Longest River

The longest river in the world is the Nile. It is located in Africa and is 6,695 km long. That is about 4,160 miles. Its drainage area is 1,170,000 square miles. The flow at the mouth is 1,584 cubic meters per second.

Overview of the Nile

The Nile winds along the Africa northeastern coast. It flows through Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi. The Nile also crosses Sudan, Kenya, Egypt and other African nations. It is one of the most important rivers in the world. The role it played in the development of the Egyptian civilization is well known. However, it has also been instrumental in other civilizations.

Tributaries

The longest river in the world has numerous tributaries. Many of them make up two large trunks, the White and Blue Nile. The main Nile River is formed as the branches meet up at Sudan. The water is drained along a delta at the Mediterranean coastline. The dimensions are such that they are visible from satellite images. It can also be seen from space.

The Nile and Egypt

When the Nile is mentioned, Egypt usually comes to mind. It has been the center of Egyptian life since 4,000 BCE. The Nile was used by the Egyptians for irrigating their crops. The fish in the Nile also served as food for the people.

The Nile was also employed for trading sea vessels. It is no wonder that the Egyptians called it Iteru, the “Great River”. Its current name came from the Greeks who called it neilos, “river valley”. Many of the ancient Egyptian artifacts are located close to the Nile.

Importance of the Nile for People and Animals

The Nile has played a pivotal role in many civilizations. As the Nile drains through Africa’s eastern corner, it provides irrigation for crops. The river also provides water for animals to drink. It functions as a navigational route for people. The river also acts as shelter for fish and other marine life.

Scientists are now studying the Nile to determine if it is suffering from overuse. Other concerns are crop pesticides and pollution.
Until the construction of the Aswan Dam, the Nile’s rise and fall was vital to Egypt’s economy. However, the building of the Aswan Dam has made it possible to manage the flooding.

The longest river in the world is also one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions. Its natural beauty and the vital role it has played in history are the reasons why people flock to it.