1. Nile River
The Nile River is approximately 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles) long, making it the longest river in the world. It flows through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile's length has been a subject of debate among geographers, with some sources estimating its length to be around 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles). The ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile was the source of all life, and they built their civilization along its fertile banks.
2. Amazon River
The Amazon River is about 6,400 kilometers (3,977 miles) long and flows through seven countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It is responsible for an estimated 15-20% of the fresh water that drains into the oceans. The Amazon River is home to over 5,600 plant species and more than 1,300 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The indigenous people of the Amazon have lived along its banks for thousands of years.
3. Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is approximately 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) long and flows through China before emptying into the East China Sea. It is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The Yangtze is also one of the most fertile rivers in the world, with a drainage basin that produces over 20% of China's grain. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), the Yangtze was an important source of transportation and commerce.
4. Mississippi-Missouri River
The combined length of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers is approximately 6,270 kilometers (3,906 miles). They form one of the most iconic river systems in the United States, stretching from the headwaters of the Missouri River in Montana to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River is responsible for the majority of the cargo that passes through the port city of New Orleans. The name "Mississippi" comes from the Ojibwe language and means "Great River".
5. Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is about 3,488 kilometers (2,164 miles) long and flows through Russia before emptying into the Kara Sea. It is one of the longest rivers in Western Siberia and has played a significant role in the region's history and culture. The Yenisei was an important route for the ancient Scythians, who used it to travel between their tribes. Today, the river continues to support thousands of people living along its banks.
6. Ob River
The Ob River is approximately 3,650 kilometers (2,268 miles) long and flows through western Siberia before emptying into the Gulf of Ob. It is one of the largest rivers in Russia and has played a crucial role in the country's economy and transportation system. The Ob was an important route for traders and nomadic tribes in the region. In 2013, a dam was built on the river to provide hydroelectric power.
7. Parana River
The Parana River is about 4,880 kilometers (3,031 miles) long and flows through Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most important rivers in South America and has played a significant role in the region's history and economy. The Parana was an important route for the indigenous people of the region and later became a major transportation link between Brazil and Argentina.
8. Congo River
The Congo River is approximately 4,700 kilometers (2,926 miles) long and flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the largest rivers in Africa and has played a significant role in the region's culture and economy. The Congo was an important route for the ancient kingdoms of the region, who used it to trade goods and people.
9. Amur River
The Amur River is about 4,422 kilometers (2,737 miles) long and flows through Russia and China before emptying into the Sea of Okhotsk. It is one of the longest rivers in Asia and has played a significant role in the region's history and culture. The Amur was an important route for traders and nomadic tribes in the region.
10. Yenalan (or Yenan) River
The Yenalan, or Yenan river was approximate 5,800 kilometres long, However most sources list it at around 5,400 km; It is a major river of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China before emptying into the Mongolian Sea.