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At 4,000 miles in length, the Amazon River is the second longest river in the world. It nearly extends across South America from west to east. The source of the Amazon River is high in the Andes. Some parts of the Amazon River are so wide that you could stand on its bank and not see the shore on the other side. At its mouth, the Amazon River is about 90 miles wide! Many South Americans use the Amazon River as their primary mode of transportation.      Carnival
 
Rain Forest      Most people in South America are Christian, and Carnival is their largest celebration. The festivities begin four days before Lent, the time of fasting and reconciliation before the Christian holy day Easter. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has the largest celebration. Carnival features many parades with music, dancing, and people dressed in brightly colored costumes.
    Buenos Aires
     
    Many rain forests around the world are shrinking. This is the Amazon rain forest, the largest in the world. It is rapidly shrinking because huge areas have been cleared, or deforested. There are many causes of deforestation, such as mining construction, farming, and ranching. These activities often endanger the people, animals, and valuable resources throughout the entire region.
 
NYSTROM
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