World River Map

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.

World River Map



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About World River Map



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.


List of World's Longest Rivers

RankRiverLength in kmLength in MilesDrainage Area in km2Average Discharge in m3/sOutflow
1Nile6,6504,1303,254,5552,800Mediterranean
2Amazon6,4003,9767,000,000209,000Atlantic Ocean
3Yangtze6,3003,9171,800,00030,166East China Sea
4Mississippi6,2753,9022,980,00016,792Gulf of Mexico
5Yenisei5,5393,4452,580,00018,050Kara Sea
6Yellow River5,4643,395745,0002,571Bohai Sea
7Ob-Irtysh5,4103,3642,990,00012,475Gulf of Ob
8Paraná4,8803,0302,582,67222,000Río de la Plata
9Congo4,7002,9223,680,00041,800Atlantic Ocean
10Amur4,4442,7631,855,00011,400Sea of Okhotsk
11Lena4,4002,7362,490,00015,500Laptev Sea
12Mekong4,3502,705810,00016,000South China Sea
13Mackenzie4,2412,6371,790,00010,300Beaufort Sea
14Niger4,2002,6112,090,0005,589Gulf of Guinea
15Brahmaputra3,9692,466712,03519,800Ganges
16Murray3,6722,2821,061,000767Southern Ocean
17Tocantins3,6502,270950,00013,598Atlantic Ocean (Marajó Bay), Amazon Delta
18Volga3,6452,2661,380,0008,080Caspian Sea
19Indus3,6102,250960,0007,160Arabian Sea
20Shatt al-Arab3,5962,236884,000856Persian Gulf
21Madeira3,3802,1001,485,20031,200Amazon
22Purús3,2111,99563,1668,400Amazon
23Yukon3,1851,980850,0006,210Bering Sea
24São Francisco3,1801,976610,0003,300Atlantic Ocean
25Syr Darya3,0781,913219,000703Aral Sea
26Salween3,0601,901324,0003,153Andaman Sea
27Saint Lawrence3,0581,9001,030,00010,100Gulf of Saint Lawrence
28Rio Grande3,0571,900570,00082Gulf of Mexico
29Lower Tunguska2,9891,857473,0003,600Yenisei
30Danube-Breg2,8881,795817,0007,130Black Sea
31Irrawaddy River2,8091,745.80404,20013,000Andaman Sea
32Zambezi2,7401,7031,330,0004,880Mozambique Channel
33Vilyuy2,7201,700454,0001,480Lena
34Ganges2,7041,6901,024,00012,037Bay of Bengal
35Amu2,6201,628534,7391,400Aral Sea
36Japurá2,6151,625242,2596,000Amazon
37Nelson2,5701,5971,093,0002,575Hudson Bay
38Paraguay2,5491,584900,0004,300Paraná
39Kolyma2,5131,562644,0003,800East Siberian Sea
40Pilcomayo2,5001,553270,000 Paraguay
41Upper Ob-Katun2,4901,547  Ob
42Ishim2,4501,522177,00056Irtysh
43Ural2,4281,509237,000475Caspian Sea
44Juruá2,4101,498200,0006,000Amazon
45Arkansas2,3481,459505,0001,066Mississippi
46Colorado2,3331,450390,0001,200Gulf of California
47Olenyok2,2921,424219,0001,210Laptev Sea
48Dnieper2,2871,421516,3001,670Black Sea
49Aldan2,2731,412729,0005,060Lena
50Ubangi-Uele2,2701,410772,8004,000Congo
51Negro2,2501,398720,11426,700Amazon
52Columbia2,2501,398415,2117,500Pacific Ocean
53Pearl2,2001,376437,00013,600South China Sea
54Red2,1881,36078,592875Mississippi
55Kasai2,1531,338880,20010,000Congo
56Ohio2,1021,306490,6037,957Mississippi
57Orinoco2,1011,3061,380,00033,000Atlantic Ocean
58Tarim2,1001,305557,000 Lop Nur
59Xingu2,1001,305  Amazon
60Orange2,0921,300  Atlantic Ocean
61Brazos-Double2,0601,280  Gulf of Mexico
62Northern Salado2,0101,249  Paraná
63Vitim1,9781,229  Lena
64Tigris1,9501,212  Shatt al-Arab
65Songhua1,9271,197  Amur
66Tapajós1,9001,181  Amazon
67Don1,8701,162425,600935Sea of Azov
68Stony Tunguska1,8651,159240,000 Yenisey
69Pechora1,8091,124322,0004,100Barents Sea
70Kama1,8051,122507,0004,100Volga
71Limpopo1,8001,118413,000 Indian Ocean
72Chulym1,7991,118134,000 Ob
73Guaporé1,7491,087  Mamoré
74Indigirka1,7261,072360,4001,810East Siberian Sea
75Snake1,6701,038279,7191,611Columbia
76Senegal1,6411,020419,659 Atlantic Ocean
77Uruguay1,6101,000370,000 Atlantic Ocean
78Blue Nile1,600994326,400 Nile
78Churchill1,600994  Hudson Bay
78Khatanga-Kotuy1,600994  Laptev Sea
78Okavango1,600994  Okavango Delta
78Volta1,600994  Gulf of Guinea
83Beni1,599994283,3508,900Madeira
84Platte1,594990  Missouri
85Tobol1,591989  Irtysh
86Alazeya1,59098864,700 East Siberian Sea
87Jubba-Shebelle1,580982  Indian Ocean
88Içá1,575979  Amazon
89Magdalena1,550963263,8589,000Caribbean
90Han1,532952  Yangtze
91Kura/Mt'k'vari1,515941188,400575Caspian Sea
92Oka1,500932245,0001,258Volga
93Upper Murray1,500932  Lower Murray
94Guaviare1,497930  Orinoco
95Pecos1,490926  Rio Grande
96Murrumbidgee River1,48592384,917120Murray River
97Upper Yenisey1,480920  Yenisey
98Godavari1,465910312,8123,061Bay of Bengal
99Colorado1,438894  Gulf of Mexico
100Upper Tocantins1,427887  Tocantins
101Belaya1,420882142,000858Kama
101Cooper-Barcoo1,420880  Lake Eyre
103Marañón1,415879  Amazon
104Dniester1,41187772,100310Black Sea
105Benue1,400870  Niger
105Ili (Yili)1,400870  Lake Balkhash
105Warburton-Georgina1,400870365,000 Lake Eyre
108Sutlej1,372852  Chenab
109Yamuna1,370851366,2232,950Ganges
109Vyatka1,370851129,000890Kama
111Fraser1,368850220,0003,475Pacific Ocean
112Grande1,360845  Paraná
113Liao-Xiliao-Laoha1,345836  Bohai Sea
114Lachlan River1,33983284,70049Murrumbidgee River
115Narmada1,33381598,7961,447Arabian Sea
116Yalong1,323822  Yangtze
117Iguaçu1,320820  Paraná
117Olyokma1,320820  Lena
119Northern Dvina-Sukhona1,302809357,0523,332White Sea
120Krishna1,300808  Bay of Bengal
120Iriri1,300808  Xingu
122Lomami1,280795  Congo
123Ottawa1,271790146,3001,950Saint Lawrence
124Rio Grande de Santiago-Lerma1,270789119,543 Pacific Ocean
125Elbe-Vltava1,252778148,268711North Sea
126Zeya1,242772  Amur
127Juruena1,240771  Tapajós
128Upper Mississippi1,236768  Mississippi
129Rhine1,233768185,0002,330North Sea
130Athabasca1,23176595,300 Mackenzie
131Canadian1,223760  Arkansas
132North Saskatchewan1,220758  Saskatchewan
133Vistula-Narew-Bug1,213754194,4241,080Baltic Sea
134Vaal1,210752  Orange
135Shire1,200746  Zambezi
135Ogooué (or Ogowe)1,200746223,8564,706Atlantic Ocean
137Nen1,190739  Songhua
138Kızıl River1,182734115,000400Black Sea
139Markha1,18173499,000405Vilyuy
140Green1,175730  Colorado (western U.S.)
141Milk1,173729  Missouri
142Mun - Chi1,162722  Mekong River
142White1,162722  Mississippi
144Chindwin1,158720  Ayeyarwady
145Sankuru1,150715  Kasai
145Wu1,15071580,3001,108Yangtze
147Red (Asia)1,149714143,7002,640Gulf of Tonkin
148James (Dakotas)1,143710  Missouri
148Kapuas1,143710  Natuna Sea
150Desna1,13070288,900360Dnieper
150Helmand1,130702  Hamun-i-Helmand
150Madre de Dios1,130702125,0004,915Beni
150Tietê1,130702  Paraná
150Vychegda1,130702121,0001160Northern Dvina
155Sepik1,12670077,700 Pacific Ocean
156Cimarron1,123698  Arkansas
157Anadyr1,120696  Gulf of Anadyr
157Paraíba do Sul1,120696  Atlantic Ocean
159Jialing River1,119695  Yangtze
160Liard1,115693  Mackenzie
161Cumberland1,10568746,830862Mississippi
162Huallaga1,100684  Marañón
162Kwango1,100684263,5002,700Kasai
162Draa1,100684  Atlantic Ocean
165Gambia1,094680  Atlantic Ocean
166Tyung1,09267949,800 Vilyuy
167Chenab1,086675  Indus
168Yellowstone1,080671114,260 Missouri
168Ghaghara1,080671127,9502,990Ganges
170Huai River1,078670270,0001,110Yangtze
171Aras1,072665102,000285Kura
172Chu1,06766362,500 none
173Seversky Donets1,05365498,900159Don
174Bermejo1,050652  Paraguay
174Fly1,050652  Gulf of Papua
174Kuskokwim1,050652  Bering Sea
177Tennessee1,049652  Ohio
178Oder-Warta1,045649118,861550Baltic Sea
179Aruwimi1,030640  Congo
180Chambal1,024636  Yamuna
181Daugava1,02063487,900678Gulf of Riga
182Gila1,015631  Colorado (western U.S.)
183Loire1,012629115,271840Atlantic Ocean
184Essequibo1,010628  Atlantic Ocean
184Khopyor1,01062861,100150Don
186Tagus (Tajo/Tejo)1,00662580,100444Atlantic Ocean
187Flinders River1,004624109,000122Gulf of Carpentaria


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.ContinentRiverAverage Discharge in m3/sDrainage Area in km2Length in milesLength in kmOutflowType
1South AmericaAmazon224,0006,915,0004,3446,992Atlantic OceanPrimary river
2AsiaGanges-Brahmaputra-Meghna43,9501,999,0002,4663,969Bay of BengalPrimary river
3AfricaCongo (Zaire)41,4003,822,0002,7164,370Atlantic OceanPrimary river
4South AmericaOrinoco37,740989,0001,3982,250Atlantic OceanPrimary river
5AsiaYangtze31,9001,840,0003,9156,300East China SeaPrimary river
6South AmericaNegro30,641691,0001,3902,230AmazonTributary river
7South AmericaMadeira30,1731,376,0002,1003,380AmazonTributary river
8South AmericaRío de la Plata27,2253,182,064180290Atlantic OceanPrimary river
9AsiaBrahmaputra21,993651,3351,8002,900Ganges (Padma)Tributary river
10North AmericaMississippi21,3003,248,0002,3403,766Gulf of MexicoPrimary river
11AsiaYenisei20,2002,580,0002,5564,090Kara SeaPrimary river
12South AmericaParaná19,7062,582,6723,0504,880Río de la PlataTributary river
13AsiaGanges18,6911,300,0001,5692,525Bay of BengalPrimary river
14AsiaLena18,3002,490,0002,6684,294Laptev SeaPrimary river
15South AmericaJapurá (Caquetá)18,122267,7301,7502,816AmazonTributary river
16North AmericaSaint Lawrence16,8001,344,200310500Gulf of Saint LawrencePrimary river
17South AmericaMarañón16,708358,0001,0791,737AmazonTributary river
18AsiaMekong15,856811,0002,5004,023South China SeaPrimary river
19AsiaIrrawaddy (Ayeyarwady)15,112413,7101,3702,210Andaman SeaPrimary river
20South AmericaTapajós13,540492,4811,2401,996AmazonTributary river
21South AmericaUcayali13,385351,5491,6592,670AmazonTributary river
22AsiaOb13,1002,990,0002,7004,345Gulf of ObPrimary river
23South AmericaTocantins11,796764,1831,6772,699Atlantic Ocean (Pará)Primary river
24AsiaAmur11,5261,855,0002,7624,444Sea of OkhotskPrimary river
25AfricaKasai (Kwa)11,318881,8901,4052,272CongoTributary river
26South AmericaPurus11,207371,0421,9953,211AmazonTributary river
27North AmericaMackenzie9,8001,805,2002,6364,241Beaufort SeaPrimary river
28South AmericaXingu9,680531,2501,3922,240AmazonTributary river
29AsiaPearl (Xi)9,500437,0001,4912,400South China SeaPrimary river
30South AmericaMadre de Dios9,350282,0008371,347MadeiraTributary river
31South AmericaPutumayo (Içá)8,520148,0001,1211,813AmazonTributary river
32EuropeVolga8,3801,380,0002,1943,531Caspian SeaPrimary river
33South AmericaMamoré8,150611,8001,1991,930MadeiraTributary river
34South AmericaMagdalena8,058257,4389631,540Caribbean SeaPrimary river
35North AmericaOhio7,957490,6019811,579MississippiTributary river
36AfricaNiger7,9002,117,0002,6004,200Gulf of GuineaPrimary river
37South AmericaGuaviare7,529140,0009301,497OrinocoTributary river
38North AmericaColumbia7,407668,2171,2432,044Pacific OceanPrimary river
39OceaniaFly7,35576,0006491,060Gulf of PapuaPrimary river
40South AmericaUruguay7,058353,4511,1401,838Río de la PlataTributary river
41North AmericaYukon6,860854,7001,9803,187Bering SeaPrimary river
42South AmericaNapo6,660100,5186651,075AmazonTributary river
43AsiaSalween6,600324,0002,0443,289Andaman SeaPrimary river
44EuropeDanube6,510801,4631,7772,860Black SeaPrimary river
45South AmericaAraguaia6,420377,0001,6322,627TocantinsTributary river
46AsiaKapuas6,01298,7497101,143South China SeaPrimary river
47South AmericaJuruá6,004186,0002,0403,283AmazonTributary river
48AfricaUbangi5,936651,9151,4052,272CongoTributary river
49North AmericaNiagara5,885684,0003658Lake OntarioTributary river
50South AmericaMeta5,694103,0007421,200OrinocoTributary river
51AsiaMeghna5,60385,4016461,040Lower MeghnaTributary river
52AsiaIndus5,5891,081,7182,0003,180Arabian SeaPrimary river
53AsiaAldan5,501729,0001,4122,273LenaTributary river
54OceaniaMamberamo5,50078,9927271,175Pacific OceanPrimary river
55South AmericaBranco5,400195,000479775Rio NegroTributary river
56North AmericaDetroit5,300595,0522844Lake EriePrimary river
57South AmericaJavari5,225109,6807321,184AmazonTributary river
58North AmericaSt. Clair5,200583,0004065Lake St. ClairTributary river
59OceaniaSepik5,00080,3217001,146Bismarck SeaPrimary river
60South AmericaCaroní4,98195,000595952OrinocoTributary river
61South AmericaEssequibo4,951150,7696271,014Atlantic OceanPrimary river
62South AmericaJuruena4,937192,6287701,240TapajósTributary river
63AfricaOgooué4,935223,8567471,200Atlantic OceanPrimary river
64AsiaAngara4,8331,079,0001,1001,779YeniseiTributary river
65EuropePechora4,800322,0001,1241,809Barents SeaPrimary river
66AsiaChindwin4,740114,0007501,207IrrawaddyTributary river
67AsiaRajang4,71552,009350563South China SeaPrimary river
68South AmericaParaguay4,6961,120,1541,6292,621ParanaTributary river
69AsiaBarito4,51481,6755501,090Java SeaPrimary river
70AfricaRuki4,500173,7908041,300CongoTributary river
71South AmericaVaupés/Uaupes4,34564,3706501,050Rio NegroTributary river
72AsiaRed (Hong)4,300143,6007141,149Gulf of TonkinPrimary river
73AsiaMahakam4,27877,095609980Makassar StraitPrimary river
74AfricaZambezi4,2171,331,0001,5992,574Indian OceanPrimary river
75South AmericaAtrato4,14036,231466750Caribbean SeaPrimary river
76AsiaNizhnyaya Tunguska4,139473,0001,8482,989YeniseiTributary river
77AsiaKolyma4,100644,0001,3172,129East Siberian SeaPrimary river
78EuropeKama4,100507,0001,1221,805VolgaTributary river
79South AmericaApaporis4,09254,3008471,370JapuráTributary river
80South AmericaAripuanã4,087145,000540870MadeiraTributary river
81North AmericaGrijalva-Usumacinta4,028134,4006201,000Gulf of MexicoPrimary river
82OceaniaStrickland4,00036,740512824FlyTributary river
83South AmericaTeles Pires3,978141,7181,0131,638TapajósTributary river
84North AmericaFraser3,944231,5938541,375Pacific OceanPrimary river
85OceaniaDigul3,86745,900530853Arafura SeaPrimary river
86South AmericaHuallaga3,79695,0007041,138MarañónTributary river
87AsiaGodavari3,571312,8129101,465Bay of BengalPrimary river
88South AmericaCaura3,54552,000449723OrinocoTributary river
89AfricaBenue3,477319,0008471,370NigerTributary river
90AsiaKaladan3,47640,000278450Bay of BengalPrimary river
91South AmericaJutai3,46274,0007421,200AmazonTributary river
92North AmericaSlave3,451616,400270434Great Slave LakeTributary river
93AsiaLohit3,43850,000285460BrahmaputraTributary river
94EuropeNorthern Dvina3,416357,052462744White SeaPrimary river
95South AmericaInírida3,38553,7958041,300GuaviareTributary river
96AsiaShatt al-Arab3,350938,173127204Persian GulfPrimary river
97North AmericaNelson3,343982,9001,6002,575Hudson BayPrimary river
98OceaniaPurari3,30033,670390630Gulf of PapuaPrimary river
99OceaniaKikori3,27423,309250405Gulf of PapuaPrimary river
100AsiaKhatanga3,200364,0001,0121,636Laptev SeaPrimary river
101OceaniaPulau3,13337,164353569Arafura SeaPrimary river
102AfricaNile3,0753,349,0004,2586,853Mediterranean SeaPrimary river
103AsiaMusi3,05459,942471759South China SeaPrimary river
104South AmericaTigre3,04745,073581940MarañónTributary river
105AsiaSubansiri3,00335,763275442BrahmaputraTributary river
106AsiaGhaghara2,993127,9506711,080GangesTributary river
107AsiaIrtysh2,9801,673,4702,6274,248ObTributary river
108AsiaYamuna2,949366,2238551,376GangesTributary river
109South AmericaSão Francisco2,943641,0001,7582,830Atlantic OceanPrimary river
110AsiaSrepok2,94079,015279450MekongTributary river
111AfricaKwango2,932270,9046801,100KasaiTributary river
112AsiaPanjnad2,910395,0004471IndusTributary river
113EuropeRhine2,900198,7358201,233North SeaPrimary river
114AsiaYarlung Tsangpo2,899241,6916991,125BrahmaputraTributary River
115South AmericaBeni2,875131,5006801,100Madre de DiosTributary river
116AsiaGan2,865103,107372599YangtzeTributary river
117South AmericaTrombetas2,855135,239656.001,060AmazonTributary river
118AsiaMin2,850133,000457735YangtzeTributary river
119AsiaXiang2,848102,148589948YangtzeTributary river
120North AmericaKoksoak2,800133,40085137Ungava BayPrimary river
121EuropeNeva2,770287,0944674Gulf of FinlandPrimary river
122South AmericaPastaza2,76941,000458740MarañónTributary river
123South AmericaIriri2,745130,0008101,300XinguTributary river
124South AmericaCuyuni2,71985,635384618EssequiboTributary river
125AsiaMali Hka2,69323,221200320IrrawaddyTributary river
126AfricaCross2,64753,590304489Gulf of GuineaPrimary river
127AsiaBatang Hari2,64346,504497800South China SeaPrimary river
128AsiaAmu Darya2,618534,7391,4912,400Aral SeaPrimary river
129South AmericaCasiquiare2,57482,800210340Rio NegroTributary river
130AsiaYellow2,571752,0003,3955,464Yellow SeaPrimary river
131AsiaMahanadi2,562141,600560900Bay of BengalPrimary river
132AsiaPyasina2,550182,000508818Kara SeaPrimary river
133AfricaSankuru2,500156,0007561,200KasaiTributary river
134AsiaKoshi2,50069,300453729GangesTributary river
135AfricaSangha2,471213,400489790CongoTributary river
136AsiaSonghua2,463557,1808871,434AmurTributary river
137AsiaGhorautra2,46324,0605690MeghnaTributary river
138AsiaKayan2,45433,005358576Celebes SeaPrimary river
139North AmericaMissouri2,4451,371,0102,3413,767MississippiTributary river
140North AmericaLiard2,434277,1006931,115MackenzieTributary river
141South AmericaGuainía2,43328,900400640Rio NegroTributary river
142South AmericaGuapore2,430341,0007831,260MamoréTributary river
143South AmericaItuí2,42243,403347558JavariTributary river
144South AmericaRio Grande2,400143,0008411,360ParanáTributary river
145South AmericaParagua2,38939,605340550CaroníTributary river
146AsiaVitim2,379225,0001,2101,940LenaTributary river
147South AmericaCauca2,36459,8407301,180MagdalenaTributary river
148South AmericaYarí2,36031,650383620JapuráTributary river
149South AmericaUrubamba2,33060,300448724UcayaliTributary river
150South AmericaJacuí2,32782,618449723Lagoa dos PatosPrimary river
151South AmericaSan Juan2,30415,000240380Pacific OceanPrimary river
152South AmericaApure2,300121,4006451,038OrinocoTributary river
153South AmericaUatumã2,29167,920436701AmazonTributary river
154South AmericaIçana2,27935,675420676Rio NegroTributary river
155South AmericaJamanxim2,21758,771414666TapajósTributary river
156AsiaKrishna River2,213258,9488701,400Bay of BengalPrimary river
157AfricaAruwimi2,200116,1007991,287CongoTributary river
158North AmericaRed River2,187239,1951,3602,190AtchafalayaTributary river
159South AmericaVentuari2,16040,861322520OrinocoTributary river
160South AmericaCuraray2,15526,775500800NapoTributary river
161North AmericaTennessee2,140105,8706521,049OhioTributary river
162North AmericaSt. Marys2,135127,70075120Lake HuronTributary river
163South AmericaCanumã2,13552,433560900MadeiraTributary river
164South AmericaTapauá2,13563,185400640PurusTributary river
165AsiaJialing2,120160,0008361,345YangtzeTributary river
166North AmericaMobile2,118112,5304572Gulf of MexicoPrimary river
167North AmericaPeace2,110306,0001,1951,923SlaveTributary river
168AsiaOlyokma2,110210,0008921,436LenaTributary river
169AsiaYuan2,10693,287537864YangtzeTributary river
170South AmericaJi-Paraná2,10076,127510820MadeiraTributary river
171AfricaSanaga2,072132,9906631,067Gulf of GuineaPrimary river
172AfricaLomami2,062104,1629001,450CongoTributary river
173AsiaHongshui2,049141,674416.1669.6XiTributary river
174AfricaLulonga2,04076,950120200CongoTributary river
175AsiaGandaki2,02546,300506814GangesTributary river
176AsiaAnadyr2,020191,0007101,150Gulf of AnadyrPrimary river


List of Primary Rivers by Discharge



Significance of River Discharge

River discharge refers to the volume of water flowing through a river, typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s). This metric highlights the river's ability to sustain ecosystems, support human activity, and influence global water cycles.

Top Rivers by Discharge

1. Amazon River

The Amazon River in South America has the highest discharge in the world, averaging approximately 209,000 m³/s. It accounts for nearly 20% of the global freshwater flowing into oceans. The river basin spans nine countries and supports diverse ecosystems, making it critical for global biodiversity.

2. Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna System

This river system in South Asia discharges approximately 43,950 m³/s into the Bay of Bengal. It supports one of the world's most densely populated regions and is vital for agriculture, transportation, and cultural heritage.

3. Congo River

The Congo River in Africa ranks second with an average discharge of around 41,400 m³/s. It is the deepest river globally, reaching depths of over 720 feet, and sustains dense rainforests and millions of people across its basin.

4. Orinoco River

The Orinoco River in South America has an average discharge of 33,000 m³/s. It flows primarily through Venezuela and Colombia, providing crucial water resources for agriculture and hydropower.

5. Yangtze River

The Yangtze River in China has a discharge of about 30,166 m³/s, making it Asia's largest by flow. It plays a central role in China's economy, supporting agriculture, transportation, and hydropower through projects like the Three Gorges Dam.

Importance of High-Discharge Rivers

Rivers with high discharge are essential for sustaining aquatic habitats, regulating climate, and supporting millions of livelihoods. They are also critical for renewable energy, transportation, and flood control. However, these rivers face challenges from pollution, dam construction, and climate change, requiring global conservation efforts.

S.N.ContinentRiverStationMean Average Discharge in (m3/s)Maximum Average Discharge in (m3/s)Minimum Average Discharge in (m3/s)Outflow
1South AmericaAmazonAmazon Delta220,800340,000180,000Atlantic Ocean
2AsiaGanges-Brahmaputra-MeghnaGanges Delta43,950160,00010,000Bay of Bengal
3AfricaCongo (Zaire)Banana41,40057,67032,000Atlantic Ocean
4South AmericaOrinocoCiudad Guyana37,74054,00021,000Atlantic Ocean
5AsiaYangtzeYangtze Delta31,90049,50011,300East China Sea
6South AmericaRío de la PlataLa Plata Estuary27,22550,00012,000Atlantic Ocean
7North AmericaMississippiMississippi Delta21,30056,0005,000Gulf of Mexico
8AsiaYeniseiYenisei Estuary20,20078,5004,200Kara Sea
9AsiaLenaLena Delta18,30072,0003,590Laptev Sea
10AsiaMekongMekong Delta15,85639,0003,000South China Sea
11AsiaIrrawaddyIrrawaddy Delta15,11238,0006,460Andaman Sea
12AsiaObOb Estuary13,10046,0006,230Gulf of Ob
13North AmericaSaint LawrenceQuébéc12,43214,8359,225Gulf of Saint Lawrence
14AsiaAmurAmur Estuary11,52619,0005,340Sea of Okhotsk
15North AmericaMackenzieMackenzie Delta9,80015,8004,090Beaufort Sea
16AsiaPearl (Xi)Pearl Delta9,50020,0003,600South China Sea
17EuropeVolgaVolga Delta8,22019,6005,500Caspian Sea
18South AmericaMagdalenaBarranquilla8,05816,4632,465Caribbean Sea
19AfricaNigerNiger Delta7,90035,0001,200Gulf of Guinea
20North AmericaColumbiaAstoria7,40719,1002,230Pacific Ocean
21OceaniaFlyOgwa7,35512,7623,680Gulf of Papua
22North AmericaYukonPilot Station6,86021,1001,360Bering Sea
23AsiaSalweenMoulmein6,60032,6002,300Andaman Sea
24EuropeDanubeCeatal Izmail6,51015,9001,790Black Sea
25AsiaKapuasKapuas Delta6,0129,0003,000South China Sea
26AsiaIndusIndus Delta5,58918,0001,100Arabian Sea
27OceaniaMamberamoMamberamo Delta5,500  Pacific Ocean
28OceaniaSepikAngoram5,00011,0002,600Bismarck Sea
29South AmericaEssequiboBartica4,9518,7001,850Atlantic Ocean
30AfricaOgoouéLambaréné4,9359,4401,610Atlantic Ocean
31EuropePechoraOksino4,80017,182643Barents Sea
32AsiaRajangRajang Delta4,7158,0001,100South China Sea
33AsiaBaritoBarito Delta4,514  Java Sea
34AsiaRed (Hong)Red River Delta4,3009,5001,200Gulf of Tonkin
35AsiaMahakamMahakam Delta4,2788,0001,000Makassar Strait
36AfricaZambeziMarromeu4,21718,600920Indian Ocean
37South AmericaAtratoAtrato Delta4,138  Caribbean Sea
38AsiaKolymaKolyma Delta4,100  East Siberian Sea
39North AmericaGrijalva-UsumacintaGrijalva Delta4,028  Gulf of Mexico
40North AmericaFraserVancouver3,94417,000575Pacific Ocean
41OceaniaDigulDigul Delta3,86710,600 Arafura Sea
42OceaniaEilanden (Pulau)Eilanden Delta3,783  Arafura Sea
43AsiaGodavariGodavari Delta3,571  Bay of Bengal
44AsiaKaladanKaladan Delta3,476  Bay of Bengal
45EuropeNorthern DvinaUst-Pinega3,416  White Sea
46North AmericaNelsonPort Nelson3,343  Hudson Bay
47OceaniaPurariPurari Delta3,300  Gulf of Papua
48OceaniaKikoriKikori Delta3,274  Gulf of Papua
49AsiaKhatangaKhatanga Estuary3,200  Laptev Sea
50AsiaMusiMusi Delta3,0544,2001,400South China Sea
51AsiaShatt al-ArabShatt al-Arab Delta2,960  Persian Gulf
52South AmericaSão FranciscoSão Francisco Estuary2,943  Atlantic Ocean
53EuropeRhineRhine Delta2,90013,000800North Sea
54AfricaNileDongola2,8107,620530Mediterranean Sea
55North AmericaKoksoakKoksoak Estuary2,800  Ungava Bay
56EuropeNevaSaint Petersburg2,7704,550 Gulf of Finland
57AfricaCrossCross Estuary2,647  Gulf of Guinea
58AsiaBatang HariBatang Hari Delta2,643  South China Sea
59AsiaYellowYellow Delta2,57136,000 Yellow Sea
60AsiaPyasinaPyasina Delta2,550  Kara Sea
61AsiaAmu DaryaKerki2,525  Aral Sea
62AsiaKayanTanjung Selor2,454  Celebes Sea
63South AmericaJacuíPorto Alegre2,327  Lagoa dos Patos
64South AmericaSan JuanBefore delta2,304  Pacific Ocean
65AsiaKrishnaKrishna Delta2,213  Bay of Bengal
66AsiaMahanadiMahanadi Delta2,119  Bay of Bengal
67North AmericaMobileMobile Estuary2,1189,018282Gulf of Mexico
68AfricaSanagaSanaga Delta2,0725,700473Gulf of Guinea
69AsiaAnadyrAnadyr Estuary2,020  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.