The Amazon rainforest is located primarily in South America, spanning across several countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It is the largest rainforest in the world, covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, and is known for its unparalleled biodiversity. The Amazon plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate and is often referred to as the "lungs of the planet" due to its ability to produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Its immense ecosystem is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees and millions of species of plants and animals.