These are not your average rapids though. This is another river that boosted human civilization. Afghanistan. Bo Hai. Click a river name here below. Rivers inspired many poets and painters in the past, and now photographers capture their beauty. First of all, this River is only a few hundred miles from spanning the entire width of South America from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. It also houses the largest hydro electric station in the world at the Three Gorges Dam. When looking at the Nile with the same instruments and methods of calculation, it measures at 6,853 km or 4,258 miles long. The Mekong River is located in China. Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt. This does not consider the birds, butterflies and other beautiful creatures that live around the Amazon. Clocking in at 1,450 miles long, this river flows through seven different states in the United States and two in Mexico. During the gold rush, many mines and tunnels also changed the river as needs for transports came up. Millions of people across India and Bangladesh live by the river Ganga that serves as a trans-boundary to Asia. Even the Congo has an 80% slower discharge rate the Amazon, it still has the highest such rate in the world. On December 24, 2017 by Master. Magdalena River. Here are the top ten most powerful rivers in the world. One of the more unique aspects of the river comes from the green color it sports flowing down the mountain. This meant the Greeks could push their culture on the Gauls and expand northward with ease. Colombia. The Ebro, like many other rivers, witnessed several major events throughout history. 6671. 1,345. This river in Queensland meanders 100 km through some of the richest and most diverse bio life in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest. This civilization rose to power through trading these goods to other countries. While not boasting any records, the Memuru clocks in at just over 10km long. These beautiful creations of nature also share triumph with human engineering. Helmand River. The river starts at Dail Peek and travels into the fourth largest drainage basin in the world until finally reaching the Bering Sea at over 200,000 cubic feet per second. Rivers of the World, Word Search Worksheethas 1 word search with 24 words.Perfect for an environment project, World Water Day Activity, Water Awareness, etc.Words are from left to right, right to left, upto down and down to up in the wordsearches.Children across all age groups just love wordsearch c. The picturesque location boasts a thriving community and a slice of paradise at the Wilderness Retreat along the river banks. Another important river in Australia may not hold any records, but it does serve an important purpose. The Volga runs the longest river in Europe, flowing over 3,521 km with a basin of over 1.3 million square km. 4145. Amur River. Hey, what is 100 miles between friends? READ MORE: Top 10 Australian National Parks (World Travel Bucket List) Rivers in Europe. Starting from Jari Hill in the Tanggula Mountains, it flows over 6,300 km eastward into the East China Sea. In particular, there exists disagreement as to whether the Nile or the Amazon is the world's longest river. Originally, these structures served as strategic feudal strongholds and defensive fortifications, they now are privately owned homes that showcase the depth of history from the medieval and renaissance periods. It congregates over 2,107 square km along its course supporting the rainforest life before opening into dense mangrove swamps. In many views, the rise of the Egyptian empire and Sudanese kingdoms would not have been possible without the life giving waters of the Nile. This is the world’s fifth-longest river system and the largest draining into the Arctic Ocean. The biggest factors to the measurements come from the time of year, the scale of measurements and the techniques. The river covers such a vast territory that scientists still discover multiple new species every single year. Armenia. Be prepared though, if you are a kayaker, the best parts to kayak do not have road access. The upper and middle service large sections of forest with rapids and the Guiana Shield that quickly flows down to a large flood plane and then out to the Delta. The Nile helped Egypt in more than just sustaining life though. These include the River Amazon, the River Mississippi, the River Thames and more! However, in other areas, such in Vietnam, most of the river is used for agriculture and growing wet rice. Another major river in Europe that rises from the Swiss Alps is the Rhine River. Below is the list of 10 most famous rivers in the World. There are about 165 major rivers in the world, but these fourteen are some of the most famous. Near Canon City, it widens and flattens out as it slows down across the great plains. Different from the Amazon though, this river can be broken apart into four distinct regions. Iguaçu. 1,350. The largest of which is Cologne, but also Dusseldorf, Rotterdam, Strasbourg, and Basel. While it may not win any awards, the river has been an important stepping stone for the city development and shows another entry on the list of how people have used rivers for progress over time. The river itself in ancient Egypt was revered as the causeway between life and death due to its importance. The Ottawa River flows through Ontario and Quebec and is named after the Algonquin word meaning “to trade”. The city itself has 37 separate bridges that create a network of roadways across the river. The major rivers of the world. The river Loire boasts the largest river in France, but pales in comparison to many others around the world as far as length goes. It also holds the title of the only river to cross the equator twice. Angola. Many lodges along the river cater specifically to fisherman who come from around the world to take a pick at the Atlantic salmon. The World Rivers article will give you information about all the major rivers in the world. This river has twice the annual discharge of its northern counterpart the Loire. Not only is it the world’s longest river, it has the largest drainage area and the fastest discharge rate. Wadi Majardah. The surrounding lands of the Nile flourished with agricultural life due to the silt. Rivers of the World Bonus Puzzle. This important distinction marks the greatest controversy on rivers out there. Starting in Zambia, it flows through eastern Angola and several other countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean. Coupling this fact with agricultural demand, heavy water consumption, and irrigation, the river only empties into the Gulf of Mexico with 20% of its natural flow. 1,323. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. River water carriers a lot of nutrition and it provides a habitable home and food to many other organisms. For starters, it is second to the Amazon for discharge by volume. Asia. 10. The worst in recorded history occurred in 1931 which reported to kill 1 to 4 million people. The Congo flows over 4,700 km to basin over 4 million square km of Africa, which is almost 13% of the continent. The Memuru creates a picturesque view of the mountains and river, especially for those who enjoy kayaking. Just like its southern neighbor the Amazon, the Rio Orinoco provides life to thousands of species of flora and fauna among the northern reaches of the rainforest. However, it flows north to northwest in a giant crescent shape that finally ends over 4,180 km away in the Niger Delta. While this does not match something the size of the Amazon, it is still one of the most diversified river basins in the world. The drainage basin for this river feeds most of northern India and surrounding countries. The primary reason for this comes from the sheer number of cities and provinces this river travels through. The Gulf of Ob is the world’s longest estuary. If you enjoy exploring the wilds and fishing, the small town of Kartong can offer you a great excursion to go adventuring with. Most of the basin is protected through an international agreement between France, Germany, and most of the other countries the river basin serves. The difficult waters from this river have divided the people in the region more than uniting them. From the picture, you may have determined the reason it is known as the Red River. In Austria it goes through Vienna, in Slovakia, it hits Bratislava, then in Hungary it passes through Budapest, and finally in Serbia it hits Belgrade. Aside from being enormous, the Mississippi River serves as one of the most important rivers in American history. 110. It also shares an interesting fact with the Danube that it formed the second portion of the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. It includes river systems over 1,000 kilometres (620 mi). This reflects the lack of roadways in the region, but you can still get where you are going by Ferry. Harīrūd. Unfortunately, the river Ganges holds another record as being one of the most polluted rivers in the world. In modern times, the Rhone connects many major cities in France, from Arles to Avignon all the way to Lyon. Starting in the Yoshino-Kumano National park, the river rises from Mount Omine and travels in southward through Japan to drain into the Pacific Ocean between Shingu, Wakayama and Kiho, Mie. This disparity in the flow creates a rhythmic cycle for migration for the wildlife in the area, including hundreds of species of birds. The river silt and mangroves have created a large sandbar that protects the river. The Wheaton river offers a lot of activity for such a little river. So, read the article to know the importance of rivers of the world. Just think of all the wonderful photo ops you would have from this one river though. The Zambezi like many other major rivers on this list can be divided into major sectionals. More aquatic species include over 100 different species of electrical fish, including the electric eel, river stingrays and even crabs. One of the most unique qualities of the Niger river happens just before the delta where it loses two-thirds of its potential flow. Famous Rivers of the World. It also touts the largest in Europe through discharge and basin. World: Rivers - Map Quiz Game: There are many rivers in the world, but none quite as impressive as the Amazon. You may even spy an elusive platypus. Since then many municipalities have worked together with local businesses in a clean up effort. After traveling southwards through the countryside it empties into the Pacific near Kaiapoi. It is a quite a long river with a length of about 166 kilometers. This river contests for the longest flowing river in the world originating from two primary tributaries called the Blue Nile and the White Nile. The Volga shows another cradle of life type river along the list. It also connects with the Milan through a network of channels that Leonardo Da Vinci helped design. 820 . Huang He flows as the second longest river in China and is known as the Yellow river due to the distinct color of the water as it flows. Instead of simply emptying into the ocean, the gradient decreases suddenly to create a series of braided streams, lakes and marshes. Not only did native Americans live for thousands of years on the rivers and tributaries, it built a foundation for trade systems up and down the river from New Orleans all the way to St. Louis. Length (km): 4,444 Drainage area (km²): 1,855,000 Average discharge (m³/s): 11,400. The river takes on a green hue in certain sections, hence the name of the season. Rising on the eastern flanks of the Southern Alps, the Waimakariri River flows in braided wide shingle beds before it reaches the Canterbury Plains in New Zealand. Unfortunately, like a few other rivers on this list, the Yangtze suffers from industrial pollution. This 4,350 km river borders China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. Many rivers so far on this list boast life across the globe. The River itself starts in central Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It provides an important backbone to many trade routes, drinking water, and hydroelectricity. Lastly, the Amazon Basin marks the world’s largest basin covering over 40% of South America. and its length: The European settlers found the river and took over, establishing their colony at Melbourne. They play an essential role in the ecology of rainforest and wetlands. It also provides hydroelectricity from the Kariba Dam which powers Zambia and Zimbabwe. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). After a series of large lakes and reservoirs it passes into western Arkansas. The Danube River Many people may recognize its unique waterfalls, Victoria falls and Chavuma Falls more than they may know the name of Zambezi. The unusual route the river takes makes it the source of water for the Sahara desert in the region and the city of Timbuktu. It measures 6,695 kilometres from its source in Burundi, along the Nile, to its delta on the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile is the one of the candidate for the longest river in the world (some sources cite the Amazon River and The Mississippi as the longest). Unfortunately, the Rio Grande maintains as one of the largest water sources for Texas and northern Mexico with its river basin that covers over 182,000 square miles. 1.Nile. The Seine river creates a crucial commercial waterway that serves most of northern France. Most of the populations of these countries exists along the banks of the Nile. The top-ten worst rivers are special contenders. Once past Little Rock, it slows slightly and merges with the Mississippi. Located in the Yukon, the remote river boasts many photo ops from gorgeous icy shots of the forest, winding valleys, and a multitude of wildlife. The Blue Nile joins it in Sudan and they flow northward through Egypt to empty into the Mediterranean Sea. This is a list of rivers by their average discharge, that is, their water flow rate. You do not need to be religious to enjoy the beauty in this region, but it offers an amazing journey. Starting from the Cottian Alps, this luxurious river begins on the hills of Pian del Re and travels 652 km to the Adriatic Sea, exiting near Venice. Other rivers that would make the Top 10 list include the Ganges, the Congo, the Orinoco, the Yangtze and the Madiera. The river flows from its source near Fontibre and meanders across a huge diversity of biomes including forests, woodlands and scrublands. Nile River. Positives of a dam: generates electricity from a renewable source Negatives: loss of animal habitats, people have to move More people in the world live along the Yangtze and Huang He (Yellow) Rivers than on any other river systems in the world. The Ob River, also Obi, is a major river in western Siberia, Russia and is the world’s seventh longest river. P. R. China. It sources in Sierra de las Minas mountain range and flows north through many small cities and joins up with the Polochic River. After the Cahora Bassa Dam, the Zambezi opens to the lower region and the delta. The Rhine connects many major cities throughout Germany. The river does offer some of the most beautiful scenery across middle America, with three distinct sections. And most folks probably wouldn’t guess that Russia is the location of Europe’s longest river. Major Rivers of World : Yellow River Origin – Bayan Har Mountains Length – 5464 Km Mouth – Bohai Sea, Shandong Omissions? Along these trips you can sightsee the most famous monuments of the city of love, from the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musee d’Orsay, and even Notre Dame. Since it is one of the most powerful rivers in the world, it could potentially service all of Africa with hydroelectricity, of which forty hydropower plants already exist along the length of the river. In the modern days, most of the waterways are used for agriculture and cultivating vast amounts of rice. The river originates along the Guinea Highlands less than 250 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The total area covered by the River Lena basin is 2.4 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest rivers in the world by area. Yangtze. This comes mostly from navigation, not the people themselves. One of the most iconic rivers in the United States is the Colorado river. Piercing between the Trois Eveches giant mountains, the Verdon River is one of the gorgeous rivers in the world. The headwaters of the amazing Amazon feed from the Apurimac River and the Mantaro River in Peru. We provide both the word solutions and the completed crossword answer to help you beat the level. The Mekong is the 11th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia. The Nile creates such a unique change in the landscape that it can be seen from space. Many settlements started along a river. The source of the river comes from a glacier known as Austre Memurubrean. The city flourishes at the mouth of the river, despite it being a tidal estuary. Originating in Germany, it either passes through or borders Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Maldova and the Ukraine in that order. These parts are known as the Le Grand Rhone and Le Petit Rhone, and form the Camargue region of France. There are hundreds of small and long rivers in Africa continent, flowing through different countries. It creates many beautiful photo ops and even served as one of the inspirations for the first landscape painting from the middle ages. List of rivers. In the modern day, logging in the northern changes the northern portions of the river, destroying many Marshlands that feed the Yarra River. The river dries up approximately 100 miles north of the exit into the Gulf of California, which has not made it that far since the 1960’s. This river basin serves most of the eastern side of the continent where the Nile and Congo do not reach. The river basin itself feeds all northern France and parts of Belgium. However, it also harbors a darker history as one of the deadliest rivers in the world due to flooding. 10. Mediterranean Sea north of Cairo. The Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique provides power to the country and South Africa. This river basin covers 880,000 square kilometers mostly in Venezuela and Colombia. Amur River. Originating near Kemble in the UK, this river flows through Oxford, Reading and all greater London area. While it may not be the longest river in Spain, it certainly is the most widely known and most important. For context, the volume of an Olympic-size swimming pool is 2,500 cubic metres. Other rivers that would make the Top 10 list include the Ganges, the Congo, the Orinoco, the Yangtze and the Madiera. and display its location with its mouth and the crossed states. This river feeds a forest that covers over 5.4 million square kilometers. Cunene River. In fact, t he river is regarded as a sacred site along the pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range and is protected as an UNESCO world heritage site. It is found on the border of Russia and China. 1,320. The Amazon river and basin boasts a home to more than a third of all known species in the world. The Amazon is responsible for up to 20% of all fresh water entering the ocean supply. In fact, most of the river is controlled via dams, reservoirs and aqueducts that mostly divert water for irrigation and domestic water supply. Volga (Photo via Pixabay) Volga River. List of Major Rivers of the World About 70% of Earth surface is covered with water and is found in rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. While it is controlled, many regions of the river offer beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. The River Thames may offer some of the most visually stunning sights on this list. Here are the top ten most powerful rivers in the world. 10. The Yangtze forms the longest river in Asia and holds a title of the longest river in the world flowing in a single country. The entirety of Egypt may be covered in sand, but along the banks of the Nile, vegetation and life exists, creating a swath of green through the land that can be seen in stark contrast from space. It runs through Burma, Thailand, Yunnan, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The river in the dry season boosts clear waters with snorkeling for any ages to meet more than the 30 different species of fish, lizards, and birds. The control of the river played a major part in the victory of the American Civil War. The aptly named river created a major trade route from Eastern Canada to the western reaches at the time. Stuck with the Rivers of the World One Clue Crossword Bonus puzzle? Some of the notable selections along the river include the Crystal Pools from Gordon’s Bay and the Steenbras River Gorge. Not only does it provide a natural border, it supports many of these countries with agricultural, irrigation, potable water and trade routes. It also provides fisheries and transport needs to many citizens in the area. The waters are still enough in the area to canoe and kayak at leisure and even see the Northern Lights from time to time. This is the largest river on the South Island of New Zealand and translates into river of cold rushing water. Many tours offer exploration of the river sights such as bird watching, the reptile farms, and crocodile pools. The river boasts a popular spot for hikers travelling across the Besseggen, photographers, and water enthusiasts. Rivers are water sources that play an important role in any country’s economy. The Ural river flows as the third longest river in Europe, originating in the Ural mountains and emptying into the Caspian Sea. The name of Nile was derived from the Latin word: Nilus, that means valley or a river valley! Just be prepared for a long trip though, if you were to stop in each city along the way for just one day, your trip would at minimum be 100 days long. The Congo comes in second place on many scales for rivers. After flowing south down the Ural mountain range, it turns east and meanders across a broad plain, giving some of the most beautiful pictures from the mountain range. This new river makes the length of the Amazon at precisely 6,992 km or 4,345 miles. At over 1,450 miles, this is the sixth longest river in the United States with an origin point in the Rocky Mountains and joining up to the Missippi in Naploeon, Arkansas. This list is based upon the flow rate of the river itself. Yalong. Overall, the river served a purpose to help sustain life, but has been heavily modified from the original course. Cities river flows through. The river has seen some of the most historical events in France’s history from invasions to the 1900 summer Olympics. During the iron age, the river worked as a trade route for the Mediterranean, Greeks and Romans. The feature gives a huge boon to the fishing and agriculture for the area. The total area covered by the River Lena basin is 2.4 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest rivers in the world by area. This river chops up in many sections of class 3 and 4 rapids offering one of the most challenging courses in the world. It serves as the primary source of water for Lake Gjende near Jotunheimen in Southern Norway. Eventually these create floods that wreak havoc across the region. Cuanza River. Severe pollution threatens not only the millions of people depending on the river, but the fish, amphibians that call the river home and the animals that live from the water. While only 29 km in length, the scenery is dominated by the Fagraskogarfjall mountains and creates a beautiful connection to nature. Ganges (gan-jeez) River—the major river of India; a holy river in Hindu religion. Several wonderful hiking trails through the mountains create adventures for those seeking to connect to nature. The Mekong is the 11th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia. The Nile, the Amazon’s competition, runs anywhere from 5,500 and 7,000 km, but counts at least 6,650 km. The basin area drains almost 800,000 square km across one of the most prosperous regions in China. Africa – the world’s second largest and second most populous continent – is a land of rivers, deserts, plains and rain forests. The 50 Most Famous Rivers of the World [Update 2020: With photos and details]. If you are looking for some serene nature while adventuring, Guatemala may be hiding a few gems you did not consider. The Rio Grande shows one of the most iconic rivers in the world due to the landscape, not necessarily the river. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, another section of the river reports as the 8th best spot in the world to pan for gold. Many ocean going vessels can travel up river via the dredged waterways, as far as Roeun, which sits 120 km from the sea. This gorgeous picture snapped near Puncak comes from the Angke River that flows from the mountain near the picturesque Telaga Warna Lake. See more about the role of the rivers for the development of the civilizations. In fact, the river is regarded as the cradle of China’s prosperity and the birthplace of the civilization. The Yenisei finally drains into the Arctic Ocean. Or if they have why plastic and … Not only does this river pass through 11 different countries, it directly connects 4 capital cities in Europe. Both tribu… Not impressed yet? During the wet season, they come back into one united roaring river in a perpetual cycle. River water carriers a lot of nutrition and it provides a habitable home and food to many other organisms. The wet season runoff from the countries creates turbulent waters further downstream. The heavy brownish red silt gives it the hue, which in turn creates such a rich soil and farmlands for the cities it passes through. From its origin in Germany, it passes through twenty different cities before hitting Austria. In Netherlands, … Most documentation counts it as at least 6,400 km. Kābul River. Amu Darya. The Amazon and its tributaries gather water from 5 degrees north latitude all the way to 20 degrees south. Just like the Amazon, the Congo serves a huge portion of the rainforests with fresh water. The name of the river comes from the aboriginal name meaning ever flowing and helped early civilization in Australia to flourish. The Argentina is aptly name as the word translates into silvery. We need rivers for fresh water supply, food and transportation. When we talk in terms of water discharge, Amazon is the largest river in the world. The total length covered is 3,442 miles. Regardless of size by length, it does overtake the competition in discharge by volume coming in at over 200,000 cubic meters per second. The Amazon reports to be anywhere between 6,200 km to 7,000 km. Liao. and display its location with its mouth and the crossed states. After the fall of the Roman Empire it became a central trading route through most of Europe and connected the world through its 2,415 km route. The massive Mississippi watershed touches 32 of the 50 United States and two Canadian provinces between the Rocky and Appalachian mountain ranges. The Arkansas River counts as the second longest tributary to the Mississippi river behind the Missouri system. Cross Answers Amazon Yangtze Indus Seine Yukon Rhine. To help alleviate the problem of brackish water, the Wivenhoe Dam was built to create Lake Wivenhoe and a long term potable water source for the city. The most distant source of the Nile can be traced to Rwanda or Burundi flowing north through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda and South Sudan. Down Solutions Thames Mississippi Nile Danube The problem generated by over taxation on the river system caused the flow to stop. Today though it is still used for transportation, although not much for heavy trade routes. You may also find different names for the river depending on location. The Danube flows through ten different countries in Eastern and Central Europe, creating the second longest river in Europe. Amur River is in number ten of the largest rivers in the world and the most prominent in the Federation of Russia. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-rivers-2020029. P. R. China. The delta of the River Nile provides life to Egypt. Click a river name here below. Africa. Not only is it the world’s longest river, it has the largest drainage area and the fastest discharge rate. The biggest portion of the controversy comes from the measurement itself. World River Map showing course of major rivers passing through different countries. Source. Mekong River. In the average dry season, it covers over 110,000 square kilometers or 42,000 square miles. The amount of pollution near Varanasi counts over 100x the legal limit set forth by the official government and clean up plans have all but failed. In fact, over 5,600 different species of fish can be found along the amazing length of river, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. While less than 100 km long, this river creates many photo ops along its path to the Java Sea. The Zambezi river clock in as the fourth longest river. Of course, you could travel the entire length and see some of the best historical sights in western and northern Europe. This list of 40 rivers contains the most polluted rivers in the world, the plastic hot-spots. Today the river helps with transportation and hydroelectricity from many dams along the river. Read More, List of river islands in India. The river itself creates the cradle of life for much of China, contributing as much as 20% of the GDP for the country. While it is used for navigation, the seasonal changes across its length can create heavy rapids, waterfalls, and be challenging to transverse. Another spectacular river for photo ops comes in the Daintree river in northern Australia. Wadi Seybouse. Since then, the Yarra river progressively changes to the needs of the city. The lower dam is a gravity concrete arch type located above Gordon’s bay near Cape Town in South Africa. It is the westernmost of the three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean (the other two being the Lena River and the Yenisei River). Which would you count as the longest? One of the biggest boons to the river comes from the tourist attraction. The biggest claim to fame this river offers comes from the tourist aspect. The Hong River, known as the Yuan River or Red River, flows from its reaches in the Yunnan province southwest through China then Vietnam and emptying into the Gulf of Tonkin. The Rhine River is the longest river in Netherlands covering a distance of 764 miles. The Mossman River offers another exemplary photo ops place to visit. The delta in Vietnam offers one of the natural phenomena in the world where the river flow inverts with the tides causing flooding along the flat delta. The printable posters below show photos of twelve famous rivers around the world. Navigate parenthood with the help of the Raising Curious Learners podcast. The main tributaries are White Nile and the Blue Nile which considered being the primary stream. Later, the Moreton Bay adopted the same name as the river becoming known as Brisbane and one of the larger cities in Australia. Due to the unique silt composition, subaqueous dams slowly build up from the fine silt run off. 111. This river drops an astonishing 1,050 meters in a short 24 km path, making it one of the largest elevation change rivers in the world. It is the longest river in Quebec and joins up the to St. Lawrence River at Montreal. However, in Thailand, the lower basin of the Mekong shows picturesque views and gentle waters. 112. Rivers have been very useful to men in all parts of the world since prehistoric times. The second record comes from volume as stated before. The Nile River, located in northeastern Africa, is the longest river in the world at about 4,132 miles. Out of all the rivers on this list, the Ganges may hold the record for supporting human life. This is a list of the longest rivers on Earth. For Hindus, the Ganges is a holy river. This fact pervades every facet of Egyptian life from the earliest ancient times, housing the most recognizable historical sites a stone throw from the river. Starting in Colorado in the United States, it flows through New Mexico and forms as a natural border between the United States and Mexico before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. What it is known for though, is being the deepest river in the world, measuring depths of over 220 meters. Improve your GK Quotient and help yourself score better on any competitive exam and get your dream Sarkari Naukri without any worries. Let’s explore some facts about these world-famous waterways. Algeria. Czochralski Stretching for 2,763 miles, the Amur is the 10th longest river in the world. Historically, this river formed the backbone of trade through southeastern Asia until the completion of the Kunmin-Haiphong Railway in 1910. While the dam was completed in 1935, many other dams and aqueducts were completed. Not only does the Amazon river boast impressive records, it creates life and biodiversity for thousands of different species of animals and plants. The mouth of the river that empties into the Pacific offers some picturesque moments of the turbulent waters. From the falls to Lake Kariba, the Zambezi offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging white-water trips in the world. Fortunately, the government understands the importance of the river and has made moves to protect areas of it. Rivers are water sources that play an important role in any country’s economy. While not as impressive as the Mississippi, it still covers over 170,000 square miles with its drainage basin feeding many different states. In the wet season, this number skyrockets, covering up to 350,000 square km or 140,000 square miles and rising over 9 meters. and its length: Just like its eastern counterpart the Rio Grande, the Colorado river creates a mainstay for potable water for over 40 million people. Eleven of the twenty largest cities in Russia call this basin home, and is generally considered to be the national river. Kasai River. This river touts being the largest river in South America and counts as the second largest river in the world by most definitions. This river actually forms the border between Russia and China. Venezuela is the home to the Rio Orinoco which provides water to the northern reaches of South America. They provide a source of drinking water, for obtaining food, to fertilize lands and way to transport goods from place to place. Along this short distance, numerous Buddhist and Shinto temples dot the landscape giving this river a particularly spiritual presence. Farāh River. Some of the largest engineering feats work on the Colorado River, including the Hoover Dam. It spans a mammoth journey of 4,132 miles before the mouth meets the Mediterranean Sea in the form of a vast delta in Egypt. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It is still extensively used for recreational use along many of the parks and waterways of the river. While the Cahabon does not carry any prestigious titles and only runs a meager 200 km compared to some on this list, it may be one of the most beautiful rivers on the list. Kwando River. Victoria Falls forms the boundary between the upper and middle portion of the river. Panj River. Today, that entire length is navigable through large boats. The Ganges is the most important It serves as the primary source of water for Lake ... Wheaton River in Canada. Many bridges, canals, and ports help navigate the river by both land and sea. This is a list of the longest rivers on Earth. Rhine River begins from the Swiss canton of Graubunden in Swiss Alps and flows through Rhineland and empties into the North Sea in Netherlands. Czochralski Stretching for 2,763 miles, the Amur is the 10th longest river in the world. Between the many bridges, locks and weirs, the River Thames serves as one of the most human influenced rivers in the world as well. An interesting fact about the Amazon comes from the fact that no bridge spans the entire width of the river. No other river in the world hits as many capitals. The list of the longest rivers ends here and you can now decide which picturesque riverbank is the next in your visit list. Mekong River. On the world scale, the Mississippi river flows the fourth longest behind the Amazon, Nile, and Congo. It finishes its long journey in the Black sea. The Amazon is about 6,400 km long, and its width at an average varies from 1.6 to 10 km, but it expands up to 48 km during rains and it is on account of its vast expanse that it is sometimes called the River Sea. Morghāb River. Over a thousand different chateaux help create one of the most vibrant tourist areas in France. During November to April, the “green” season offers stronger currents and boasts a challenge for swimmers. Not only did it mark the western border of the Holy Roman Empire with the Kingdom of France, it served as the last key objective during the Battle of Bulge. If you are ever in Australia, the Mossman flows through deep valleys across the Mount Lewis Forest Reserve, the Mossman Gorge, the Daintree National Park and supports the township of Mossman before emptying into Trinity Bay and the Coral Sea. If you are an angler, consider a trip to Iceland to check out this scenic spot. If you are looking for a diverse river adventure, the Daintree offers a huge diverse change in climates and areas to transverse, from scenic views to amazing wildlife. Some of the best things you can do: white-water rafting (it is one of the best in the world), trek through the jungle, or glide through the canopy which is super awesome. Even the Congo has an 80% slower discharge rate the Amazon, it still has the highest such rate in the world. Over 900 km in length, the Ebro passes through many major cities from Frias and Miranda de Ebro to Aldover and Catalonia before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The drainage basin of this massive river covers almost 20% of China and supports nearly one third of the country’s population. Aras River. It also housed the first steam boat ever built. The drainage basin for the Nile covers 11 countries and runs northward 6,650 km. While not boasting any records, the Memuru clocks in at just over 10km long. It provides economic keystone for many areas of Africa that do not have roads or railways, helping with transportation and agriculture. 839 . The Rhone rises from the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps, passes through Lake Geneva and then runs through southeastern France to empty into the Mediterranean Sea. Tributaries from around South America come together to create the amazing water system of South America. In terms of long rivers, Europe isn’t anywhere near the top among the six main continents. This maritime route has served for shipping supplies, navigation, watermills, and even international trade. The Mekong River is located in China. The river serves as a trade route and economic necessity to many cities in the region. The basin and tributaries for this river expand into a further nine more countries. However, once people realized the damage it caused to the local landscape, construction has all but stopped along the river. The River Niger in Mali. This one however, flows northward through most of Germany and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea. For the hard winter months, most of the river freezes. Without the Rio Grande, the region would not be able to support the vast amount of people that it does. Chelif River. During the dry season, the river divides into hundreds of shallow branches with low banks where wildlife drinks and flourishes. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Along its journey, the river has seen many important historical events. Of course, if you are looking for beauty, the Wheaton River offers one of the most breathtaking scenes in Canada. While it may run only 183 km in length, it offers one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. While many beautiful rivers run through Iceland, the Hitara may offer some of the most beautiful photogenic rivers in the country if not the world. Starting in Mid-June, the fishing season opens up to allow fishers to come and catch their fill. Gumal River. Surrounded by majestic mountain views, the Argentina may be a blip on the map but shows some beautiful photo opportunities. The Amur River. Cauca River. The upper portion of the Zambezi flows through Angola and massive grasslands before turning southward into a floodplain. Officially, the shortesr river is the D River, Oregan, USA, which is just 37 metres long. While this river may not come across as majestic as the other rivers in Africa, it remains a notable fixture and important river to many people. Mississippi River : 1,459 : 2,348: Colorado: Grand County, Colorado : Gulf of California : 1,450 … The Amazon is the widest river in the world. Most of the river defines the border between the two providences. A river does not require a record to be beautiful. Once it hits the flood plain, the slope decreases to 0.35% gradient to create a meandering river experience. Lungwebungu River. While it measures a total of 1,896 miles, the course of the river shifts which can change it to be the fourth or fifth largest river system in North America depending on the time of year. This river gives life to the regions and helps sustain multiple agricultures across the eastern and southern reaches of Africa. The river passes through six countries including the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Kartong lies along the Allahein River in Gambia and offers some of the best tourism beaches and river experiences in the world. It is the ninth largest river by discharge and the 15th longest river in the world. Here, we are giving, the list of Major Rivers of the World which is very useful for the competitive examinations like UPSC … The Ebro river counts as the longest river entirely contained within Spain. Not only does the Po river provide beautiful pictures of the Italian countryside, it provides a mainstay water source to the flood plain in northern Italy. It also boasts some of the clearest waters in the world for much of its length, carrying a tenth the sediment of the Nile. While this river may be tiny compared to many others on this list, it shows wonderful locations to connect with nature and a small tourist destination. It offers a unique mouth that instead of a defined delta, it divides into two before hitting the sea. Many mammals call the river home, including manatees, giant otters, and the river dolphin. It connects many beautiful lakes and cities throughout northern Europe. The head waters near Leadville Colorado flow across large boulders and fast-moving mountain rivers. This tiny river flows through west Africa and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. This list is based upon the flow rate of the river itself. The mouth itself can be accessed from the Cape Whale route. Rivers also provide an important habitat for wildlife. As of 2012, many treatment plants have started working to clear up the pollution. Most of northeast Thailand and Loas lie within the lower Mekong Basin. World: Rivers - Map Quiz Game: There are many rivers in the world, but none quite as impressive as the Amazon. https://www.touropia.com/most-important-rivers-in-the-world The Yarra river, or Yarra Yarra river, as it used to be known as served Melbourne and the greater Melbourne area before it empties into the Hobson’s bay at Port Phillip. As it flows southwest, it passes through the famous Grand Canyon which was carved by the river over millennia of the river flowing. If you are looking for beauty in nature, put this river on your bucket list. The water of this river descends over 1,270 meters from the highest point until it reaches the Coral Sea just north of Wonga Beach. There are a lot of things to explore, which needs a long planned vacation. It is the largest dam in the world (about 1 ½ miles in length and over 300 feet thick). The Kumano River along the Kii Peninsula in central Japan flows through Nara, Wakayama and Mie prefectures. A river is defined as "a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.". • List of drainage basins by area (including rivers, lakes, and endorheic basins) What it lacks in length is made up in heritage and touted as one of the most important rivers in human history. This flow all but stops around October where the freezing temperatures drop the river to around 5% of its annual flow. A list of the most important rivers in the world. Today, it helps provide irrigation, potable water and hydroelectricity to many areas in Russia. Clocking in as the second longest and second largest river basin in North America, the Mississippi river brings the next entry on the list. However beautiful, the biggest draw comes from the fishing community. Many forts, strongholds, and castles have been built over the last two millennia on the river Rhine, making it a national symbol of Germany and a vital waterway for trade, commerce, and sightseeing. These events include the Punic wars between Roman and Carthaginian forces, the home to one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Spain, and the alleged starting grounds for the Spanish Civil war in 1938, known as the Battle of the Ebro.