The longest river in the world is the Nile River, flowing through northeastern Africa. It stretches about 6,650 kilometers (approximately 4,130 miles) and traverses several countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Historically significant, the Nile has been crucial for the development of ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, where it supported agriculture and provided transportation. The river is fed by two main tributaries: the White Nile, originating from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile, beginning in Ethiopia. Its length has led to debates and comparisons with the Amazon River, but the Nile remains widely recognized as the longest.