What is the longest river in the world?

The Amazon River is considered the longest river in the world, measuring about 4,345 miles (7,062 kilometers) when accounting for its most extended tributary. The debate over whether the Amazon or the Nile holds the title of the longest river has been ongoing, primarily due to differences in measurement methods and the identification of river sources.

While the Nile River has traditionally been regarded as the longest river, particularly in historical texts, recent studies employing more modern techniques and explorations of tributaries have indicated that the Amazon may extend longer than the Nile. In addition to its length, the Amazon is also the largest river by discharge volume, playing a vital role in the ecology and hydrology of the Amazon rainforest. This combination of factors contributes to the recognition of the Amazon as the longest river in contemporary geography discussions, providing it with a significant standing in both cultural and physical geography.