Rivers are among the most important geographical features shaping civilizations, economies, irrigation, transport and culture. For government job aspirants, knowing the longest rivers across countries and continents is a frequent question in competitive exams. This article presents a simple and systematic overview of major countries and their longest rivers.
World’s Longest Rivers (Top 5)
| Rank | River | Continent | Approx. Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nile | Africa | ~6,650 km |
| 2 | Amazon | South America | ~6,400 km |
| 3 | Yangtze | Asia | ~6,300 km |
| 4 | Mississippi–Missouri System | North America | ~6,275 km |
| 5 | Yenisei | Eurasia (Russia–Mongolia) | ~5,539 km |
Longest Rivers by Continent
Table: Major Long Rivers By Continent
| Continent | Longest River | Other Major Long Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Yangtze | Yellow River, Mekong, Ganges, Indus |
| Africa | Nile | Congo, Niger, Zambezi |
| Europe | Volga | Danube, Ural |
| North America | Mississippi–Missouri | Mackenzie, Rio Grande |
| South America | Amazon | Paraná, Tocantins–Araguaia |
| Australia | Murray–Darling System | Murrumbidgee |
| Antarctica | Onyx River | Seasonal and short streams |
Longest Rivers in Major Countries
Table: Country-wise Longest Rivers
| Country | Longest River |
|---|---|
| India | Ganga (Ganges) |
| China | Yangtze |
| USA | Missouri–Mississippi System |
| Russia | Yenisei |
| Brazil | Amazon |
| Egypt / Sudan | Nile |
| Canada | Mackenzie |
| Australia | Murray System |
| Pakistan | Indus |
| Bangladesh | Padma–Jamuna–Meghna System |
| France | Loire |
| Germany | (Danube flows partly) & Rhine tributaries |
| United Kingdom | River Severn |
| Japan | Shinano |
| South Africa | Orange River |
| Argentina | Paraná |
Geographical Significance of Major Rivers
1. Ecological Roles
- Amazon regulates global climate
- Ganga supports Gangetic dolphins, wetlands
- Nile provides fertile soil for crops
2. Socio-economic Roles
- River valleys host major cities
- Major dams constructed for irrigation, hydropower and water supply
3. Religious and Cultural Roles
- Ganga is sacred in India
- Nile is central to Egyptian symbolism
- Yangtze influences Chinese culture
Raveena Tandon Biography: Know About Her...
Which Continent is known as the New Cont...
Which is the Oldest Lake on Earth? Know ...
