What is the longest river?

The longest river in the world is generally considered to be the Nile River, which flows through northeastern Africa. The Nile stretches about 6,650 kilometers (approximately 4,130 miles) from its major source in Burundi or Rwanda through countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. It has been historically famous for supporting ancient civilizations along its banks. However, there is some debate among geographers and scientists, as the Amazon River in South America is also a strong contender for the title of the longest river. Recent studies and measurements suggest that the Amazon, which flows through Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, may be slightly longer than the Nile, with an estimated length around 6,800 kilometers (about 4,225 miles). The Amazon is undisputedly the largest river by volume of water discharged. In summary, while the Nile has traditionally been recognized as the longest river, some modern research points to the Amazon as potentially longer depending on the specific measurement methods used. Both rivers are remarkable and among the most important waterways on Earth.