Which river is the longest in the world?

The Nile River is often considered the longest river in the world, traditionally measured at about 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) from its source in East Africa to its delta in Egypt. This river has played a significant role in the civilization and culture of the regions it flows through, particularly in Egypt, where it has been a crucial source of water, transport, and fertile soil for agriculture.

While there is ongoing debate regarding the precise lengths of certain rivers, particularly between the Nile and the Amazon, measurements often place the Nile ahead. The Amazon River, while it has been reported to be longer by some measurements, is usually acknowledged as the largest river by discharge volume of water, making it exceptionally significant in its own right.

The Yangtze River and the Mississippi River, while important rivers geographically and culturally, are not contenders in the contest for the title of longest river. The Yangtze measures about 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles), and the Mississippi is substantially shorter, at just under 4,000 kilometers (2,340 miles) when considered together with its tributaries. Thus, the Nile holds the title of the longest river when traditional measurements are applied.