Rivers have been closely related to human history, providing humans with sources of drinking water and food, and being the homes of many creatures on earth.
Nowadays, many of them have become tourist attractions, and many people travel far and wide to appreciate the beauty of these rivers. The following rivers are among the most famous in the world, and still play an important role in our planet.
1. The Amazon River
The Amazon River is located in South America and flows through countries such as Brazil, Peru and Colombia. It is the largest river in the world, with a flow rate of 208.978 cubic meters per second. It is also often considered the longest river, with 6993 kilometers, although there are some debates on the methods used to measure.
The Amazon is also renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecosystem. The river itself and its banks are full of various important species of flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in this area.
2. The Nile River
The Nile River is a north-flowing river that passes through most of North Africa, eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. It passes through Egypt and Sudan, but has three main sources: the Blue Nile, the White Nile and Atbara, passing through Ethiopia and Uganda, before reaching Sudan and South Sudan.
In addition to its unusual northward flow, the Nile is most famous for existing in the desert. Since much of Egypt and Sudan is dry, desert and sandy terrain, the Nile is the main source of water for all life in the area.
This is the only reason why these famous cities were able to be built in the area, providing the possibility of irrigation and fertile loams, the ancient Egyptian civilization.
3. The Ganges
The Ganges is a river that passes through India and Bangladesh. This river is 2510 kilometers in length and is a unique landmark, but is even more famous for its such high religious significance.
4. The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, with a length of about 3730 kilometers. This wide, winding river leaves an indelible impression as it passes through or borders ten different US states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
As such, it is one of the world's most important commercial water sources, providing power to many nearby cities. Its huge area also means it is a habitat for a range of animals, as well as a migratory route for many birds and fish.
5. The Thames River
The Thames River flows through the south of England and passes through the capital, London. This river is 346 kilometers in length and flows into the North Sea. It is the longest river in the entire region of England (excluding other parts of the UK).
This river is important as it provides a route for travelers and merchants to take by boat from the mainland of Europe, across the English Channel, straight to the city center.
In the near modern era, important landmarks and buildings such as the London Bridge, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, tourist attractions are all on the riverbanks.
Rivers are the lifelines of the world, these naturally flowing waterways provide water sources for global ecosystems, providing habitats, sources of energy, transportation and recreation.
There are many rivers developed in the world. Whether used for transportation, energy, or as habitats for biodiversity, these rivers have left a deep impression on people and each one is famous in its own right for its own characteristics.
