Top 10 Longest Rivers in the World

Rivers have shaped human civilization and the natural landscape for millennia, providing water, food, transportation, and fertile land for agriculture. While rivers come in various sizes, the longest ones often span multiple countries and even continents, influencing diverse ecosystems and supporting vast human populations. This list ranks the top ten longest rivers in the world, detailing each river’s length, the countries it flows through, and key characteristics that make each one unique. This ranking is based on the total length of each river system, measured from the furthest source to the mouth. While some lengths may vary slightly due to natural changes and measurement differences, this list provides the best current estimates. These rivers represent the lifeblood of the regions they pass through, supporting rich biodiversity and human settlements.

Nile

Rank: 1

Length: 6650 km

The Nile River, stretching 6,650 kilometers, is the longest river in the world, winding through northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. With sources in the highlands of East Africa, primarily from Lake Victoria, the Nile flows through eleven countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda. This river is famous for its role in ancient Egyptian civilization, supporting agriculture in the region’s arid landscapes. Today, the Nile remains a vital resource for millions, providing water, fertile soil, and transportation routes.

Did you know? The Nile splits into two main tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which converge in Sudan's capital, Khartoum.

Amazon

Rank: 2

Length: 6400 km

The Amazon River, measuring around 6,400 kilometers, is the second-longest river globally but the largest by volume, accounting for approximately 20% of the Earth's freshwater discharge into the oceans. Originating in the Peruvian Andes, the Amazon flows eastward across the South American continent, draining into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon basin supports the world's most biodiverse rainforest, home to countless species, many of which are yet to be discovered.

Did you know? During the wet season, the Amazon River can expand up to 190 kilometers wide in certain areas.

Yangtze

Rank: 3

Length: 6300 km

China’s Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, spans 6,300 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. It is a central waterway for China, supporting agriculture, industry, and transportation. The Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, is situated along the Yangtze, providing power to millions of people. This river basin is historically significant, as it’s one of the cradles of Chinese civilization.

Did you know? The Yangtze River’s basin is home to nearly one-third of China’s population.

Mississippi-Missouri

Rank: 4

Length: 6275 km

The Mississippi-Missouri River System, North America’s longest river network, stretches over 6,275 kilometers, flowing from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Passing through several states, this river system has been essential for transportation, trade, and agriculture in the United States. Mark Twain’s iconic novels set on the Mississippi River captured its significance in American culture.

Did you know? The Mississippi-Missouri River system drains about one-eighth of North America’s landmass.

Yenisei-Angara

Rank: 5

Length: 5539 km

The Yenisei-Angara River system flows over 5,500 kilometers, traversing Russia and Mongolia and emptying into the Arctic Ocean. It begins in Mongolia and cuts through Siberia, providing a vital water source in this harsh region. Despite the extreme cold, this river supports a rich array of aquatic life and forms part of a crucial transportation network in Siberia.

Did you know? The Yenisei is one of the few rivers that flows northward toward the Arctic Ocean.

Yellow River (Huang He)

Rank: 6

Length: 5464 km

China’s Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, spans 5,464 kilometers, flowing from the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai to the Bohai Sea. Often called the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization," this river basin is one of the most historically significant regions in China. Its yellowish-brown silt, which gives the river its name, has nourished the lands along its banks for thousands of years.

Did you know? The Yellow River has frequently changed course due to natural sediment buildup and floods.

Ob-Irtysh

Rank: 7

Length: 5410 km

The Ob-Irtysh River system, stretching 5,410 kilometers, flows through Russia, Kazakhstan, and China, eventually reaching the Arctic Ocean. The Ob originates in the Altai Mountains, while the Irtysh River flows from China, converging with the Ob near Russia's Siberian plains. It serves as a critical resource for Siberia’s agriculture and industries, including fishing and transportation.

Did you know? The Ob-Irtysh basin is known for its harsh climate, with extremely cold winters and mild summers.

Paraná-Rio de la Plata

Rank: 8

Length: 4880 km

The Paraná River system, including the Rio de la Plata estuary, spans about 4,880 kilometers through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It supports agriculture, fishing, and hydropower, including the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants globally. The Paraná River has played a crucial role in the development and economy of South America.

Did you know? The Paraná is known for its vast wetland ecosystem, the Pantanal, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.

Congo

Rank: 9

Length: 4700 km

Africa’s Congo River stretches approximately 4,700 kilometers, flowing through the heart of the Congo Rainforest. It holds the record as the world’s deepest river and is the second-largest by volume, making it vital to the ecosystems and communities of Central Africa. The Congo River basin teems with wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants, and is essential for transportation in the region.

Did you know? The Congo River flows through both the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Amur

Rank: 10

Length: 4444 km

The Amur River, spanning 4,444 kilometers, forms much of the border between Russia and China. It flows from the mountains of northeastern China to the Sea of Okhotsk. The Amur River basin is rich in biodiversity, including Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. It serves as a natural boundary and a significant cultural symbol for both countries.

Did you know? The Amur River is one of the few rivers in the world where frozen sections can last up to six months of the year.