The longest rivers in the world: long water roads across the globe

The longest rivers in the world are actually the longest natural streams of water that move in a specific bed or channel. These rivers usually have an extensive system and various sub-branches that all flow into these rivers and increase their water flow. Accurate measurement of rivers is a bit difficult due to increasing and decreasing volume and size of water as well as different measurement standards in countries. While the Nile River is known as the longest river in the world, the Amazon River is the largest river in the world

The longest rivers in the world in order:

1. Nile River

• Location: Parts of Tanzania, Rwanda, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burundi and Egypt
• Length: 6,660 km

The Nile River is the longest river in the world and is called the father of African rivers. This river originates from the south of the Equator and Lake Victoria and flows north from northeastern Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. The length of the Nile River is estimated to be about 6,650 km. The Nile consists of three main streams. “Blue Nile”, “Etbara” which flows from the highlands of Ethiopia and “White Nile” whose sources flow into lakes “Victoria” and “Albert”.

The name Nile originates from the Greek word “Nilos”, which seems to be inspired by the Semitic root “nahl”, meaning valley. The Nile River has two special features that were a mystery to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. One of these features is the direction of this river from south to north, which is contrary to the location and flow of other great rivers of the world. Another feature was the flooding of this river in the hottest months of the year. The rest of the rivers had less water flow in the hot months; But this river sometimes overflowed during these seasons. Another interesting thing about the Nile River is its black sediments, which have been told about legends and special names since ancient times.

_{Photo source: tamborcruise; Photographer: Unknown}

2. Amazon River

• Location: Parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru and Brazil
• Length: 6,400 km

The Amazon River is the largest river in South America. This river is the largest drainage system in the world in terms of flow volume and basin area; It means that it can be considered the largest river in the world in terms of water volume. In general, there is controversy over whether the Amazon River is the longest river in the world; Because Nile has already won the first place in many sources. These disputes arose over determining the origin of the Amazon River.

The origin and source of the Amazon River can be known as the “Apurimac” River, which can be seen in the south of Peru. Some consider the difference in opinion about the source of the Amazon River as the reason for the difference in its ranking. One of the western sources of the Amazon River is located in the heights of the Andes mountains and is a little far from the Pacific Ocean. Its mouth can be seen in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Almost two-thirds of the main stream of the Amazon and the largest part of its basin are located in Brazil. It is estimated that about one-fifth of all the water that flows from the surface of the earth is carried by the Amazon.

_{Photo source: treehugger; Photographer: Ricardo Lima}

3. Yangtze River

• Location: china
• Length: 6,300 km

The Yangtze River can be considered the longest river in Asia. Also, this river carries the title of the third longest river in the world. The length of the Yangtze River is estimated to be about 6,300 kilometers. One-third of China’s huge population lives in the Yangtze River basin, and more than three-quarters of the river’s path passes through the mountains. Since ancient times, the Chinese government recognizes the “Tuotuo” branch, which is located in the “Tanggula” mountains, as the source of the river. However, new data say that the source of this river is somewhere in the “Jari” hill.

The Yangtze River originates from the confluence of several streams and flows eastward through a wide and shallow valley. The route of this river extends between the cities of Yibin in Sichuan province and Yichang in Huby province. The weather flows along this river with hot summers and relatively mild winters; Because the high mountains in the west protect the region from the cold north and west winds.

_{Photo source: tripadvisor; Photographer: Unknown}

4. Mississippi River

• Location: A very large percentage in the US and a small amount in Canada
• Length: 3,766 km

The Mississippi River can be considered the longest river in North America. This great river covers one-eighth of the entire American continent. About 98% of the length of the Mississippi River is located in the United States, which includes all or part of 31 states. In addition, on its way, it also passes through two Canadian provinces. The Mississippi River originates from the north of “Minnesota”; In such a way that it can be considered the “Itasca” lake as the source of the river. After traveling a steep distance, the river calms down in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Mississippi River has two main branches named “Missouri” and “Ohio”, from which a huge part of the water of this river flows. This river supplies millions of people with drinking water and plays a key role in the shipping industry. Since ancient times, this river has been one of the greatest water highways on earth, and today it plays a key role in trade and food for the entire world. In addition to industrial benefits, the Mississippi River has many different water sports and is also an important tourist attraction with its features.

_{Photo source: yourweathe.; Photographer: Unknown}

5. Yenisei River

• Location: Russia and Mongolia
• Length: 5,539 km

The Yenisei River flows from Mongolia and travels north. It passes through a large area in Siberia and finally flows from the Yenisei Bay to the Kara Sea in the Arctic Ocean. The Yenisei is formed near the city of Kryzyl, Russia, by the confluence of its tributaries. Two of the most important branches are “By-Khem” and “Ka-Khem”; one of which flows from the eastern Sayan mountains and the other originates from Mongolia. From the time these branches meet until the time this river flows into the sea, it travels about 5,539 kilometers.

Before the creation of modern Russia and even before the arrival of the Russians in this region, ancient tribes lived on the banks of the Yenisei River. Also, the findings show that in the 11th century between the natives of this region and the merchants who crossed this river; There has also been some trade in goods. Currently, all kinds of mineral deposits are extracted from the basin of this river. Coal, copper and nickel are among these minerals. Through this river, timber, coal, grain, petroleum products, etc. are transported between ports.

_{Photo source: Wikimedia; Photographer: Igrsan}

6. yellow river

• Location: china
• Length: 5,464 km

The Yellow River originates from the south of Qinghai Province, China. This province is located in the Tibetan Plateau. On its way to Chihli Bay, it passes through 6 other provinces of China. Relatively, the water flow in the downstream of the river is more turbulent and full of sediment, in a way that causes many floods in that part.

Another name of this river is “huang” in Chinese. Due to the floods of this river and the damage it causes, the Chinese call it “China’s Trouble” in their language. On the other hand, due to the fact that its watershed in the north of China has caused the emergence of a rich civilization in the north of this country, it has also been given the title of the source of civilization. In general, this river has brought development and progress, and in some areas, its floods have been and still are a problem for people.

_{Photo source: inbo-news; Photographer: Unknown}

7. River Ob

• Location: Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia
• Length: 3,364 km

The Ob River is one of the most important rivers in Russia. This long and beautiful river is located in Western Siberia, and together with one of its most important branches, the Irtysh river, they have earned the title of the seventh longest river in the world. The Ob River flows towards the Arctic Ocean. The third most important city of Russia named “Novosibirsk” is located on the bank of this river.

The Ob River itself is located in Russia, but its branches flow towards the western corner of China, Kazakhstan and a small part of western Mongolia. The name of this river is known based on its international name, Ob, which seems to have Indo-Iranian roots. In this context, pay attention to the name “water”, which seems very similar to the name of this river. The Ob River is used for drinking water, hydroelectric power, fishing, irrigation and various other activities. The Ob river has more than 50 species of fish and several hydroelectric power plants can be seen along it.

_{Photo source: freepic; Photographer: olinchuk}

8. Parana River

• Location: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay
• Length: 4,880 km

The second longest river in the Americas is “Paraná”, which passes through different countries such as Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. This river flows to the southeast and forms the border between Brazil and Paraguay. After that, it goes west and creates a border between Paraguay and Argentina. This river eventually unites with the Uruguayan branch and forms the great bay “Río de la Plata” in the Atlantic Ocean.

It was 2021 that the drought affected the Paraná River and the river level reached its lowest level in about 80 years. In eastern South America, many rivers have the word “para” in their names. Paraná and its various tributaries are the source of income and daily livelihood of fishermen who live along its shores. Some species of these fishes are very important commercially and they are used for export and trade. The Paraná River Delta is one of the greatest birdwatching destinations.

_{Photo source: bookaway; Photographer: Unknown}

9. Congo River

• Location: Congo, Angola, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zambia and Brunei
• Length: 4,700 km

The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile. This river also ranks second after the Amazon in terms of water flow. Most of the basin of this river includes the Democratic Republic of Congo and in addition, it also passes through five neighboring countries. The Congo River has been considered a vital route since centuries, originating from the high mountains of the Rift. Access to places that cannot be easily reached by road is provided by this river.

The Congo River, like any other large river, has a huge biodiversity. About 700 species of fish live in this river, and the second largest rainforest in the world feeds from this river. When this river was known to the Europeans at the end of the 15th century, they called it “Zaire”; But with the formation of the Republic of Congo, its name was changed to Congo.

_{Photo source: sputnikglobe; Photographer: Unknown}

10. Amur River

• Location: Russia, China and Mongolia
• Length:4,444 km

Amur River is a river in East Asia. This river can be placed among the longest rivers in China after the Yangtze and the Yellow River. Its origins are in Russia and Mongolia. The flow and direction of the main river is towards the east and south-east, which is formed by the junction of the river and the branches of “Shilka” and “Argun”.

Some Chinese also call the Amur River “Black Dragon”. Amur province in China borrowed its name from this river. The climate of the Amur basin is affected by its location in the northern latitudes, and is exposed to the monsoon winds, which always shape the climate of East Asia. Dry and icy air masses prevail in winter and subtropical maritime air masses prevail in summer.

_{Photo source: Wikimedia; Photographer: DNSokol}

11. Lena River

• Location: Russia
• Length: 4,400 km

The Lena River is a river in the Far East of Russia, which is considered the easternmost river among the three great rivers of Siberia, namely the Ob and the Yenisei. The title of the 11th longest river in the world belongs to the Lena River. According to the folktales that have been told, in the past, a group of fur hunters passing through the area discovered Lena. The Lena River has created a delta on its way, which is divided into many flat islands.

More than 95% of Lena River water comes from melting snow and rainwater. Apart from these cases, during the year underground water supplies the water flow of this river. Sometimes, the water flow may stop when the river downstream freezes. After this freezing, the breaking of the ice in the spring causes a lot of damage to the beaches. Ice can break rocks and dissolve parts of beaches. In summer, the intensity of the water flow increases to such an extent that it can cause sudden and large floods.

_{Photo source: Wikimedia; Photographer: Vasiliy Tatarinov}

12. Mekong River

• Location: China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam
• Length: 4,350 km

The Mekong River can be considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions. The length of the Mekong River is estimated to be about 4,350 km, and it holds the title of the twelfth longest river in the world. This transboundary river passes through beautiful Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. The passage of the Mekong through these countries created a very beautiful nature and fertility for them. The possibility of boating on this river and enjoying its nature is also available for those interested.

The villages located around the Mekong River are engaged in agriculture and fishing. In some areas of this river, with many weather changes that we see in different seasons, rapid water currents and waterfalls can make traveling on this river difficult. In recent decades, dams were built on this river to generate electricity; But these same dams have aggravated the drought and changed the beautiful ecosystem of this region.

_{Photo source: baolau; Photographer: Unknown}

13. Mackenzie River

• Location: Canada
• Length: 4,241 km

The great “Mackenzie” river, the 13th longest river in the world, is located in the forests of northern Canada. The areas around Mackenzie have unique biological diversity and taiga forests (northern conifer forests) and tundra areas (treeless and shrubby areas) can be seen in this area. This river with a length of 4,241 km flows from the northern parts of the country until it flows into the Beaufort Sea. Mackenzie can be considered as one of the most important waterways in this region, playing a key role in providing natural resources and transportation.

The Mackenzie River not only plays an important role in the environment and economy, but also has historical and cultural significance. From the distant past, this river was considered a vital route for the native people of the Canadian region and immigrants, and it had caused many commercial opportunities and cultural interactions. Even now, this river plays an essential role in tourism, fishing, transportation, etc.

_{photo source: oregonisforadventure; Photographer: Unknown}

14. Niger River

• Location: Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Chad, Mali and…
• length: 4,200 km

As one of the largest rivers in Africa, the Niger River originates from the highlands of Guinea in the west of the African continent. After passing through different countries like Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Ghana, etc., this river flows into the Gulf of Guinea at the end of its path. Also, the Niger River has a famous curve that can be seen in the form of an arch. This river has created exciting and unique attractions on its way to the sea. Along the Niger River, there are many plantations and groves that produce crops such as sugarcane, corn, and rice.

Since the distant past, the Niger River has always been a place of gathering and meeting of different cultures and ethnic groups. This river has legends and beautiful stories from the distant past in its heart. Countless types of local ceremonies and celebrations are held along this river, which keeps this heritage alive and passes them on to future generations. The animal and plant nature of this area and around this river is also very eye-catching and beautiful.

_{Photo source: forum; Photographer: Unknown}

15. Volga River

• Location: Russia
• length: 3,530 km

The Volga River can be considered the longest river in Europe. This long river has been the main waterway of western Russia and the historical cradle of the Russian government. The Volga River flows from the Valdai Hills in the northwest of Moscow to the Caspian Sea. Along this route, about 200 branches join this river. The Volga River is fed by three ways to reach its greatness today. About 60% of it is provided by the melting of snow in the highlands, 30% of it by underground water and about 10% by rainwater.

The climate of the Volga River is very different from north to south. From the source to the middle, it is affected by very cold winters. In the downstream parts of the river, the temperature will increase and the temperature will vary between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. Currently, a large number of dams have been built on the Volga River, which include power plants. This issue has turned parts of this river into a lake.

_{Photo source: Britannica; Photographer: Unknown}

In this list, we tried to introduce some of the longest rivers to you. In your opinion, which of these rivers is more attractive and influenced you the most? Which of them would you like to travel to?