Explore the location of all the major and the longest rivers of the world through this river map of the World. Rivers are vital to Earth's ecosystem, providing water, food, and transportation for billions of people worldwide. The Amazon River, the world's largest by discharge, releases over 209,000 cubic meters of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean. The Nile, spanning 4,135 miles, is the longest river, flowing through northeastern Africa and serving as a lifeline for Egypt and Sudan. The Yangtze River, Asia's longest at 3,917 miles, supports over 400 million people. Globally, rivers are crucial for agriculture, industry, and drinking water, sustaining both human life and the environment.
Explore the world map to see the path of all major rivers flowing all across the Earth.
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Facts About World Rivers
S.N.
Fact
Details
1
Longest River in the World
The Nile River in Africa is the longest river in the world, measuring about 6,650 km (4,130 miles). It flows through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
2
Second Longest River in the World
The Amazon River in South America is the second longest river, with a length of about 6,400 km (3,976 miles). It has the largest drainage basin in the world and discharges more water than any other river.
3
Shortest River in the World
The Roe River in Montana, USA, is considered the shortest river in the world, measuring just 61 meters (200 feet) in length. It flows from Giant Springs into the Missouri River.
4
Largest River by Discharge
The Amazon River discharges the most water in the world, with an average discharge of approximately 209,000 cubic meters per second, which is greater than the next seven largest rivers combined.
5
Longest River in Asia
The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in Asia, measuring about 6,300 km (3,917 miles). It flows entirely within China and is crucial for agriculture, transport, and power generation.
6
River with the Largest Drainage Basin
The Amazon River has the largest drainage basin in the world, covering an area of approximately 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles).
7
Deepest River in the World
The Congo River in Africa is the deepest river in the world, with depths reaching over 220 meters (720 feet) in some areas.
8
Longest River in North America
The Mississippi-Missouri River System in the United States is the longest river system in North America, stretching about 6,275 km (3,902 miles).
9
Longest River in Europe
The Volga River in Russia is the longest river in Europe, measuring 3,530 km (2,193 miles). It plays a crucial role in transportation, water supply, and hydroelectric power in Russia.
10
World's Most Polluted River
The Ganges River in India is considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world due to industrial waste, sewage, and religious offerings.
11
Largest River Island
Majuli Island, located in the Brahmaputra River in India, is the largest river island in the world, covering an area of about 880 square kilometers (340 square miles).
12
Fastest Flowing River
The Amazon River is also known for having the fastest flow rate of any river, particularly during the rainy season, when its velocity can exceed 7 kilometers per hour.
13
Longest River in Australia
The Murray-Darling River System is the longest river system in Australia, with a total length of 3,672 km (2,282 miles). It is vital for agriculture in the southeastern part of the country.
14
Oldest River
The Finke River in Australia is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, estimated to be over 300 million years old.
15
River with the Most Dams
The Yangtze River in China has the most dams, including the Three Gorges Dam, which is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world.
16
Longest River in the United Kingdom
The River Severn, measuring 354 km (220 miles), is the longest river in the United Kingdom. It flows through Wales and England before reaching the Bristol Channel.
17
Most Crossed International Boundaries
The Danube River flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. It passes through Germany, Austria, Hungary, and seven other countries before emptying into the Black Sea.
18
World’s Largest Delta
The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, also known as the Sundarbans, is the largest delta in the world, covering an area of about 105,000 square kilometers (40,540 square miles) in India and Bangladesh.
19
Most Sacred River
The Ganges River is considered the most sacred river in Hinduism. Millions of Hindus perform religious rituals along its banks, especially in Varanasi, India.
20
River with the Most Species Diversity
The Amazon River has the highest biodiversity of any river in the world, home to over 3,000 species of fish, including the famous piranhas and pink river dolphins.
Major Rivers from the different Parts of the World
Rivers are among the most critical natural resources on Earth, shaping landscapes, sustaining ecosystems, and supporting human civilizations for millennia. They serve as the lifeblood of many communities, providing water for drinking, agriculture, industry, and transportation. The significance of rivers extends beyond their practical uses; they hold cultural, economic, and environmental importance worldwide.
The Amazon River: The World's Largest by Volume
The Amazon River, located in South America, is the largest river in the world by discharge volume, releasing more than 209,000 cubic meters of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching over 4,000 miles, the Amazon is also one of the longest rivers, rivaling the Nile. The Amazon basin, which covers around 2.7 million square miles, is home to the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, a region known for its unparalleled biodiversity. The river itself is a vital artery for the region’s indigenous populations and wildlife, supporting thousands of species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet.
The Nile: The Longest River in the World
Flowing over 4,135 miles, the Nile River is the longest river in the world, traversing eleven countries in northeastern Africa, including Egypt and Sudan. The river has been the cornerstone of Egyptian civilization for thousands of years, providing the necessary water for agriculture in an otherwise arid region. The Nile's annual flooding deposits nutrient-rich silt onto the surrounding lands, making them fertile for crops. The Aswan High Dam, constructed in the 1960s, now controls the river’s flow, providing hydroelectric power and regulating water supply, though it has also altered the natural ecosystem.
The Yangtze River: The Lifeline of China
The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia, stretching 3,917 miles across China from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. It is the third-longest river in the world and plays a crucial role in China’s economy and culture. The Yangtze River basin is home to over 400 million people, roughly one-third of China's population. The river provides water for agriculture, drinking, and industry, and it serves as a major transportation route. The Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, is located on the Yangtze, reflecting the river’s significance in China’s modern development.
The Mississippi River: America’s Great River
The Mississippi River, at 2,340 miles, is the second-longest river in North America, flowing from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi and its tributaries drain 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, covering about 1.2 million square miles. The river has played a vital role in American history, serving as a key route for transportation, commerce, and expansion. It remains a critical waterway for the agricultural and industrial sectors in the United States, transporting millions of tons of goods each year. However, the river is also prone to flooding, with the Great Flood of 1927 being one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.
The Ganges: The Sacred River of India
The Ganges River, stretching over 1,569 miles, is not only one of the most important rivers in India but also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Originating from the Himalayas, the river flows through the northern plains of India and into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges basin supports over 400 million people, making it one of the most densely populated river basins in the world. The river is revered in Hinduism, with millions of pilgrims visiting its banks for ritual bathing, which is believed to cleanse sins. However, the Ganges faces severe pollution challenges, threatening both its ecological health and the communities that depend on it.
The Danube: Europe’s Second-Longest River
The Danube River, at approximately 1,770 miles, is the second-longest river in Europe, flowing through ten countries from Germany to the Black Sea. The river has been a vital waterway for trade and transportation throughout European history, linking Western and Eastern Europe. The Danube basin is home to more than 83 million people and includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites along its course. The river’s ecological diversity is notable, with the Danube Delta being one of the most biodiverse regions in Europe. However, the river faces environmental pressures from pollution, dam construction, and navigation projects.
The Mekong: Southeast Asia’s Lifeblood
The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing 2,703 miles from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. The Mekong basin supports around 60 million people who rely on the river for fishing, agriculture, and transportation. The river is known for its rich biodiversity, second only to the Amazon. However, the Mekong faces significant challenges, including dam construction, climate change, and overfishing, which threaten the livelihoods of millions of people and the river’s ecological balance.
The Volga: Russia’s National River
The Volga River, at 2,193 miles, is the longest river in Europe and a symbol of Russian national identity. It flows entirely within Russia, from the Valdai Hills in the northwest to the Caspian Sea in the south. The Volga basin is home to around 40% of Russia’s population, and the river plays a critical role in the country’s economy, particularly in transportation, agriculture, and energy production. The Volga is also culturally significant, featuring prominently in Russian literature, music, and folklore. However, the river has been heavily modified by human activities, including damming and industrial pollution, which have impacted its ecological health.
The Congo: Africa’s Deepest River
The Congo River, at 2,920 miles, is the second-longest river in Africa, after the Nile, and the world’s deepest river, with depths reaching over 720 feet in some places. The Congo basin, covering 1.5 million square miles, is home to the world’s second-largest rainforest, after the Amazon. The river is a crucial water source for millions of people in Central Africa and supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including endangered species like the African forest elephant and the lowland gorilla. The Congo River also has significant hydroelectric potential, with the Inga Dams being among the largest power projects on the continent.
List of Rivers by Discharge
S. N.
Continent
River
Average Discharge in m3/s
Drainage Area in km2
Length in miles
Length in km
Outflow
Type
1
South America
Amazon
224,000
6,915,000
4,344
6,992
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
2
Asia
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna
43,950
1,999,000
2,466
3,969
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
3
Africa
Congo (Zaire)
41,400
3,822,000
2,716
4,370
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
4
South America
Orinoco
37,740
989,000
1,398
2,250
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
5
Asia
Yangtze
31,900
1,840,000
3,915
6,300
East China Sea
Primary river
6
South America
Negro
30,641
691,000
1,390
2,230
Amazon
Tributary river
7
South America
Madeira
30,173
1,376,000
2,100
3,380
Amazon
Tributary river
8
South America
Río de la Plata
27,225
3,182,064
180
290
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
9
Asia
Brahmaputra
21,993
651,335
1,800
2,900
Ganges (Padma)
Tributary river
10
North America
Mississippi
21,300
3,248,000
2,340
3,766
Gulf of Mexico
Primary river
11
Asia
Yenisei
20,200
2,580,000
2,556
4,090
Kara Sea
Primary river
12
South America
Paraná
19,706
2,582,672
3,050
4,880
Río de la Plata
Tributary river
13
Asia
Ganges
18,691
1,300,000
1,569
2,525
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
14
Asia
Lena
18,300
2,490,000
2,668
4,294
Laptev Sea
Primary river
15
South America
Japurá (Caquetá)
18,122
267,730
1,750
2,816
Amazon
Tributary river
16
North America
Saint Lawrence
16,800
1,344,200
310
500
Gulf of Saint Lawrence
Primary river
17
South America
Marañón
16,708
358,000
1,079
1,737
Amazon
Tributary river
18
Asia
Mekong
15,856
811,000
2,500
4,023
South China Sea
Primary river
19
Asia
Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady)
15,112
413,710
1,370
2,210
Andaman Sea
Primary river
20
South America
Tapajós
13,540
492,481
1,240
1,996
Amazon
Tributary river
21
South America
Ucayali
13,385
351,549
1,659
2,670
Amazon
Tributary river
22
Asia
Ob
13,100
2,990,000
2,700
4,345
Gulf of Ob
Primary river
23
South America
Tocantins
11,796
764,183
1,677
2,699
Atlantic Ocean (Pará)
Primary river
24
Asia
Amur
11,526
1,855,000
2,762
4,444
Sea of Okhotsk
Primary river
25
Africa
Kasai (Kwa)
11,318
881,890
1,405
2,272
Congo
Tributary river
26
South America
Purus
11,207
371,042
1,995
3,211
Amazon
Tributary river
27
North America
Mackenzie
9,800
1,805,200
2,636
4,241
Beaufort Sea
Primary river
28
South America
Xingu
9,680
531,250
1,392
2,240
Amazon
Tributary river
29
Asia
Pearl (Xi)
9,500
437,000
1,491
2,400
South China Sea
Primary river
30
South America
Madre de Dios
9,350
282,000
837
1,347
Madeira
Tributary river
31
South America
Putumayo (Içá)
8,520
148,000
1,121
1,813
Amazon
Tributary river
32
Europe
Volga
8,380
1,380,000
2,194
3,531
Caspian Sea
Primary river
33
South America
Mamoré
8,150
611,800
1,199
1,930
Madeira
Tributary river
34
South America
Magdalena
8,058
257,438
963
1,540
Caribbean Sea
Primary river
35
North America
Ohio
7,957
490,601
981
1,579
Mississippi
Tributary river
36
Africa
Niger
7,900
2,117,000
2,600
4,200
Gulf of Guinea
Primary river
37
South America
Guaviare
7,529
140,000
930
1,497
Orinoco
Tributary river
38
North America
Columbia
7,407
668,217
1,243
2,044
Pacific Ocean
Primary river
39
Oceania
Fly
7,355
76,000
649
1,060
Gulf of Papua
Primary river
40
South America
Uruguay
7,058
353,451
1,140
1,838
Río de la Plata
Tributary river
41
North America
Yukon
6,860
854,700
1,980
3,187
Bering Sea
Primary river
42
South America
Napo
6,660
100,518
665
1,075
Amazon
Tributary river
43
Asia
Salween
6,600
324,000
2,044
3,289
Andaman Sea
Primary river
44
Europe
Danube
6,510
801,463
1,777
2,860
Black Sea
Primary river
45
South America
Araguaia
6,420
377,000
1,632
2,627
Tocantins
Tributary river
46
Asia
Kapuas
6,012
98,749
710
1,143
South China Sea
Primary river
47
South America
Juruá
6,004
186,000
2,040
3,283
Amazon
Tributary river
48
Africa
Ubangi
5,936
651,915
1,405
2,272
Congo
Tributary river
49
North America
Niagara
5,885
684,000
36
58
Lake Ontario
Tributary river
50
South America
Meta
5,694
103,000
742
1,200
Orinoco
Tributary river
51
Asia
Meghna
5,603
85,401
646
1,040
Lower Meghna
Tributary river
52
Asia
Indus
5,589
1,081,718
2,000
3,180
Arabian Sea
Primary river
53
Asia
Aldan
5,501
729,000
1,412
2,273
Lena
Tributary river
54
Oceania
Mamberamo
5,500
78,992
727
1,175
Pacific Ocean
Primary river
55
South America
Branco
5,400
195,000
479
775
Rio Negro
Tributary river
56
North America
Detroit
5,300
595,052
28
44
Lake Erie
Primary river
57
South America
Javari
5,225
109,680
732
1,184
Amazon
Tributary river
58
North America
St. Clair
5,200
583,000
40
65
Lake St. Clair
Tributary river
59
Oceania
Sepik
5,000
80,321
700
1,146
Bismarck Sea
Primary river
60
South America
Caroní
4,981
95,000
595
952
Orinoco
Tributary river
61
South America
Essequibo
4,951
150,769
627
1,014
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
62
South America
Juruena
4,937
192,628
770
1,240
Tapajós
Tributary river
63
Africa
Ogooué
4,935
223,856
747
1,200
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
64
Asia
Angara
4,833
1,079,000
1,100
1,779
Yenisei
Tributary river
65
Europe
Pechora
4,800
322,000
1,124
1,809
Barents Sea
Primary river
66
Asia
Chindwin
4,740
114,000
750
1,207
Irrawaddy
Tributary river
67
Asia
Rajang
4,715
52,009
350
563
South China Sea
Primary river
68
South America
Paraguay
4,696
1,120,154
1,629
2,621
Parana
Tributary river
69
Asia
Barito
4,514
81,675
550
1,090
Java Sea
Primary river
70
Africa
Ruki
4,500
173,790
804
1,300
Congo
Tributary river
71
South America
Vaupés/Uaupes
4,345
64,370
650
1,050
Rio Negro
Tributary river
72
Asia
Red (Hong)
4,300
143,600
714
1,149
Gulf of Tonkin
Primary river
73
Asia
Mahakam
4,278
77,095
609
980
Makassar Strait
Primary river
74
Africa
Zambezi
4,217
1,331,000
1,599
2,574
Indian Ocean
Primary river
75
South America
Atrato
4,140
36,231
466
750
Caribbean Sea
Primary river
76
Asia
Nizhnyaya Tunguska
4,139
473,000
1,848
2,989
Yenisei
Tributary river
77
Asia
Kolyma
4,100
644,000
1,317
2,129
East Siberian Sea
Primary river
78
Europe
Kama
4,100
507,000
1,122
1,805
Volga
Tributary river
79
South America
Apaporis
4,092
54,300
847
1,370
Japurá
Tributary river
80
South America
Aripuanã
4,087
145,000
540
870
Madeira
Tributary river
81
North America
Grijalva-Usumacinta
4,028
134,400
620
1,000
Gulf of Mexico
Primary river
82
Oceania
Strickland
4,000
36,740
512
824
Fly
Tributary river
83
South America
Teles Pires
3,978
141,718
1,013
1,638
Tapajós
Tributary river
84
North America
Fraser
3,944
231,593
854
1,375
Pacific Ocean
Primary river
85
Oceania
Digul
3,867
45,900
530
853
Arafura Sea
Primary river
86
South America
Huallaga
3,796
95,000
704
1,138
Marañón
Tributary river
87
Asia
Godavari
3,571
312,812
910
1,465
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
88
South America
Caura
3,545
52,000
449
723
Orinoco
Tributary river
89
Africa
Benue
3,477
319,000
847
1,370
Niger
Tributary river
90
Asia
Kaladan
3,476
40,000
278
450
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
91
South America
Jutai
3,462
74,000
742
1,200
Amazon
Tributary river
92
North America
Slave
3,451
616,400
270
434
Great Slave Lake
Tributary river
93
Asia
Lohit
3,438
50,000
285
460
Brahmaputra
Tributary river
94
Europe
Northern Dvina
3,416
357,052
462
744
White Sea
Primary river
95
South America
Inírida
3,385
53,795
804
1,300
Guaviare
Tributary river
96
Asia
Shatt al-Arab
3,350
938,173
127
204
Persian Gulf
Primary river
97
North America
Nelson
3,343
982,900
1,600
2,575
Hudson Bay
Primary river
98
Oceania
Purari
3,300
33,670
390
630
Gulf of Papua
Primary river
99
Oceania
Kikori
3,274
23,309
250
405
Gulf of Papua
Primary river
100
Asia
Khatanga
3,200
364,000
1,012
1,636
Laptev Sea
Primary river
101
Oceania
Pulau
3,133
37,164
353
569
Arafura Sea
Primary river
102
Africa
Nile
3,075
3,349,000
4,258
6,853
Mediterranean Sea
Primary river
103
Asia
Musi
3,054
59,942
471
759
South China Sea
Primary river
104
South America
Tigre
3,047
45,073
581
940
Marañón
Tributary river
105
Asia
Subansiri
3,003
35,763
275
442
Brahmaputra
Tributary river
106
Asia
Ghaghara
2,993
127,950
671
1,080
Ganges
Tributary river
107
Asia
Irtysh
2,980
1,673,470
2,627
4,248
Ob
Tributary river
108
Asia
Yamuna
2,949
366,223
855
1,376
Ganges
Tributary river
109
South America
São Francisco
2,943
641,000
1,758
2,830
Atlantic Ocean
Primary river
110
Asia
Srepok
2,940
79,015
279
450
Mekong
Tributary river
111
Africa
Kwango
2,932
270,904
680
1,100
Kasai
Tributary river
112
Asia
Panjnad
2,910
395,000
44
71
Indus
Tributary river
113
Europe
Rhine
2,900
198,735
820
1,233
North Sea
Primary river
114
Asia
Yarlung Tsangpo
2,899
241,691
699
1,125
Brahmaputra
Tributary River
115
South America
Beni
2,875
131,500
680
1,100
Madre de Dios
Tributary river
116
Asia
Gan
2,865
103,107
372
599
Yangtze
Tributary river
117
South America
Trombetas
2,855
135,239
656.00
1,060
Amazon
Tributary river
118
Asia
Min
2,850
133,000
457
735
Yangtze
Tributary river
119
Asia
Xiang
2,848
102,148
589
948
Yangtze
Tributary river
120
North America
Koksoak
2,800
133,400
85
137
Ungava Bay
Primary river
121
Europe
Neva
2,770
287,094
46
74
Gulf of Finland
Primary river
122
South America
Pastaza
2,769
41,000
458
740
Marañón
Tributary river
123
South America
Iriri
2,745
130,000
810
1,300
Xingu
Tributary river
124
South America
Cuyuni
2,719
85,635
384
618
Essequibo
Tributary river
125
Asia
Mali Hka
2,693
23,221
200
320
Irrawaddy
Tributary river
126
Africa
Cross
2,647
53,590
304
489
Gulf of Guinea
Primary river
127
Asia
Batang Hari
2,643
46,504
497
800
South China Sea
Primary river
128
Asia
Amu Darya
2,618
534,739
1,491
2,400
Aral Sea
Primary river
129
South America
Casiquiare
2,574
82,800
210
340
Rio Negro
Tributary river
130
Asia
Yellow
2,571
752,000
3,395
5,464
Yellow Sea
Primary river
131
Asia
Mahanadi
2,562
141,600
560
900
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
132
Asia
Pyasina
2,550
182,000
508
818
Kara Sea
Primary river
133
Africa
Sankuru
2,500
156,000
756
1,200
Kasai
Tributary river
134
Asia
Koshi
2,500
69,300
453
729
Ganges
Tributary river
135
Africa
Sangha
2,471
213,400
489
790
Congo
Tributary river
136
Asia
Songhua
2,463
557,180
887
1,434
Amur
Tributary river
137
Asia
Ghorautra
2,463
24,060
56
90
Meghna
Tributary river
138
Asia
Kayan
2,454
33,005
358
576
Celebes Sea
Primary river
139
North America
Missouri
2,445
1,371,010
2,341
3,767
Mississippi
Tributary river
140
North America
Liard
2,434
277,100
693
1,115
Mackenzie
Tributary river
141
South America
Guainía
2,433
28,900
400
640
Rio Negro
Tributary river
142
South America
Guapore
2,430
341,000
783
1,260
Mamoré
Tributary river
143
South America
Ituí
2,422
43,403
347
558
Javari
Tributary river
144
South America
Rio Grande
2,400
143,000
841
1,360
Paraná
Tributary river
145
South America
Paragua
2,389
39,605
340
550
Caroní
Tributary river
146
Asia
Vitim
2,379
225,000
1,210
1,940
Lena
Tributary river
147
South America
Cauca
2,364
59,840
730
1,180
Magdalena
Tributary river
148
South America
Yarí
2,360
31,650
383
620
Japurá
Tributary river
149
South America
Urubamba
2,330
60,300
448
724
Ucayali
Tributary river
150
South America
Jacuí
2,327
82,618
449
723
Lagoa dos Patos
Primary river
151
South America
San Juan
2,304
15,000
240
380
Pacific Ocean
Primary river
152
South America
Apure
2,300
121,400
645
1,038
Orinoco
Tributary river
153
South America
Uatumã
2,291
67,920
436
701
Amazon
Tributary river
154
South America
Içana
2,279
35,675
420
676
Rio Negro
Tributary river
155
South America
Jamanxim
2,217
58,771
414
666
Tapajós
Tributary river
156
Asia
Krishna River
2,213
258,948
870
1,400
Bay of Bengal
Primary river
157
Africa
Aruwimi
2,200
116,100
799
1,287
Congo
Tributary river
158
North America
Red River
2,187
239,195
1,360
2,190
Atchafalaya
Tributary river
159
South America
Ventuari
2,160
40,861
322
520
Orinoco
Tributary river
160
South America
Curaray
2,155
26,775
500
800
Napo
Tributary river
161
North America
Tennessee
2,140
105,870
652
1,049
Ohio
Tributary river
162
North America
St. Marys
2,135
127,700
75
120
Lake Huron
Tributary river
163
South America
Canumã
2,135
52,433
560
900
Madeira
Tributary river
164
South America
Tapauá
2,135
63,185
400
640
Purus
Tributary river
165
Asia
Jialing
2,120
160,000
836
1,345
Yangtze
Tributary river
166
North America
Mobile
2,118
112,530
45
72
Gulf of Mexico
Primary river
167
North America
Peace
2,110
306,000
1,195
1,923
Slave
Tributary river
168
Asia
Olyokma
2,110
210,000
892
1,436
Lena
Tributary river
169
Asia
Yuan
2,106
93,287
537
864
Yangtze
Tributary river
170
South America
Ji-Paraná
2,100
76,127
510
820
Madeira
Tributary river
171
Africa
Sanaga
2,072
132,990
663
1,067
Gulf of Guinea
Primary river
172
Africa
Lomami
2,062
104,162
900
1,450
Congo
Tributary river
173
Asia
Hongshui
2,049
141,674
416.1
669.6
Xi
Tributary river
174
Africa
Lulonga
2,040
76,950
120
200
Congo
Tributary river
175
Asia
Gandaki
2,025
46,300
506
814
Ganges
Tributary river
176
Asia
Anadyr
2,020
191,000
710
1,150
Gulf of Anadyr
Primary river
List of Primary Rivers by Discharge
S.N.
Continent
River
Station
Mean Average Discharge in (m3/s)
Maximum Average Discharge in (m3/s)
Minimum Average Discharge in (m3/s)
Outflow
1
South America
Amazon
Amazon Delta
220,800
340,000
180,000
Atlantic Ocean
2
Asia
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna
Ganges Delta
43,950
160,000
10,000
Bay of Bengal
3
Africa
Congo (Zaire)
Banana
41,400
57,670
32,000
Atlantic Ocean
4
South America
Orinoco
Ciudad Guyana
37,740
54,000
21,000
Atlantic Ocean
5
Asia
Yangtze
Yangtze Delta
31,900
49,500
11,300
East China Sea
6
South America
Río de la Plata
La Plata Estuary
27,225
50,000
12,000
Atlantic Ocean
7
North America
Mississippi
Mississippi Delta
21,300
56,000
5,000
Gulf of Mexico
8
Asia
Yenisei
Yenisei Estuary
20,200
78,500
4,200
Kara Sea
9
Asia
Lena
Lena Delta
18,300
72,000
3,590
Laptev Sea
10
Asia
Mekong
Mekong Delta
15,856
39,000
3,000
South China Sea
11
Asia
Irrawaddy
Irrawaddy Delta
15,112
38,000
6,460
Andaman Sea
12
Asia
Ob
Ob Estuary
13,100
46,000
6,230
Gulf of Ob
13
North America
Saint Lawrence
Québéc
12,432
14,835
9,225
Gulf of Saint Lawrence
14
Asia
Amur
Amur Estuary
11,526
19,000
5,340
Sea of Okhotsk
15
North America
Mackenzie
Mackenzie Delta
9,800
15,800
4,090
Beaufort Sea
16
Asia
Pearl (Xi)
Pearl Delta
9,500
20,000
3,600
South China Sea
17
Europe
Volga
Volga Delta
8,220
19,600
5,500
Caspian Sea
18
South America
Magdalena
Barranquilla
8,058
16,463
2,465
Caribbean Sea
19
Africa
Niger
Niger Delta
7,900
35,000
1,200
Gulf of Guinea
20
North America
Columbia
Astoria
7,407
19,100
2,230
Pacific Ocean
21
Oceania
Fly
Ogwa
7,355
12,762
3,680
Gulf of Papua
22
North America
Yukon
Pilot Station
6,860
21,100
1,360
Bering Sea
23
Asia
Salween
Moulmein
6,600
32,600
2,300
Andaman Sea
24
Europe
Danube
Ceatal Izmail
6,510
15,900
1,790
Black Sea
25
Asia
Kapuas
Kapuas Delta
6,012
9,000
3,000
South China Sea
26
Asia
Indus
Indus Delta
5,589
18,000
1,100
Arabian Sea
27
Oceania
Mamberamo
Mamberamo Delta
5,500
Pacific Ocean
28
Oceania
Sepik
Angoram
5,000
11,000
2,600
Bismarck Sea
29
South America
Essequibo
Bartica
4,951
8,700
1,850
Atlantic Ocean
30
Africa
Ogooué
Lambaréné
4,935
9,440
1,610
Atlantic Ocean
31
Europe
Pechora
Oksino
4,800
17,182
643
Barents Sea
32
Asia
Rajang
Rajang Delta
4,715
8,000
1,100
South China Sea
33
Asia
Barito
Barito Delta
4,514
Java Sea
34
Asia
Red (Hong)
Red River Delta
4,300
9,500
1,200
Gulf of Tonkin
35
Asia
Mahakam
Mahakam Delta
4,278
8,000
1,000
Makassar Strait
36
Africa
Zambezi
Marromeu
4,217
18,600
920
Indian Ocean
37
South America
Atrato
Atrato Delta
4,138
Caribbean Sea
38
Asia
Kolyma
Kolyma Delta
4,100
East Siberian Sea
39
North America
Grijalva-Usumacinta
Grijalva Delta
4,028
Gulf of Mexico
40
North America
Fraser
Vancouver
3,944
17,000
575
Pacific Ocean
41
Oceania
Digul
Digul Delta
3,867
10,600
Arafura Sea
42
Oceania
Eilanden (Pulau)
Eilanden Delta
3,783
Arafura Sea
43
Asia
Godavari
Godavari Delta
3,571
Bay of Bengal
44
Asia
Kaladan
Kaladan Delta
3,476
Bay of Bengal
45
Europe
Northern Dvina
Ust-Pinega
3,416
White Sea
46
North America
Nelson
Port Nelson
3,343
Hudson Bay
47
Oceania
Purari
Purari Delta
3,300
Gulf of Papua
48
Oceania
Kikori
Kikori Delta
3,274
Gulf of Papua
49
Asia
Khatanga
Khatanga Estuary
3,200
Laptev Sea
50
Asia
Musi
Musi Delta
3,054
4,200
1,400
South China Sea
51
Asia
Shatt al-Arab
Shatt al-Arab Delta
2,960
Persian Gulf
52
South America
São Francisco
São Francisco Estuary
2,943
Atlantic Ocean
53
Europe
Rhine
Rhine Delta
2,900
13,000
800
North Sea
54
Africa
Nile
Dongola
2,810
7,620
530
Mediterranean Sea
55
North America
Koksoak
Koksoak Estuary
2,800
Ungava Bay
56
Europe
Neva
Saint Petersburg
2,770
4,550
Gulf of Finland
57
Africa
Cross
Cross Estuary
2,647
Gulf of Guinea
58
Asia
Batang Hari
Batang Hari Delta
2,643
South China Sea
59
Asia
Yellow
Yellow Delta
2,571
36,000
Yellow Sea
60
Asia
Pyasina
Pyasina Delta
2,550
Kara Sea
61
Asia
Amu Darya
Kerki
2,525
Aral Sea
62
Asia
Kayan
Tanjung Selor
2,454
Celebes Sea
63
South America
Jacuí
Porto Alegre
2,327
Lagoa dos Patos
64
South America
San Juan
Before delta
2,304
Pacific Ocean
65
Asia
Krishna
Krishna Delta
2,213
Bay of Bengal
66
Asia
Mahanadi
Mahanadi Delta
2,119
Bay of Bengal
67
North America
Mobile
Mobile Estuary
2,118
9,018
282
Gulf of Mexico
68
Africa
Sanaga
Sanaga Delta
2,072
5,700
473
Gulf of Guinea
69
Asia
Anadyr
Anadyr Estuary
2,020
Gulf of Anadyr
River Systems of the World
Rivers are one of Earth's most important natural resources. They play a critical role in shaping the landscape, providing water for agriculture, transportation, drinking, and supporting ecosystems. A river system consists of the main river and all its tributaries, which together drain a particular area of land known as a watershed or drainage basin. The world’s major river systems serve as lifelines for civilizations and are essential for both human and environmental health.
What Is a River System?
A river system is a network of rivers and streams that flow together into a larger body of water, such as a sea, lake, or ocean. It includes the main river and its tributaries, which are smaller rivers or streams that flow into the main one. The entire area drained by a river system is called a watershed. Each watershed functions as an integrated system, collecting precipitation, directing the flow of water, and transporting sediment and nutrients.
Components of a River System
A typical river system consists of several key components:
1. Main River
The main river is the largest channel in the system, carrying water downstream to a sea, lake, or ocean. Major rivers like the Amazon, Nile, and Yangtze act as the core for their respective river systems.
2. Tributaries
Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into the main river. These watercourses join the main river at various points, increasing the overall flow of the river system. For example, the Missouri River is a significant tributary of the Mississippi River.
3. Watershed (Drainage Basin)
The watershed is the entire geographical area drained by a river system. Watersheds can vary in size from small regions to vast continental areas. The Amazon River Basin, for instance, covers an area of approximately 7 million square kilometers, making it the largest watershed in the world.
4. River Mouth
The mouth of a river is the point where it empties into another body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or sea. River mouths often form deltas, which are fertile regions where sediment is deposited as the river slows down. Notable river deltas include the Nile Delta and the Ganges Delta.
Major River Systems of the World
There are several major river systems around the world, each serving as a key natural and cultural resource for the regions they flow through.
1. The Amazon River System
The Amazon River, located in South America, is the largest river in the world by discharge and one of the longest. The Amazon River discharges around 209,000 cubic meters of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean, accounting for about one-fifth of all river water reaching the oceans. Its basin, the Amazon Basin, spans over 7 million square kilometers and is home to one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. The Amazon also has more than 1,100 tributaries, including the Rio Negro and Madeira Rivers.
2. The Nile River System
The Nile River, flowing through northeastern Africa, is regarded as the longest river in the world, spanning about 6,650 kilometers. It passes through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda, and is vital to the livelihoods of millions of people. The Nile has two major tributaries: the White Nile, which originates in East Africa, and the Blue Nile, which starts in Ethiopia. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, forming the rich agricultural Nile Delta.
3. The Yangtze River System
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, stretching over 6,300 kilometers. It runs through China and is crucial for transportation, agriculture, and energy production. The river supports the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. The Yangtze River Basin is home to approximately 400 million people, making it one of the most populous watersheds in the world.
4. The Mississippi-Missouri River System
The Mississippi River, combined with its tributary, the Missouri River, forms one of the longest river systems in the world, covering a total length of 6,275 kilometers. This river system drains much of the central United States, making it essential for agriculture, industry, and transportation. The Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico, creating the Mississippi River Delta, one of the most productive regions for fishing and agriculture in the U.S.
5. The Congo River System
The Congo River, located in Central Africa, is the world’s second-largest river by discharge and the deepest, with depths reaching over 220 meters. The Congo River Basin spans over 4 million square kilometers and contains the second-largest rainforest after the Amazon. The Congo River plays a crucial role in transportation and is a vital source of hydroelectric power.
Functions of River Systems
Rivers serve many vital functions for both natural ecosystems and human societies. Some of the most important functions include:
1. Water Supply
Rivers provide fresh water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Many of the world’s largest cities are situated along rivers due to their access to a reliable water supply. The Ganges River in India, for instance, supports over 400 million people who rely on it for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use.
2. Transportation
Throughout history, rivers have been vital transportation routes for goods and people. Today, major rivers such as the Danube in Europe and the Yangtze in China remain key arteries for international and domestic trade, facilitating economic growth and development.
3. Energy Production
Many river systems are harnessed for hydropower. Dams like the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze and the Aswan Dam on the Nile generate vast amounts of electricity, providing energy for millions of people. Hydroelectric power accounts for about 16% of the world’s total electricity generation.
4. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Rivers support a wide variety of ecosystems, providing habitat for fish, plants, and animals. The Amazon River, for example, is home to more than 3,000 species of fish, including the piranha and the giant catfish. River systems also maintain wetland ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and act as buffers against flooding.
5. Agriculture and Irrigation
Rivers are essential for irrigation in agricultural regions. Some of the most productive agricultural zones in the world are located in river valleys, such as the Indus River Valley in Pakistan and India, and the Yellow River Basin in China. These regions rely on the rivers for seasonal flooding, which deposits nutrient-rich silt onto farmlands.
Challenges Facing the World’s River Systems
Despite their importance, river systems face several challenges due to human activity and environmental changes.
1. Pollution
Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage are major pollutants that contaminate river systems. Rivers like the Ganges in India and the Yangtze in China suffer from high levels of pollution, affecting the health of local populations and ecosystems.
2. Damming and Water Diversion
While dams provide benefits like flood control and electricity, they can also disrupt natural river ecosystems, block fish migration, and reduce downstream water flow. The Colorado River in the United States, for example, often runs dry before reaching its mouth due to extensive water diversion for agriculture and urban areas.
3. Climate Change
Climate change is altering river systems by affecting precipitation patterns and melting glaciers that feed rivers. Regions that depend on glacial meltwater, such as those along the Indus River, face water shortages as glaciers retreat due to rising temperatures.
4. Over-extraction
Over-extraction of river water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use can reduce river flow to unsustainable levels. In some cases, this leads to rivers running dry during the dry season, disrupting ecosystems and reducing water availability. The Aral Sea in Central Asia, once fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, has largely dried up due to excessive water extraction.
