Top 5 Longest Rivers by Total Length

The Nile is approximately 6,853 kilometers (4,258 miles) long and flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa. It is one of the most iconic and historically significant rivers in the world, supporting ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Sudan. The Nile's basin covers about 3 million square kilometers (1.2 million square miles), accounting for around 10% of Africa's total land area. The river is home to over 150 species of fish, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Nile has played a crucial role in Egypt's economy and culture, with its annual flooding bringing nutrient-rich silt that made the surrounding landscape suitable for farming. Unlike many other major rivers, the Nile flows northwards, from south to north.

The Amazon is approximately 6,800 kilometers (4,200 miles) long and flows through seven countries in South America. It is the largest river in the world by discharge volume, accounting for about 15% of the fresh water that flows into the oceans. The Amazon's basin covers over 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), which is roughly 40% of the continent's total land area. The river is home to an estimated 2.5 million plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The Amazon River has played a vital role in the economies of its surrounding countries, supporting industries such as logging, mining, and agriculture. Unlike other major rivers, the Amazon's flow rate varies greatly depending on the season.

The Yangtze is approximately 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) long and flows through China. It is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The Yangtze's basin covers over 1.8 million square kilometers (700,000 square miles), accounting for around 40% of China's total land area. The river is home to over 400 species of fish, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Yangtze has played a crucial role in China's history and economy, supporting agriculture, industry, and urbanization. Unlike other major rivers in Asia, the Yangtze is largely controlled by human-made dams.

The combined length of the Mississippi-Missouri Rivers is approximately 6,270 kilometers (3,900 miles) long and flows through the United States. It is one of the most important transportation routes in North America, supporting industries such as agriculture, trade, and tourism. The river's basin covers over 1.2 million square kilometers (460,000 square miles), accounting for around 40% of the contiguous United States. The Mississippi-Missouri River system is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, fish, and birds. Unlike other major rivers in North America, the Mississippi-Missouri has a relatively slow flow rate.

The Yenisei is approximately 3,487 kilometers (2,164 miles) long and flows through Russia and Mongolia. It is one of the longest and most remote rivers in Asia, supporting a unique ecosystem that includes many species of fish, plants, and animals found nowhere else in the world. The Yenisei's basin covers over 1.9 million square kilometers (730,000 square miles), accounting for around 20% of Siberia's total land area. The river has played a crucial role in the history and culture of its surrounding regions, supporting traditional nomadic lifestyles and subsistence economies. Unlike other major rivers in Asia, the Yenisei is largely unknown to Western visitors due to its remote location.