The 10 Longest Rivers

In the early years of human history, rivers were the key to survival. They provided a water source, which in turn could allow for agriculture and population growth. It is no surprise then, that some of the longest rivers in the world are also some of the most well-known. Whether it be Nile that allowed for the Egyptians to prosper or the Mississippi that assisted early America, rivers are very important. Here is a look at ten of the world's longest rivers.

1. Nile - This river is 4,132 miles long and flows through Africa, going through ten countries. It consists of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. It ends in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Amazon - Flowing through the jungles of South America, the Amazon River is 3,976 miles long. The river does not end until reaching the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for having the largest drainage basin in the world.

3. Yangtze - This river is the third longest in the world, traveling 3,917 miles through China and ending in the East China Sea. Its river basin is home to 1/3rd of China's population.

4. Mississippi- Missouri-Jefferson - This river is the only North American river in the top ten. It stretches 3,902 miles and trains from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

5. Yenisei-Angara-Selenga - This river flows through Russia and Mongolia and has a length of 3,445 miles.

6. Yellow River - The yellow river has a length of 3,395 miles. It is credited with being of the most important rivers in the history of China and its economy.

7. Ob-Irtysh - This 3,364 mile river flows through Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. It eventually flows into the Artic Ocean.

8. Parana - Rio de la Plata - This South American river flows mostly through Brazil, but also through Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay. It has a length of 3,030 miles.

9. Congo - The Congo River has a length of 2,920 miles. It is the world's second largest river in terms of volume. It is also referred to as the Zaire River.

10. Amur-Argun - A length of 2,763 miles, this river is the tenth longest in the world. It is the third of the top ten longest rivers to flow through China, Russia and/or Mongolia.

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