TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rivers are a vital part of our planet. They flow to provide water supply, food, transport, energy source, and even serve as habitats for other creatures. Among their many wonders, some rivers stand out for their remarkable length.
Most notably, the Nile is recognized as the longest river in the world. Stretching 6,650 km across 11 African countries, it uniquely flows northward from its southern sources, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
Let’s explore other rivers that share the distinction of being among the longest rivers in the world, according to various sources.
List of the Longest Rivers in the World
1. Nile - 6,650 km
Called the father of African rivers, the Nile is the longest river in the world. It boasts a length of 6,650 km and stretches across 11 countries, with three main tributaries being the Atbara, the Blue Nile, and the White Nile. Flowing northward through northeastern Africa, the Nile empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Amazon–Ucayali–Apurímac - 6,400 km
Not only is it the longest river in the world, the Amazon is also the largest by volume. With a discharge of around 209,000 cubic meters per second, it flows through its 6,400 km length, serving as a vital habitat for an immense diversity of wildlife. The Amazon runs through South America, originating from the headwaters of the Ucayali–Apurímac.
3. Yangtze - 6,300 km
The Yangtze is Asia’s longest river, stretching about 6,300 km and containing 40% of China’s freshwater resources. Its importance extends beyond its size as it plays a crucial role in supporting nearly a third of the nation’s population and driving its economy. The vast river is also home to a rich variety of biodiversity, though it has suffered from increasing human use and pollution.
4. Mississippi–Missouri–Red Rock - 5,971 km
The Mississippi forms the longest river network in North America, stretching 5,971 km through the United States. Starting from the Red Rock River in Montana and merging with the Missouri before joining the Mississippi, this system has long served as a
major route for commerce and transportation. But beyond its economic importance, the Mississippi also holds deep historical significance by appearing in American folklore, as Britannica highlights.
5. Yenisey–Baikal–Selenga - 5,540 km
Flowing north from Mongolia through Russia before emptying into the Arctic Ocean, the Yenisey is the fifth-longest river in the world. Its immense length is matched by its importance both for the people who rely on it and the biodiversity it sustains. WorldAtlas notes that the river serves as a lifeline for a large portion of Russia, where agriculture and fishing are the primary occupations for communities settled along its banks. It’s also home to 55 native fish species.
6. Huang He (Yellow) - 5,464 km
China’s second-longest river, the Yellow River flows 5,464 km from the Bayan Har Mountains to the Bohai Sea. Known as “Mother River,” it has supported agriculture and human settlement for thousands of years and is believed to be the birthplace of Chinese civilization.
Its name comes from the large amounts of loess sediment carried by its waters, giving the river a distinct yellow-brown color. When it overflows, it leaves behind these fine yellow sediments, which have shaped the surrounding landscape for centuries.
7. Ob–Irtysh - 5,410 km
Located in western Siberia, the Ob–Irtysh river system extends for 5,410 km, making it the seventh-longest river in the world. The Ob River merges with the Irtysh, which originates in China and flows through Kazakhstan before reaching Russia. The basin plays a vital role in regional transportation and energy production, to which it houses a string of high capacity hydroelectric power stations.
8. Paraná - 4,880 km
Flowing through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, the Paraná River spans about 4,880 km and is South America’s second-longest river system after the Amazon. It is essential for generating hydroelectric power and serves as a major waterway for transporting goods across the region. Paraná’s biodiversity is equally remarkable, with more than 300 fish species that not only enrich the river ecosystem but also support local economies through fishing and aquaculture.
9. Congo - 4,700 km
Measuring approximately 4,700 km with a maximum depth of about 220 meters, the Congo river is Africa’s second-longest and the world’s deepest river. Often described as the continent’s vast freshwater heart, the river also holds immense hydroelectric potential, though only a small portion has been developed. Most notable is at the Inga site, which remains the primary location where its powerful flow has been harnessed.
10. Amur–Argun - 4,444 km
Stretching 4,444 km, the Amur–Argun system ranks as the tenth-longest river in the world. Its headwaters originate in Russia (Siberia), Mongolia, and China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the river naturally forms part of the border between Russia and China.
When ice-free, the Amur becomes a vital hub for regional activity, with fishing serving as the chief economic livelihood for many communities. Its navigable waters also support several river ports, while the basin’s considerable hydroelectric potential continues to drive development across the region.
From the Nile’s historic passage through Africa to the icy stretches of the Amur–Argun, the longest rivers in the world shape landscapes, sustain ecosystems, and support millions of people who rely on them for water, food, transportation, and energy. Adding to that, a broader look at the natural landscape reveals that the largest lakes in the world present an equally impressive blend of size, history, and ecological importance.
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