The Amazon River is the largest in South America, making it the most extensive drainage system in the world (Britannica). Pedro Teixeira achieved the first ascent in 1637–38, but the river remained largely unexplored until the mid-19th century (Britannica). Many indigenous peoples originally lived along the river, but they later moved inland (Britannica). The Amazon stretches about 4,000 miles, equivalent to the distance from New York City to Rome (Britannica). Located in northern Brazil, the Amazon begins high in the Andes Mountains (Peru) and flows through five countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon is home to various animals, with about 2,500 species (Britannica). It also hosts one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, the catfish. Additionally, the Amazon River features a variety of climates specifically rainfall and heat. The Amazon is a historic part of Brazil and will continue to be. Currently, there are major problems in terms of climate change, and the excessive amount of tree-cutting which is affecting the surroundings of the Amazon River.