amazon is one of the largest rivers not only on the South American continent, but also in the world. Together with its many tributaries, it carries a quarter of the world's river water reserves. The Amazon flows immediately through the territories of nine countries and is an important waterway for them, especially in terms of transport links. River shipping is one of the most developed sectors of the economy on the whole continent of South America. The Amazon River in some parts reaches 50 km in width (well, why isn’t the sea?), And its depth can be in some sections as much as 100 meters. It is not surprising that in relation to the diversity of flora and fauna, the Amazon also holds the palm. More than 2, 000 species of fish live in its waters, among which are piranha, eel, stingray, etc. In fact, there is no such rich nature on the whole globe as on mainland South America. The Amazon and its tributaries annually attract tourists from all over the world. Among them are many scientists (entomologists, ornithologists, zoologists, etc.)
Parana
Like the rest of the largest rivers in South America, Parana passes through several countries: Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. It got its name from the Indian tribes that live on its shores. "Parana" from Native American is translated as "big". This river has many tributaries. Some of them have beautiful waterfalls. Their formation is associated with the relief of the basin of these rivers, as well as their full flow, which is explained by the fact that they receive food from many small channels and streams. They carry their water flows resulting from the huge amount of rainfall. That is why almost all the full-flowing rivers of South America form waterfalls. Parana has four of them, and the most famous of them is Iguazu. But on the tributary of La Plata is one of the most beautiful cities in South America - the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo.
Orinoco
In the list of “Largest Rivers of South America” Orinoco is third. It flows through the territories of two South American countries, namely Venezuela and Colombia. This river is not so much wide as long, being one of the longest on the continent. The shores of Orinoco are a favorite destination for tourists from various countries. Here you can see beautiful natural landscapes.
Paraguay
Under this name, several geographical features can be found in South America. Translated from the Native American, this word means "horned." Paraguay flows through the territories of two large countries - Brazil and Paraguay, and in some areas it represents a natural border between these states. And in other areas, it is a watershed between two parts of Paraguay - Southern, undeveloped, and Northern, where more than 90 percent of the country's population lives. By the way, some rivers of South America also serve as natural borders dividing the territories of two, or even three neighboring countries.
Madeira
This river is also one of the largest. It is formed as a result of the confluence of many small rivers. Its name is Portuguese and means “forest”. True, a strange name for a river? However, the fact is that the bark of trees growing on the banks constantly floats on it. This river was first described at the beginning of the 18th century by the Portuguese Francisco de Melo Pallet. It was he who called her Madeira. Later, Landrad Gibbon, a lieutenant of the US Navy, already studied it well. By the way, this river serves as the border between Brazil and Bolivia.
Tocantins
As noted above, the largest rivers of South America flow through several states at once. But the basin of this river is completely located in one country - Brazil. She is the central water artery of this state. Residents of the states of Goias, Maranyan, Tokantins and Para use the water of this particular river. Its name translates as "beak of a toucan."
Araguaya
Araguaya is a tributary of Tokantins and also claims to be one of the largest Brazilian rivers. Depending on the time of year, it can be both calm and stormy. Around the island of Bananal, Araguaya forms two arms and smoothly bends around it.
Uruguay
Uruguay merges with Parana, and these two rather large rivers of South America form the La Plata estuary, with a maximum width of 48 km. It is stretched to the Atlantic coast for 290 km, has a funnel-shaped depression. When flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, the river forms many waterfalls. Its power is also used in energy.
Couple
“Big river” is what the local Indians call it. She is the right tributary of the Amazon. As already mentioned, the entire basin of the most powerful river is characterized by a wide variety of flora and fauna and is of considerable interest to biologists, zoologists, etc. The same can be said about the river Par.
Rio Negro
And the name of this river is translated as “black”. It originates in Colombia, but flows mainly through Brazil. In its upper reaches it is very stormy and impetuous, but when it descends to the Amazon lowland, it becomes a real "quiet". Its main tributary is the Rio Branco.
Iguazu
This river was named in this way because of its full flow. Indeed, from the Native American its name translates as “big water”. This river forms a cascade of waterfalls, and from such a beautiful sight it is simply breathtaking. The banks of this magnificent river are considered protected and are included in the territory of the National Park of Argentina and Brazil.
