Which river is the longest in the world?

The Nile River is recognized as the longest river in the world, stretching about 6,650 kilometers (approximately 4,130 miles). It flows through northeastern Africa, primarily through countries like Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.

While the Amazon River has been subject to debate regarding its length, measurements often place it as a contender for the longest river, but it typically falls short compared to the Nile according to most standard measurements. The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in Asia and the third longest globally, measuring about 6,300 kilometers (around 3,917 miles). The Mississippi River, significantly shorter, measures about 3,734 kilometers (approximately 2,340 miles) and is a major river in North America but does not compete with the lengths of the Nile or the Amazon.

Thus, the Nile's established length and geographic significance solidify its position as the longest river in the world.