Use the right article. amazon is second longest river in the world after nile. it flows across the continent of south america, from andes mountain range to atlantic ocean. amazon is over 4 thousand miles long and up to 2000 miles wide. thousand of small rivers flow into amazon, and between them they drain half the vast continent of south america. this area is amazon basin, a huge wilderness of tropical forest and grassy plains. amazon begins only 100 miles from pacific ocean, but it travels eastwards across the country instead of taking the quick route and flowing down the steep western slopes. halfway along its length it reaches manaus, the biggest city in amazon region. near manaus amazon is joined by another huge river, rio negro, which has very clear water.