The river Nile, running through the country of Egypt is the Worlds longest river. It is in fact the only main river running across the continent of Africa. It drains about 3,254,555 sq. km of the continent, which accounts for about 10 percent of the land. Besides Egypt, the other countries that are blessed with the river water are Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. This river has a length of 6,650 km. The river discharges its water in the Mediterranean Sea.
The only areas where fertile soil is found in the continent of Africa are the ones around which the river Nile and its distributaries flow. This worlds longest river has two main tributaries. They are the White Nile, running through Tanzania and the Blue Nile, running through Ethiopia. These two tributaries flow in their respective stream until they join each other at Khartoum, the Capital city of Sudan. The Atbara River also arises from this great river. Thus, Nile is like a life line for these African Countries.
This worlds longest river has also been a centre for the growth and flourishment of the ancient and the famous Egyptian Civilization. Large kingdoms and palaces were built around the bank of the river Nile. However now, the river has changed much of this course and is presently called the Eonile, meaning the fifth Nile. However, the role of the river has still remained the same. It still provides the only agricultural lands of the landmass.
However, a lot of disputes have been surrounding the worlds longest river. All the countries that share the water of this river have been fighting for its usage rights for decades. Being the major means of communication in these deserted areas politicians of these countries have also fought for accessing the river for this purpose. To initiate peaceful negotiations regarding its usage, the Nile Basin Initiative program has recently been undertaken by these African Countries.
Though lot have been said that the river Nile may be shorter in length than the Amazon river, it is still considered to be the worlds longest river. Though every year the river floods the areas around its course, it leaves away very fertile soil, making it suitable for cultivation. Also, these areas provide great scenic beauty which attracts a huge amount of tourists every year. Places like Aswan and Uganda have become huge centres for tourism.
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