Rivers have been pivotal to the birth and success of human civilization. Thousands of years ago, early settlements formed along their banks due to the fresh water, fertile soil, and easy travel routes. Many cultures came to see rivers as sacred, worshipping them as life-giving deities.
These waterways do far more than support communities. They traverse through mountains, deserts, and icy plains, carrying nutrients that nourish forests and wildlife. From small villages to large cities, rivers have shaped trade, farming, and entire economies. In this gallery, we explore the world’s longest rivers in the world. Curious to know which they are? Click to find out.