A rainforest is an area of land with very thick vegetation. Rainforest are located in tropical climate zones and experience a great amount of rain fall each year.  The plants and trees in a rainforest have large, broad leaves that create a canopy across the sky.  A rainforest also has an abundance of animal life and is a fantastic source of natural resources.  The advantages of living in or close to a rainforest are access to natural resources, and the barrier effect preventing invasion. But this also means it prevents trade, and cultural diffusion.  Examples of rainforest are the Amazon Rainforest in South America, the African Rainforest in central Africa, and numerous smaller rainforests throughout southeast Asia.