What is the name of the longest river in the world?

The Nile River is often recognized as the longest river in the world, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) through northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. This river has been historically significant, providing a vital water source to civilizations along its banks, particularly in Egypt and Sudan.

Although there has been some debate in recent years regarding the Amazon River's length due to differing measurement techniques, the Nile still holds the title in most mainstream assessments. The Amazon is typically considered the second longest, while the Yangtze River in China is the longest river entirely contained within a single country. The Mississippi River, while an important waterway in North America, is significantly shorter than both the Nile and Amazon. This context highlights why the Nile River is recognized as the longest river in the world.