Nile River Facts
The Nile is not only the longest river in Africa, but it is also the longest river in the whole world.
Nile River is 6,650 km (4,130 miles) long, which is even longer than the entire width of the United States!
This river has been important to Africa for thousands of years and continues to be so today.
Ready to learn about the Nile Delta, the Nile Basin and where the river Nile flows?
Continue reading to find out some awesome facts.
Where is the Nile River located?
The Nile is located on the continent of Africa. It begins in the country of Burundi, which is in the middle of Africa, and flows towards the northeastern part of the continent.
It flows all the way through Egypt and eventually empties out into the Mediterranean Sea.
Where does the Nile River Begin?
The Nile River starts in the country of Burundi, from the headwaters of the Kagera River.
This river, as well as another one that flows into it, is considered the true source of the Nile River, even though some people think that the enormous Lake Victoria is the beginning point.
The Kagera River flows into Lake Victoria, which gets most of its water from the melting snow from the mountains that surround it.
What countries does the Nile River run through?
The Nile River runs through or along the border of 10 African countries: Egypt, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan.
What Kinds of Animals Live in the Nile River Delta?
People aren’t the only one who rely on the amazing things the Nile River supplies – animals do, too!
Some types of animals that live in the Nile River Delta are crocodiles, turtles, and baboons, as well as over 300 different kinds of birds.
The birds that live in this area include eagles, ibis, and the Nile Valley Sunbird.
Fishing in the Nile River has always been popular and remains so today.
People who live in the area relied on the tons of fish in the waters to survive and now people still fish for food as well as for trade.
Why was the Nile River so Important to the Ancient Egyptians?
Ancient Egypt could not have existed without the Nile River and all that it provided.
Most Egyptians lived near the river as it gave them water to drink, food (such as fish) to eat, and a way to travel from place to place.
The Nile River also gave them excellent soil to grow their own food because when the river would overflow, it left the soil full of nutrients and other necessary things that plants need to become big and strong.
This was very important because most of Egypt is hot and dry, so the only place crops could grow was right by the Nile River.
The Nile River was also important to the Ancient Egyptians because reeds grew alongside of it and they used these to make a type of paper that they called papyrus.
They used this paper to write books, messages, and to deliver letters to families and other countries.
They also used reeds to build boats, which they then travelled with down the river for transport and trade.
Quick Facts: Nile River
Longest river in the world.
About 4,160 miles long.
Flows through Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi.
Empties out into the Mediterranean Sea.
Ancient Egyptians relied on the river for food, travel, and water.
Largest source of water is from Lake Victoria.
The Nile River has been an important source of food, transportation, and water for the continent of Africa for thousands of years.
Without the rich soil and clean waters that the river brought to the dry desert, Ancient Egypt would not have survived, and this extremely important civilization would have never happened.
With its large amount of resources, fish, and animals, it is no wonder people value the longest river in the world so much!
