Which river is recognized as the world's longest?

The Nile River is recognized as the world's longest river, stretching about 4,135 miles (6,650 kilometers) through northeastern Africa. It has historical significance and has been central to the development of the civilizations along its banks, particularly in Egypt and Sudan. The Nile flows northward through countries including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, eventually draining into the Mediterranean Sea.

While there is some debate regarding the exact lengths of various rivers, studies consistently rank the Nile as the longest due to its extensive distance and the considerable water system it encompasses, which includes several tributaries and lakes contributing to its flow. The Amazona, or Amazon River, is often mentioned in discussions about river lengths, as it is sometimes argued to be longer when including certain tributaries and measuring techniques, but traditionally, the Nile holds the title in most references.