By Vandya Rai
September 24, 2022
Stretching from East Africa to the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile is the longest river in the world. The Egyptian civilization has been dependent on the river’s bounty for centuries; its silt deposits make the surrounding land very fertile.
Africa
6650 km
Image Source: Wikipedia
Over 3000 species of fish swim in this river. It is also home to the Amazon river dolphin, the largest of its kind, and the dangerous piranha, known to attack humans. Amazon constitutes 1/5th of the world’s total river flow.
South America
Image Source: Wallpaper Cave
6400 km
The longest river in China, originates from a glacier on the Tibetian plateau. The Three Gorges Dam on this river is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. It also is an important means of transport to the local community.
China
6300 km
Image Source: Pexels
The Mississippi is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It houses over 260 species of fish, 40% of migratory waterfowl, and over 145 species of amphibians and reptiles. It flows through 10 states of the USA and is an important commercial water source.
North America
Image Source: Pexels
5970 km
Originating from Mongolia, Yenisei passes through central Siberia and flows into the Kara Sea. It has been home to many nomadic tribes such as the Ket and Yugh people. It also hosts the Taimyr, the largest reindeer herd in the world.
Russia, Mongolia
5539 km
Image Source: Pixabay
Also known as the Yellow River, it is the birthplace of the ancient Chinese civilization. Its name comes from its colour, which is a result of large amounts of debris in the water. For a long time, it was the most prosperous region in the country.
China
Image Source: Wikipedia
5464 km
Originating in the Atlas mountains and draining into the Arctic ocean, the Ob is the largest river in Russia. It stretches across Siberia, covering semi-desert, grassland, forests, and plains. Ob remains frozen for half of the year but is an important means of transport.
Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia
Image Source: Wikipedia
5464 km
Rio de la Plata is part of a river system that includes Paraná and the Rio Grande — Parana means “like the sea”. Stretching 220 km wide in some places, it is the widest river in the world. A large population of Uruguay and Argentina live on its shoreline.
South America
Image Source: Wikipedia
4880 km
The Congo crosses the equator twice on its curved path across Africa. Its depths reach over 700 feet, making it the deepest river in the world. It is a life source for forest inhabitants and over 600 species of fish.
Africa
Image Source: Wikipedia
4700 km
Amur is known in China as Heilong Jiang, which means “Black Dragon River”. About 100 species of fish live in its waters, including indigenous carp, Siberian salmon, and Chinese perch. It runs across the borders of northeastern China and Russia.
Russia, China, Mongolia
Image Source: Wikipedia
4444 km