Nile

Nile

The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa. It is the longest river in Africa and the disputed longest river in the world, as the Brazilian government claims that the Amazon River is longer than the Nile.

Geography

The Nile, which is about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long, is an "international" river as its drainage basin covers eleven countries, namely, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Republic of Sudan, and Egypt. In particular, the Nile is the primary water source of Egypt and Sudan.

History

The Nile has been the lifeline of civilization in Egypt since the Stone Age, with most of the population and all of the cities of Egypt lying along those parts of the Nile valley lying north of Aswan. The Nile has been a major source of sustenance and has played a crucial role in the development of Egyptian civilization.

Hydrology

The Nile has two major tributaries – the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile is considered to be the headwaters and primary stream of the Nile itself. The Blue Nile, however, is the source of most of the water and silt.

Flora and Fauna

The Nile supports much of the population living along its banks, enabling Egyptians to live in otherwise inhospitable regions of the Sahara. The river's regular flooding increases soil fertility and crop growth, supporting a dense population along its course.

See also

• Nile Delta
• Nile crocodile
• Nile monitor
• Nile perch