What is long river in the world

What is the longest river in the world?

The Amazon and Nile rivers at the centre of this centuries-old rivalry for the title of world’s longest river

THERE are about 165 major rivers in the world, some stretching for thousands of miles across continents.

But which river is the longest in the world? Here’s our run down of the lengthiest stretches of water across the globe.

What is the longest river in the world?

There is a long-term debate ongoing about what is the world’s longest river, with the Amazon and Nile rivers at the centre of this centuries-old rivalry.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the title is officially held by the River Nile, whose main source is Lake Victoria in east central Africa.

Measuring from its farthest stream in Burundi, the Nile stretches 4,160 miles in length.

The Nile’s waters are shared by eleven countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.

While the Nile flows into the Mediterranean, the Amazon flows into the South Atlantic Ocean.

Which of these is longer remains a matter of definition than simple measurement.

It was not until 1971 that the true source of the Amazon discovered by Loren McIntyre, who claimed the river originated in the snow-covered Andes of southern Peru.

The Amazon has several mouths, which widen towards the sea, so the exact point where the river ends is uncertain.

However, if the Par estuary (the most distant mouth) is acknowledged, the Amazon would measure approximately 4,195 miles in length – which would make the Amazon the longest in the world.

What are the other long rivers in the world?

Yangtze River

Mississippi/Missouri River:

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11 Longest Rivers In The World

For thousands of years, rivers have always been the source of humans need from mother nature. We use them for drinking water, irrigation in agriculture, and transportation. Not to mention how rivers can produce electricity through hydroelectric dams. Nowadays, we seek leisure activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating in some of the best rivers. Now the question is: what are longest rivers in the world?

Some rivers in the world can be thousands of kilometers long. Besides, some of them even flow through several countries. To come up with a list of the longest rivers in the world, we need to consider many factors, such as the headwaters or the origin of a river. Some large and long rivers, like Nile and Amazon, have several sources and many tributaries.

In some cases, the sources of the river are located in remote and inaccessible locations. That’s why the ranks of the longest rivers in the world may change in the future with the discovery of newer sources. In the meantime, here are the longest rivers in the world we’ve known so far.

Table of contents

Lena River (4,400 km ≈ 2,734 miles)

Being the third-longest river that flows totally within Russia, the Lena River opens our list of the longest rivers in the world. It’s 4,400 kilometers long (approximately 2,734 miles). And it’s the easternmost of the three great Siberian rivers – about six thousand miles from St. Petersburg – that flow into the Arctic Ocean.

Covered by ice during the winter, it originates in the Baikal Mountains at the height of around 1,640 meters, more than a thousand miles. That’s west of Lake Baikal and south of the Central Siberian Plateau. Lena River flows northeast to the Arctic Ocean and the Laptev Sea.

As a traveler, you can experience a pioneering adventure by embarking on the Lena River Cruise. Cruising along the Lena River allows you to enjoy the most breathtaking and pristine scenery. You’ll also meet local families living in remote villages and visit the Lena Pillars, a UNESCO site.

Lena River Cruise is only available four times during summer as the river freezes during the winter. Generally, the cruise trip takes 13 nights. This is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime trip through the vast Siberian land. That said, the river can be visited during winter as well. Join the Ice Fishing Tour in Yakutsk for hours of fun!

The Amur or Heilong Jiang River (4,444 km ≈ 2,761 miles)

The Amur – or Heilong Jiang in its native language – means Black Dragon River. It’s also known as Kharamuren by the Mongolians. The river flows 4,444 kilometers (approximately 2,761 miles) long. And it extends along the border of Heilongjiang Province in China and southeastern Siberia, Russia.

The Amur River is also one of the longest rivers in Asia. Its headwaters rise in the mountains of Russia, Mongolia, and Inner Mongolia. It flows from the Savana of Mongolia through the untamed wilderness of China and Rusia. The Amur ends at the Tatar Strait and empties into the Pacific Ocean.

The Heilong Jiang Province itself is a cold region in the farthest northeast China and famous for the Ice and Snow Festival. Its culture is mainly influenced by Russian customs, lifestyle, and traditions.

Congo River (4,700 km ≈ 2,920 miles)

Next on our list of the longest rivers in the world is the Congo River. This one is a comprehensive course of water that provides food, water, transport, and medicine to about 75 million people along the basin. With a length of 4,700 kilometers (approximately 2,920 miles), it flows through nine countries in West Central Africa, making it the ninth-longest river in the world.

Formerly known as the Zaire River, The Congo is Africa’s second-longest river after the Nile. Its drainage basin takes in almost the entire territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The river also crosses the Republic of the Congo, eastern Zambia, Northern Angola, and the Central African Republic, besides some parts of Cameroon and Tanzania.

Not only is it one of the longest rivers in the world, but the Congo River also holds the record as the deepest river on earth at 720 feet (220 meters). What’s more, the Congo River flows from eastern Africa through the Congo rainforest to the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it crosses the equator twice!

Paraná River (4,880 km ≈ 3,032 miles)

Have you ever wondered what are longest rivers in the world that flow in South America other than Amazon? ParanГЎ River, also known as Rio ParanГЎ, is the second-longest river in South America after the Amazon. The river is 4,880 kilometers (around 3,032 miles) long. Its source lies in southern Brazil. And it flows further down through Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

The name ParanГЎ comes from the Tupi language to abbreviate the phrase “para rehe onГЎva,” which means ‘like the sea.’ It refers to the river’s size, which is as big as the sea to the people’s eyes. The river has about 2,8 million square kilometers of drainage basin, making it the second-largest on the continent.

The ParanГЎ River ecosystem supports diverse animals and flowers, including endangered species like jaguars. It’s also home to migratory fishes, such as catfish, piranhas, and the Atlantic saber-tooth anchovy. Is it one of the most beautiful places in Brazil?

Ob-Irtysh River (5,410 km ≈ 3,193 miles)

If you want to know what are longest rivers in the world that end in the Arctic Ocean, one of them is the Ob-Irtysh River. The Ob-Irtysh is also known as the Irtysh River or Ertis in Kazakh. It’s formed out of two rivers, the Ob and Irtysh Rivers which headwaters are in the highland on the borders of Mongolia.

The Ob-Irtysh River extends about 5,410 kilometers (around 3,193 miles) from the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. It’s the seventh-largest river in the world that stretches through Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia. In fact, some of the top things to do in Mongolia lie near this river.

Its basin covers around 2,9 million square kilometers and mainly lies within Russia. Most of the waterways are frozen nearly all year long. While not frozen, it’s primarily used for transportation. The river basin stretches across grassland, semi-desert areas, hills, plains, and coniferous forests.

Yellow River (5,464 km ≈ 3,395 miles)

Next on our list of the longest rivers in the world is the Yellow River. Yellow River is also known as Huang He and also called Mother River. It’s originating on the Tibetan Plateau in the southern Qinghai province and passes over six other provinces and two autonomous. The river is the principal river of northern China and eastern and east-central Asia.

Its 750,000 square kilometers drainage basin is the third-largest in China, also considered the support of Chinese civilization for thousands of years. With a total length of 5,464 kilometers (approximately 3,395 miles), it is the sixth-longest river on the earth. It’s also the second-longest river in China after the Yangtze River.

Yellow River is also the world’s muddiest major river because of its slow and sluggish course. The river got the name because it contains vast amounts of loess sediment. You’ll find some top attractions around the Yellow River. These include Hukou Waterfall, ancient cities, Loess Plateau, and forest parks.

Yenisei River (5,539 km ≈ 3,341 miles)

Yenisei River is 5,539 kilometers (around 3,341 miles) long, making it the fifth-longest river in the world. Also, it’s one of the longest rivers in Asia and the largest river to drain into the part of the Arctic Ocean. So, when asked what are longest rivers in the world, the Yenisei River is one of the correct answers.

The Yenisei is a river in central Rusia that flows mainly in Central Siberia and empties into the Kara Sea. The city of Yenisei has various landscapes along the river, from valleys, mountains to the Arctic tundra. Unlike other rivers, you’ll find expedition cruises on this Siberian river. Travelers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime expedition trip cruise, including the Krasnoyarsk: Tour with Private Guide.

The river is an excellent source of hydroelectric power and fish, including salmon and sturgeon. Meanwhile, Lake Baikal is Yenisei River’s significant upper part of its basin. The lake is one of the deepest and oldest lakes in the world, also home to some plant and animal endemism.

Mississippi-Missouri-Jefferson River (6,274 km ≈ 3,898 miles)

We’ve reached the fourth-longest river in the world, the Mississippi River. Located in North America, the Mississippi River is 6,274 kilometers (around 3,898 miles) long. It flows through ten US states and two Canadian provinces.

Comprising of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Jefferson rivers, the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River is the longest in the US. The Mississippi River itself is the second-longest in the country. The Missouri River comes across the Mississippi River near St. Louis – which makes the best view of some of the most romantic hotels in this city – and then joins the Jefferson River in Montana. As a result, these three rivers are grouped and become the fourth-longest river system in the world.

Mississippi River is home to a diversity of animals, including 25% of North American fish species. At least 326 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and 145 species of amphibians inhabit this river.

Yangtze River (6,300 km ≈ 3,914 miles)

The Yangtze River, also known as Chang Jiang, is the third-longest river in the world and the longest in Asia. It flows 6,300 kilometers (around 3,914 miles) long across China, making it the longest river in China. Its length also makes it the longest river that flows entirely within a country. How’s that for the third on our list of the longest rivers in the world?

Yangtze River has become essential to China’s civilization and houses one-third population in this country. It’s also the busiest river in the world and the home of the Three Gorges Dam, the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world.

This river has more hundreds of tributaries. Meanwhile, the river source is on the Tibetan Plateau glaciers in the mountains of Qinghai Province, China. The headwaters come from the Dam Qu tributary in Jari Hill, and the river empties into the East China Sea. In Forest of Stele Museum, Xi’an, you get to see the river’s flood control project.

Amazon River (6,400 km ≈ 3,976 miles)

It should come as no surprise that the Amazon River is number two on the list of the longest rivers in the world. This longest river in South America flows 6,400 kilometers (around 3,976 miles) long. Not only is it the longest, but the Amazon River is also the largest river in the world by water flow. Its water flow stream is greater than the seven largest rivers combined.

The Amazon River flows through several countries, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela. In some studies, it’s believed that the origin of the Amazon can be traced to the Cordillera Rumi Cruz, north of Lima, on the glacial stream in Peruvian Andes.

As the largest river delta on earth, the Amazon River provides 20% of the ocean’s freshwater supply. It has countless tributaries that become home to hundreds of amphibians and thousands of fish. Amazon River is also home to famous animals, such as anacondas, piranhas, sloths, river dolphins, and many more. Witness them by joining the 8-hour Amazonas Jungle Treck.

Niles River (6,650 km ≈ 4,132 miles)

Even without reading this list, when people think about what are longest rivers in the world, the Niles River usually comes to mind. Niles River, also called the father of African rivers, has a total length of 6,650 kilometers (around 4,132 miles). It’s known as Baḥr Al-Nīl or Nahr Al-Nīl in Arabic. The river is also the longest in Africa. But did you know that it’s one of the smallest rivers by water flow?

The two most important tributaries of the river are the Blue and White Nile. The Niles River flows over eleven countries. It flows all the way through Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. It empties into the Mediterranian Sea.

In Egypt, some of the best hotels in Cairo near the pyramids offer magnificent views of this river. As one of the longest and largest rivers, the Nile has several sources of water. Also, it consists of large and small tributaries. Nile River has become the primary source of fresh water in ancient Egyptian dynasties and a source of irrigation. It’s the main source of water in Egypt and Sudan, also an important economic driver that supports agriculture and fishing.

Things You Should Know on What are Longest Rivers in the World

Author: Peter S

A travel blogger and the founder of WOW Travel, Peter is a crazy dreamer with an insatiable desire for adventure who could never settle for an ordinary life or conform with the norm. After visiting more than 50 countries, he aims to travel with a purpose and inspire people to do the same.

The Longest Rivers In The World

1. Nile River – 6,650km

Aerial view of the sunset over the River Nile in Cairo, Egypt.

2. Amazon River – 6,400km

The Amazon River in Brazil.

The 6,400km long Amazon River, which drains about 40% of the continent of South America, is considered the world’s second-longest river and the largest in South America. It is also the world’s largest river in terms of discharge volume, having an average discharge of about 209,103 cubic meters per second. A peer-reviewed publication in 2014 revealed that the headwaters of the Mantaro River, which rises in Peru’s Cordillera Rumi Cruz, be considered the origin of the Amazon River. The waters of the Mantaro River then join the waters of the Apurimac River, which is further joined by various other tributaries downstream to form the Ucayali River. The Ucayali River then merges with the Maranon River to form the Amazon River’s main stem. The Amazon River finally drains into the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Brazilian city of Belem. The Amazon River Basin covers about 7,050,000 sq. km, and its entire watershed spans the South American nations of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, and Venezuela.

3. Yangtze River – 6,300km

Qutang Gorge and Yangtze River in Baidicheng, Chongqing, China.

The 6,300km long Yangtze River, which drains about one-fifth of China’s land area, is considered the world’s third longest river and the longest river in the People’s Republic of China and the continent of Asia. The mighty Yangtze River originates at Jari Hill, located at an elevation of 5,710m in the Tanggula Mountains. Considered the world’s longest river that flows entirely within the boundaries of a single country, over 700 tributaries join the Yangtze River throughout its entire course. Finally, it drains into the East China Sea close to the city of Shanghai. The Yangtze River Basin covers about 1,808,500 sq. km and is the world’s seventh-largest river in terms of discharge volume, with an average discharge volume of 30,166 cubic meters per second. The Yangtze River flows through the eleven Chinese provinces, namely Anhui, Chongqing, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Qinghai, Sichuan, Shanghai, Tibet, and Yunnan.

4. Mississippi/Missouri River – 6,275km

Aerial view of Mississippi River snaking around farmlands in Louisiana.

The Mississippi-Missouri-Jefferson River system is considered the fourth-longest river in the world. The Mississippi River, which is North America’s second-longest river, measures 3,770km from its origin in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico’s Mississippi River Delta. North America’s longest river – the Missouri River, measures 3,767km from its source in the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the lower Mississippi River. The Mississippi-Missouri-Jefferson River System drains 32 US States and 2 Canadian provinces.

5. Yenisey-Angara-Selenga River – 5,539km

The Yenisei River flows through a picturesque valley.

The Yenisey-Angara-Selenga River system is considered the world’s fifth-longest river and the largest that empties into the Arctic Ocean. The 992km long Selenga River is the headwater of the Yenisey-Angara River system and empties into Lake Baikal. The headwater tributary of Yenisey River – the Angara River, originates from Lake Baikal close to the urban settlement of Listvyanka and then flows northwards through the cities of Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast before merging with the Yenisey River close to Strelka. The Yenisey River originates in Mongolia’s Mungaragiyn-gol and flows northward through a large portion of Siberia before draining via the Yenisei Gulf into the Kara Sea of the Arctic Ocean.

6. Yellow River – 5,464km

Lanzhou city on the other side of the Yellow River, Gansu Province, China.

Also referred to as Huang He, the 5,464km long Yellow River is the world’s sixth-longest river and China’s second-longest river. The Yellow River originates from the Bayan Har Mountains close to the eastern tip of the Qinghai province’s Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It then flows across the vast North China Plain before emptying into the Gulf of Bohai. The Yellow River Basin drains an area of 752,546 sq. km flowing through seven Chinese provinces and two autonomous regions. The Yellow River has an average discharge volume of 2,571 cubic meters per second.

7. Ob-Irtysh River – 5,410km

The Novosibirsk Hydroelectric power plant is a hydroelectric power station on the Ob river in the Soviet district of the city of Novosibirsk.

The Ob-Irtysh River system is considered the world’s seventh-longest river. The Ob River rises at the meeting point of the Biya and Katun rivers in the Altai Mountains. At about 69° East longitude, the Orb River is joined by the large Irtysh River. The river ultimately drains via the Gulf of Ob into the Kara Sea of the Arctic Ocean. The combined Ob-Irtysh River system drains an area of 2,990,000 sq. km.

View of the skyline of Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Rio de la Plata.

The Rio de La Plata-Parana-Rio Grande River system is considered the world’s eighth-longest river. The Parana River originates at the meeting point of the Rio Grande and Paranaiba rivers in the southern part of Brazil. The river then joins the Paraguay River and the Uruguay River and forms the Rio de la Plata River, which finally drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The Rio de La Plata-Parana-Rio Grande River system drains an area of 2,582,672 sq. km.

9. Congo-Chambeshi River System – 4,700km

A small village in green hills at Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

The Congo-Chambeshi River system is considered the world’s ninth-longest river. The Congo River is Africa’s second-longest river and the world’s second-largest river in terms of discharge volume. The Chambeshi River, which is the Congo River’s most remote headstream, originates high in the mountains at an elevation of 1,760m, close to Lake Tanganyika. The river then flows into the Bangweulu Swamps, from which it flows out as the Luapula River. The Chambeshi River is actually a tributary of the 1,800km long Lualaba River, which is the Congo River’s biggest headstream by water volume. The Congo Basin drains an area of 4,000,000 sq. km accounting for about 13% of the entire landmass of the African continent and covers portions of nine African nations, including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

10. Amur-Argun-Kherlen River System – 4,444km

Sunset on the embankment of the Amur River in Khabarovsk, Russia. Editorial credit: Dmitrii Rud / Shutterstock.com

The Amur-Argun-Kherlen River system is considered the world’s tenth longest river. Also referred to as Heilong Jiang, the 2,824 km long Amur River originates at the meeting point of the Argun and Shilka Rivers in the western portion of Northeast China. The river forms a boundary between Southeast Siberia and Northeastern China. The Amur River drains an area of 1,855,000 sq. km and has an average discharge volume of 11,400 cubic meters per second. Together with the Amur River, the 1,620km long Argun River forms a portion of the eastern boundary between China and Russia. Originating on the southern slopes of the Khentii Mountains, the 1,254km long Kherlen River flows in the eastern direction, eventually draining into Hulun Lake, the waters of which finally meet the Argun River.

The above article discusses the ten longest rivers in the world. Out of these ten long rivers, two long rivers are from Africa, two from South America, one from North America, and five from Asia. As seen in the above discussion, a majority of the world’s major cities are located along the shores of a river and use the waters of the river as a source of drinking water, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and for various recreational activities.

15 Longest Rivers In The World By Length

There are three factors on which the researchers have listed the rivers namely length, drainage area, and the river’s average discharge. For billions of years, these rivers are flowing and have seen many civilization and empires rise and fall. Rivers can also be considered as nature beautiful creation where billions of waters flowing through the land and moving towards the sea. Below are the 15 longest rivers in the world,

Longest River In The World

1. Nile River- 6,650 km (4,132 miles)

It is one of the major rivers of North-East Africa. The river has a length of 6,650 km which makes it the longest river in the world. The water of the Nile River is shared by 11 countries namely Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt. One of the most famous rivers in the world, located in Africa has been formed by two major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

The Ancient Egyptian civilization was totally dependent on the Nile for food and drinking water. Also, Egypt has minimal rainfalls across the world, so the people are dependent on yearly floods that were caused by the heavy rainfall in Ethiopia because it supplies thick rich mud ideal for the cultivation of crops.

2. Amazon River- 6,400 km (3,976 miles)

The Amazon River has the length of 6,400 km that makes it the second-longest river in the world. The river is also one of the widest in the world. The river starts in South America and ends in the Atlantic Ocean. The river is so much power that it discharges 8 trillion of water from its mouth every day. Amazon ecosystem is also stated as ‘larger than life’ and it the most expansive rainforest in the world. The river is known for its fresh water, biodiversity and indispensable oxygen, However, 15 million years ago, It is believed that the Amazon River used to flow in the opposite direction.

Later, it took approximately 5 million years for freshwater lakes to be formed and the river to find its outlet in an ocean. Now it the world second largest river in the world pouring 12,540,000 cubic meters of water every minute. You will also find interesting reading about the fact about rivers.

3. Yangtze River- 6,300 km (3,917 miles)

It is also called Chang Jiang. The rivers cover about 6,418 kilometers while it goes into the East China Sea at Shanghai. It originates from the glaciers of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Qinghai. The Yangtze River is the largest in the longest river in China and home to approximately one-third population of the country.

Though it is listed as the third largest river in the world after Nile and Amazon it is the longest in the world to flow entirely within one country. The river is discharging at over 30,000 cubic meters (1,059,440 cubic feet) a second making it the sixth largest river in the world by the volume of water is discharged. The third largest river in the world rises in in Tanggula Mountain and flows through the eastwards and pours itself into the East China Sea. The river flows across Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai from west to east.

4. Mississippi River- 6,275 km (3,902 miles)

The river is the chief source of the largest river system in North America. The river covers around 4,070 km. It flows entirely in the United States. The drainage basins of the river also reach Canada. The rivers pass through the borders of Minnesota, Lowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The river has many tributaries and it is also rated as the fourth longest and tenth largest river in the world. These facts make it one of the most famous and longest rivers in the world.

The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers combined to form the longest river system in the USA and North America. The widest point of the river is over 11 kilometres in width. The river has its deepest spot in New Orleans near Algiers Point which is approximately 61 meters, however, the whole river can be divided into three sections the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. From the Upper Mississippi the river from its headwaters to the confluence with the Missouri River, later on, the Middle Mississippi is considered as downriver from Missouri to the Ohio River and finally the Lower Mississippi that flows from Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico.

5.Yenisei River- 5,539km (3,445 miles)

The Yenisei can also be written as Yenisey. The river rises in Mongolia then flows through Russia and finally drains into the Kara Sea. It is the largest part of the Siberian Rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean making it one of the longest river in the world. The river tributaries include the Lower Tunguska, the Angara River and the Tunguska River and it flows through the city of Krasnoyarsk.

The ancient nomadic tribes lived on the banks of the Yenisei that includes the Yugh people, the Ket people, the Kotts, Asians and Arians. The average depth of the river os 14 metres, however, at certain places it is as deep as 24 metres. Also, read about incredible natural swimming pools in the world.

6. Yellow River- 5,464km (3,395 miles)

It is the third longest river in Asia. It flows around 5,464 kilometres before it drains into the Bohai Sea near the city of Dongying in Shandong province. The river additionally known as Huang is listed as the second longest river in China after the Yangtze River with a length of 5,464 kilometres. It is originating from the Bayankala Mountains in Qinghai province in western China and flows through the 9 provinces of China and empties into the Bohai Sea.

The headwater of the yellow river originates at an elevation of 4,500 meters. It is named yellow because of the huge amount of sediments that turn water yellow. It is quite slow and sluggish along most of its course and therefore known as the world’s muddiest major river that discharges three times the sediment of the Mississippi River.

7. Ob River- 5,410km (3,364 miles)

It is one of the most important rivers in western Siberia, Russia. It is also the junction of the Katun and Biya rivers. It is the westernmost of the three great Siberian Rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean. The other two the Yenisei River and the Lena River. If we see them together they are one of the longest rivers in the world.

It is formed from the junction of the Biya and Katun rivers and later joined by the Tom River in the western lowlands of Siberia. The river splits into more than one arm after joining the large Irtysh tributary. The source of the Irtysh to the mounth of the Ob river, the river flows is the longest in Russia at 5,410 km.

8. Parana River- 4,880km (3,030 miles)

The source of the river is in South America. It flows through the three countries namely Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. If we consider the length it is the second largest river in South America and one of the longest rivers in the world. The river takes a course of 3,032 miles (4,880 km) till it joins the Uruguay River to form the extensive Río de la Plata estuary of the Atlantic Ocean.

The river drainage basin is one of the largest with an area of about 1,081,000 square miles (2,800,000 square km) that includes the area of Paraguay, southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina and southeastern Bolivia. The upper course of the river is known for its three tributaries, namely the Tiete, the Paranapanema, and the Iguacu and all these three tributaries have their sources near the Atlantic coast in southeastern Brazil.

9. Congo River- 4,700km (2,922 miles)

The river originates in Africa. Along with the 9th longest river in the world. The river along with its whole tributaries flows along the Congo rainforest which is the second rainforest after Amazon Rainforest. In the past, it is also known as Zaire River. It is also the third largest river in the world by volume of water discharged. Nature has given many beautiful lakes around the world.

The river is the main source of transportation in Central Africa. The Congo River is the extremely powerful river in Africa with an average of 41,000 cubic meters flows into the Atlantic ocean every second from the river. It is also listed as the deepest river in the world with a depth of over 230 meters. Additionally known as Zaire River has got its name from the ancient Kongo Kingdom who lived across the mouth of the river. Th source of the river is in the mountains and highlands of the East African Rift including Lake Tanganyika and Lake Mweru.

10. Amur River- 4,444km (2,763 miles)

It is the border between the Russian Far East and Northeastern China and one of the longest river in the world. It is also known as Heilong Jiang. The river flows east forming the border between the Russian Far East and Northeastern China after that it will create a great arc towards the southeast where it will add many tributaries and passes through many small towns. The river is formed by the junction of Shilka River and the Argun River.

The former rises in rises in the Russian Federation and later in the Argun River. The main tributaries are the Sungari River and the Ussuri River that also forms part of the Manchurian-Siberian border. The drainage basin of the river is approximately 1,844,000 sq km that includes its 200 tributaries and has the tenth largest river basin in the world.

11. Lena River- 4,400 km (2,736 miles)

Lena River is the easternmost river of the three great Siberian rivers that flows into the Arctic Ocean. The other two rivers are Ob’ and the Yenisey. If we talk of the length it is the 11th longest river in the world. The annual discharge of the river is around 588 cubic kilometres per year. The longest river that flows into the Russian Federation. The source of the mountain is Baikal Mountains, south of the Central Siberian Plateau and river empties into the Laptev Sea, an area of the Arctic Ocean, in the northeast of the Russian Federation.

12. Mekong River- 4,350 km (2,705 miles)

The world’s 12th longest river in the world situated in Southeast Asia with an estimated length of 4,350 km (2,703 mi). The annual discharge of the water 475 km3 of water annually. Starting from the Tibetan Plateau, the river runs from China’s Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In China, a river is known as Lancang Jiang, whilst in Thailand and in Laos it is called Mae Kong or Mae Nam Kong, both meaning “mother water”.

13. Mackenzie–Slave–Peace–Finlay- 4,241 km (2,637 miles)

Also known as Mackenzie River is one of the longest rivers in the world and the longest river system in Canada with an estimated length of 4,241 km (2,637 miles). The river flows through the vast region of forest and tundra entirely within the Canadian Northwest Territories along with other tributaries flowing through other parts of Canada. The mainstream of the river of length 1,738 kilometres that flow from Great Slave Lake into the Arctic Ocean.

14. Niger River- 4,200 km (2,611 miles)

Western Africa’s major river flows from south-eastern Guinea to Nigeria and later to the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of New Guinea. The source of the river is the Guinea Highlands. One of the longest rivers in the world with a length of 4,200 km (2,611 miles) with its main tributaries includes Sokoto River, Kaduna River, Benue River, and Bani River. One of the largest dams built on the river is the Kainji Dam which provides electricity and helps to control flooding.

15. Brahmaputra–Tsangpo- 3,848 km (2,391 miles)

One of the major rivers in Asia that flows through three countries China, India and Bangladesh has an estimated length of 3,848 km (2,391 miles). The river has its origins in the young Himalayan range through the Tibet and India and finally merges with the sea in Bangladesh by opening its streams like the roots of a large Banyan tree. The Chinese name of the river is Tsangpo.

These are the 15 longest rivers in th world. Do post your comments.

10 Longest Rivers In The World

If you’ve always been wondering what’s the longest river in the world? Well, we’re here to help. Here’s a comprehensive list of the all the longest rivers in the world including the longest of them all, the Nile River.

The Longest Rivers in the World

1. Nile River, North-East Africa – 6,650 km (4,132 miles). Its water resources are shared by eleven countries, namely, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.In particular, the Nile is the primary water resource and life artery for Egypt and Sudan

Nile river at Cairo, Egypt

2. Amazon River, South America – 6,400 km (3,976 miles). Its the second longest river in the world and is by far the largest by water flow with an average discharge greater than the next seven largest rivers combined. The Amazon flows in the following countries: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana.

10 Longest Rivers In The World: The Amazon

3. Yangtze River, China – 6,300 km (3,917 miles). The longest river in Asia

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Yangtze River

4. Mississippi – Missouri – Jefferson, North America – 6,275 km (3,902 miles). The Mississippi flows mainly in the United States (98.5%) and the rest in Canada (1.5%). It flows towards the Gulf of Mexico

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Mississippi River

5. Yenisei – Angara – Selenge, Asia – 5,539km (3,445 miles). Flows mainly in Russia (97%) and the rest in Mongolia. The largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. Rising in Mongolia, it follows into Russia and drains in the Kara Sea.

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Yenisei River

6. Yellow River, China – 5,464km (3,395 miles) Also known as Huang He, it is the second-longest river in Asia after the Yangtze.

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Yellow River, China

7. Ob – Irtysh, Asia – 5,410km (3,364 miles), It flows in the following countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia.

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Ob River, China

8. Paraná – Río de la Plata, South America – 4,880km (3,030 miles). Flows in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay.

10 Longest Rivers In The World:Parana River

9. Congo – Chambeshi, Africa – 4,700km (2,922 miles) – The world’s deepest river with measured depths in excess of 220 m (720 ft). It is the third largest river in the world by volume of water discharged.

10 Longest Rivers In The World: Congo River

10. Amur – Argun, Asia – 4,444km (2,763 miles). The river forms the border between the Russian Far East and Northeastern China.