Longest Rivers in the World |
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| River |
Size |
| Nile River | Nile River – The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching 6,650 km (4,135 miles) through eleven countries in Africa. It is considered the lifeblood of Egypt, as it supports much of the country’s agriculture, and has been important for centuries in the country’s economy and culture. |
| Amazon River | The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 6,400 km (4,000 miles) through South America. It is the largest river in terms of volume, and has the greatest discharge of any river, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined. |
| Yangtze River | The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, stretching 6,300 km (3,915 miles) through China. It is one of China’s most important waterways, and has been used for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation for centuries. |
| Mississippi River | The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 6,275 km (3,902 miles) through the United States. It is an important waterway for transportation and commerce, and has played a significant role in the history and culture of the American South. |
| Yenisei River | The Yenisei River is the fifth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 5,539 km (3,445 miles) through Russia. It is the largest river system that flows into the Arctic Ocean, and is an important transportation and trade route. |
| Yellow River | The Yellow River is the sixth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 5,464 km (3,395 miles) through China. It is known as the “Mother River” in China, and has played a central role in the country’s history and culture. |
| Ob River | The Ob River is the seventh-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 5,410 km (3,364 miles) through Russia. It is the second-longest river that flows into the Arctic Ocean, and is an important transportation and trade route. |
| Parana River | The Parana River is the eighth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 4,880 km (3,032 miles) through South America. It forms part of the border between Brazil and Paraguay, and is an important source of hydroelectric power for the region. |
| Congo River | The Congo River is the ninth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 4,700 km (2,922 miles) through Central Africa. It is the deepest river in the world, with depths reaching up to 220 meters (720 feet), and is an important transportation and trade route for the region. |
| Amur River | The Amur River is the tenth-longest river in the world, stretching approximately 4,444 km (2,763 miles) through China and Russia. It forms part of the border between the two countries, and is an important source of hydroelectric power and transportation for the region. |
Major Rivers of North America
- Colorado River: The Colorado River flows through the southwestern United States and is a major source of freshwater for the region. It is also a popular destination for recreational activities, including rafting and fishing.
- Churchill River: The Churchill River flows through Canada and is a major source of hydroelectric power. It also provides habitat for several species of fish and is a popular destination for fishing and canoeing.
- Yukon River: The Yukon River flows through Canada and Alaska and is a vital source of freshwater for the region. It is also home to several species of fish, including salmon and trout.
Major Rivers of South America
- Magdalena River: The Magdalena River flows through Colombia and is a major source of freshwater for the region. It is also home to several endangered species, including the giant otter and the jaguar.
- Xingu River: The Xingu River flows through Brazil and is a major tributary of the Amazon River. It provides habitat for several species of fish, including the piranha and the electric eel.
- Purus River: The Purus River flows through Brazil and is a major tributary of the Amazon River. It supports a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of primates and birds.
Major Rivers of Europe
- Don River: The Don River flows through Russia and is an important waterway for transportation and trade. It also supports a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
- Elbe River: The Elbe River flows through Germany and the Czech Republic and is a major source of freshwater for the region. It is also home to several endangered species of fish, including the European eel and the sturgeon.
- Dnieper River: The Dnieper River flows through Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine and is a vital source of water for the region. It is also home to several species of fish and provides habitat for many migratory birds.
Major Rivers of Africa
- Niger River: The Niger River is the third-longest river in Africa and flows through several countries including Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. It provides water for irrigation and transportation and is home to many species of fish and birds.
- Zambezi River: The Zambezi River flows through six countries including Zambia, Angola, and Mozambique, and is home to Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. It provides water for agriculture and industry and supports a diverse range of wildlife.
- Limpopo River: The Limpopo River flows through several countries including Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It is a vital source of water for the region and supports a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands and savannas.
Major Rivers of Asia
- Ganges River: The Ganges River is a sacred river in India and is considered a goddess in Hinduism. It is a major source of freshwater for northern India and supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
- Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River flows through China, India, and Bangladesh and is one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of water discharge. It provides water for irrigation and fishing and is home to many species of aquatic wildlife.
- Syr Darya River: The Syr Darya River flows through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan and is a major source of water for agriculture in the region. It is also home to several endangered species, including the Bukhara deer and the Turkestan lynx.
Major Rivers of Oceania
- Murray River: The Murray River is Australia’s longest river, flowing over 2,500 kilometers from the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and is an important source of water for irrigation and farming.
- Fly River: The Fly River is one of the largest rivers in Papua New Guinea, flowing over 1,000 kilometers through the country’s western province. It supports a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, freshwater swamps, and rainforests, and is home to many species of fish and birds.
- Waikato River: The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river, flowing over 400 kilometers from Lake Taupo to the Tasman Sea. It is an important source of water for hydroelectric power and farming and is home to several species of fish, including the endangered longfin eel.
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