What is the longest river in the world?

The longest river in the world is the Nile River, which runs for about 6,650 kilometers (approximately 4,130 miles), flowing through northeastern Africa, primarily through countries like Egypt and Sudan. It has been historically significant, providing water resources, fertile land, and transportation routes for civilizations such as ancient Egypt.

While the Amazon River is often cited as a contender for the title, recent studies suggest it may be longer than the Nile depending on the methodologies used for measurement, but traditionally and in many records, the Nile has been recognized as the longest. The Yangtze River, which flows entirely in China, is the longest river in Asia but falls short when compared to the lengths of the Nile and the Amazon. The Mississippi River, while a major river in North America, is considerably shorter than both the Nile and the Amazon. Thus, the Nile is recognized for its historical prominence and length, securing its place as the longest river.