# Iguazu River

> river in Paraná, Brazil

**Wikidata**: [Q191635](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191635)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguazu_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iguazu-river

## Summary
The Iguazu River is a major natural watercourse located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and is a key feature of Iguaçu National Park, established in 1939. It flows through the Iguaçu Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, shared between Brazil and Argentina.

## Key Facts
- Located in the state of Paraná, Brazil
- Flows through Iguaçu National Park, established on January 10, 1939
- Forms part of the Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Serves as a major watercourse in South America
- Bordered by Iguaçu National Park, which spans both Brazil and Argentina
- Part of the Paraná River system, a significant drainage basin in South America

## FAQs
**What is the Iguazu River known for?**
The Iguazu River is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, including the Iguaçu Falls, which are one of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world. The river flows through Iguaçu National Park, a protected area established in 1939.

**Where is the Iguazu River located?**
The Iguazu River is located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and flows through Iguaçu National Park, which is shared with Argentina. The river is a key feature of the Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**What is the significance of the Iguazu River?**
The Iguazu River is significant as it forms part of the Iguaçu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. The river and its surrounding national park are crucial for biodiversity and tourism in South America.

**What organizations is the Iguazu River associated with?**
The Iguazu River is closely associated with Iguaçu National Park, established in 1939, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Iguaçu Falls. It is also part of the Paraná River system, a major drainage basin in South America.

## Why It Matters
The Iguazu River holds immense ecological and cultural significance. As the primary watercourse of Iguaçu National Park, it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Iguaçu Falls, formed by the river, attract millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to Brazil’s tourism industry. The river and its surrounding area are also part of the Paraná River system, which plays a crucial role in the region’s hydrology and agriculture. Additionally, the Iguaçu Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their global importance in natural heritage conservation.

## Notable For
- One of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world
- UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Iguaçu Falls
- Key feature of Iguaçu National Park, established in 1939
- Major watercourse in the Paraná River system
- Attracts millions of tourists annually, contributing to Brazil’s tourism industry

## Body
### Geography and Ecology
The Iguazu River is a significant natural watercourse located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. It flows through Iguaçu National Park, a protected area established on January 10, 1939, which spans both Brazil and Argentina. The river is a key feature of the Iguaçu Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. The falls consist of 275 individual cascades and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their natural beauty and ecological importance.

### Hydrology and Drainage
The Iguazu River is part of the Paraná River system, a major drainage basin in South America. The Paraná River is the largest river in South America by volume of water discharge and flows through several countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The Iguazu River contributes to the overall hydrology of the region, supporting agriculture, industry, and ecosystems.

### Tourism and Cultural Significance
The Iguazu River and its surrounding national park are crucial for tourism in Brazil. The Iguaçu Falls attract millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism industry. The falls are a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences, making it a key attraction in South America.

### Conservation and Environmental Protection
Iguaçu National Park, through which the Iguazu River flows, is a protected area that plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Iguaçu Falls and the surrounding ecosystem are part of the Paraná River system, which is essential for maintaining the region’s ecological balance. Conservation efforts in the park aim to protect the natural heritage and ensure the sustainability of the area for future generations.

### Related Entities
The Iguazu River is closely related to Iguaçu National Park, established in 1939, and the Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river is also part of the Paraná River system, a major drainage basin in South America. Additionally, the Iguazu River flows through the state of Paraná, Brazil, and is bordered by Argentina, as the national park is shared between the two countries. The river’s significance extends to international organizations and cultural heritage, making it a key feature in both national and global contexts.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. National Library of Israel