Top 10 Longest Rivers on Earth

Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet, carving canyons, nurturing ecosystems, and serving as cradles for human civilization. These vast, flowing bodies of water have dictated the course of history, enabling trade, agriculture, and the growth of great cities along their banks. Measuring their exact length is a complex geographical challenge, often leading to passionate debates among experts.

This list explores the ten longest rivers on Earth, magnificent waterways that span continents and support millions of people. While the title of the absolute longest is famously contested between the Nile and the Amazon, each river in this list is a giant in its own right, a critical artery on the surface of our world.

Methodology

This ranking is based on the most current measurements available as of 2025, using the standard definition of river length as the distance from the most distant source to the mouth, following the main channel. The data comes from multiple authoritative sources including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Geographic, and international hydrological organizations.

River length measurements can vary due to several factors:

• Source identification: Determining the true source can be controversial, especially for rivers with multiple tributaries
• Measurement methodology: Different organizations may use varying techniques and technologies
• Seasonal variations: River courses can change due to seasonal flooding and erosion
• Technological advances: Modern satellite imagery and GPS have led to more accurate measurements

The ongoing debate between the Nile and Amazon highlights the complexity of these measurements, with recent studies suggesting the Nile maintains its position as the world's longest river at approximately 6,853 kilometers.

List of Longest Rivers on Earth

10. Congo River

Length: 4,700 km (2,920 miles)
Location: Africa

Formerly known as the Zaire River, the Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and the deepest river in the world, with measured depths of over 220 m (720 ft). It snakes through the Congo Rainforest, the second-largest tropical rainforest on Earth, and has a drainage basin that covers 4.1 million square kilometers. Its immense power gives it the potential to be a massive source of hydroelectric energy. For more fascinating water features, explore our guide to the deepest lakes in the world.

9. Amur River

Length: 4,444 km (2,761 miles)
Location: Asia

The Amur River, or Heilong Jiang, forms a significant portion of the natural border between Russia's Far East and Northeastern China. It is a vital waterway for the region, known for its rich fish stocks, including the giant kaluga sturgeon. The Amur is a symbol of the vast, untamed wilderness of Siberia and Manchuria. Discover more about the countries these rivers flow through in our list of the largest countries by area.

8. Paraná River

Length: 4,880 km (3,030 miles)
Location: South America

The Paraná River flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, forming a massive basin that is second only to the Amazon's in South America. It is a critical river for trade and transportation and is home to the enormous Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants, which straddles the border between Brazil and Paraguay.

7. Ob-Irtysh River

Length: 5,410 km (3,360 miles)
Location: Asia

This mighty river system is the longest in Russia and flows north through the vast expanse of Western Siberia before emptying into the Arctic Ocean. The Ob-Irtysh plays a crucial role in the Siberian economy, particularly for the oil and gas industries, and serves as a major transportation route during the ice-free summer months.

6. Yellow River (Huang He)

Length: 5,464 km (3,395 miles)
Location: Asia

Known as the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization," the Yellow River is the second-longest river in China. Its name comes from the vast quantities of yellow-colored silt it carries from the Loess Plateau. While it has been essential for agriculture for millennia, the river is also notoriously prone to devastating floods, earning it the nickname "China's Sorrow."

5. Yenisei River

Length: 5,539 km (3,442 miles)
Location: Asia

The Yenisei is the largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. It rises in Mongolia, flows north across Siberia, and drains a massive portion of central Asia. The river's basin is an area of incredible biodiversity and is home to diverse ecosystems, from taiga forests to Arctic tundra.

4. Mississippi-Missouri River System

Length: 6,275 km (3,902 miles)
Location: North America

The longest river in North America is a combination of its two greatest tributaries. The Missouri River (the longest tributary) joins the Mississippi River near St. Louis, forming a massive river system that drains 31 U.S. states. This iconic waterway has been central to the history, culture, and economy of the United States, immortalized in the works of Mark Twain. Learn about the cities that have grown along these waterways in our guide to the most populous cities.

3. Yangtze River

Length: 6,300 km (3,917 miles)
Location: Asia

The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows entirely within China, from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea at Shanghai. The Yangtze basin is home to nearly one-third of China's population and is a vital artery for the country's economy. The controversial Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station, is located on this river.

2. Amazon River

Length: Approx. 6,400 - 6,992 km (4,000 - 4,345 miles)
Location: South America

The Amazon is a river of superlatives. By volume of water discharged, it is by far the largest in the world, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined. Recent measurements place it at approximately 6,575 kilometers, making it the second-longest river in the world. It flows through the Amazon Rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest, and is a bastion of biodiversity. Explore more natural wonders in our list of the tallest mountains in the world.

1. Nile River

Length: 6,670 km (4,145 miles)
Location: Africa

The Nile is the longest river in the world at approximately 6,670 kilometers. Flowing north from its sources in Burundi and Ethiopia, it travels through 11 countries before fanning out into a vast delta and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, and its predictable annual floods allowed for the development of one of the world's first great civilizations. While the debate about its length versus the Amazon's continues, recent measurements confirm its position as the world's longest river.

Summary of the Top 10 Longest Rivers

Conclusion

Our journey along the world's longest rivers reveals the incredible diversity and importance of these magnificent waterways. From the ancient Nile, which has nurtured civilizations for millennia, to the mighty Amazon, which carries more water than any other river, each of these rivers tells a story of geological forces, human history, and ecological wonder.

The rivers on this list span every continent except Antarctica, demonstrating the global nature of these vital water systems. They have shaped landscapes, enabled trade and transportation, and provided the foundation for some of humanity's greatest civilizations. The ongoing debate about which river is truly the longest—the Nile or the Amazon—highlights the complexity of measuring these natural wonders.

What makes these rivers truly remarkable is not just their length, but their impact on the world. They support millions of people, provide habitats for countless species, and play crucial roles in global climate systems. From the hydroelectric power generated by the Paraná's Itaipu Dam to the cultural significance of the Yangtze in Chinese civilization, these rivers continue to shape our world in profound ways.

Understanding and protecting these rivers is more important than ever as we face the challenges of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. These magnificent waterways are not just geographical features—they are the lifeblood of our planet, connecting us to our past and carrying us into the future.