Important Rivers of the World

Rivers are flowing bodies of water that drain into seas, lakes or other rivers. The world's great rivers support cities, farming and trade. Their length, source and location are frequently asked in world geography and static GK sections.

The Nile and the Amazon

• The Nile in Africa is generally called the longest river in the world.
• The Amazon in South America carries the most water of any river.
• The Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

Major Asian Rivers

• Yangtze - the longest river in Asia, in China.
• Yellow River (Huang He) - called China's sorrow due to floods.
• Mekong - flows through several South-East Asian countries.

Major Rivers of Other Continents

• Mississippi-Missouri - the longest river system in North America.
• Volga - the longest river in Europe, in Russia.
• Danube - flows through many European countries.

Importance of Rivers

• They provide water for drinking and irrigation.
• Many great cities grew along river banks.
• Rivers are used for transport and hydel power.

Quick Revision Points

• The Nile is the longest river in the world.
• The Amazon carries the most water.
• The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia.
• The Yellow River is called China's sorrow.
• The Volga is the longest river in Europe.
• The Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Mississippi-Missouri is North America's longest system.