It winds from Uganda to Ethiopia, flowing through a total of nine countries. It is over 4,000 miles long, which is even longer than the entire width of the United States! Most of Egypt is a desert zone, and rainfall is not so dense here. It covers a distance of 6695 kilometers (4160 Miles). Egypt Nile River Facts. Fact 14. The population near Lake Victoria speak Bantu, the inhabitants near Sahara speak Arabic and the people of South Sudan speak Nilotic. 19 Nile River Facts for Kids The Nile River is a very long watercourse in Africa. margin: 0 1rem 0 0; Egyptians have relied on this river since ancient times for irrigation and transport. The river has various exciting features that make it one of the most abundant rivers in terms of silt deposition. Egyptians harnessed these reeds to create papyrus that served the purpose of the paper. These crocodiles are responsible for the deaths of many people each year. The names came from the amount of silt deposition made by the river. It is the longest river on Earth (about 6,650 km or 4,132 miles), and flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria. It stretches across 164 km (length) and 240 km (width). Your email address will not be published. In fact, the Nile crocodile is actually responsible for killing several people each year. The river Nile never gets dried up, and yearly floods are frequent in this river. 12 Revealing Facts about the River Nile The Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea. This silt is known as one of the richest natural soil in the world. The Nile (Arabic: النيل, an-Nīl; Auncient Egyptian: Iteru & Ḥ'pī; Coptic Egyptian: ⲫⲓⲁⲣⲱ, P(h)iaro; Amharic: ዓባይ?, ʿAbbai) is a major north-flawin river in northeastren Africae, generally regardit as the langest river in the warld. It originates inside Burundi, south of the equator, and flows northward to northeastern Africa, eventually flowing through Egypt and then draining into the Mediterranean Sea. These ancient tombs were built on blocks and chuck of rocks. Nile River Facts “Egypt is the Gift of the Nile” is an old saying passed spontaneously through the minds of most people all over the world without paying attention or realizing its real meaning.To achieve the meaning of this saying, you have to recognize what is the Nile River? The Nile flows through regions inhabited by a wide variety of peoples, from the Bantu-speaking populations of the Lake Victoria area to the Arabs of the Sahara and the Nile delta. Located in North Africa, the River Nile is one of the most famous rivers in the world. Use our interactive map to navigate our fascinating planet and discover many interesting and fun facts for every country…, © 2020 Planet Numbers Ltd.   During the rainy season, the land becomes very swampy, making it a desirable location for the growth of tall grasses similar to bamboo. Before entering Egypt, the river covers nine different countries, and it finally ends into the northern edge of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River is actually 6695 kilometers(4184 miles) long. (And Which Foods Do They Actually Like), How do Rainbows Form? The Source Of The Nile River. Earth Eclipse. The biggest user of Nile water is Egypt, which is surrounded by desert. Let’s find out 30 amazing facts about the Nile. } You read that right! The river Nile has two major tributaries, which are the Blue Nile and the White Nile. Contrary to the common notion, these tribes have different languages. Amazing facts about the River Nile 5: the length The Blue Nile is shorter than the White Nile. Nile River, Arabic Baḥr Al-Nīl or Nahr Al-Nīl, the longest river in the world, called the father of African rivers. Facts | Africa, Oceans, Seas & Waterways | 12 Revealing Facts about the River Nile Due to Osiris’ links with the river Nile, the river is often considered to be a symbol of the afterlife. If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source. Here are 12 interesting facts about the River Nile. Spanning across more than 134 days, the journey commenced from Uganda before finally ending in Rosetta. These interesting facts are just the start of what there is to learn about this great river. Fun Facts about the Nile River. The Nile River flows through eleven northeastern countries in Africa. The river Nile is known as the longest river in the world. Since he wasn’t reincarnated, he is believed to have become the god of death and the underworld. With its lakes and tributaries, the Nile connects 11 countries in Africa, flowing from Burundi northwards to Egypt. But the source of White Nile is not Lake Victoria but somewhere in between Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Burundi, the actual source of the river is established. Millions of people depend on the water from the Nile River. This occurrence was a yearly process, and the submerged land became more fertile each year. The soil along the Nile was rich with different growing crops, which are wheat “the main Egyptians staple food”, papyrus “that were used in paper, baskets, and sandals”, and flax “that was used in manufacturing linen clothes for clothing”. It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. At that point, the majority of the Egyptians built homes in proximity to the river. One of the acceptable arguments suggests that the river starts its course from the area of Lake Victoria. The name of this extraordinary river originates from the, The Nile crocodile is one of the largest crocodiles on the planet and is found in most parts of the river. The Egyptian Civilization since the days of Pharaohs has been extensively using the river Nile for various practices that are essential for livelihood. In South Sudan are Nilotic-speaking peoples including the Shilluk, Dinka, and Nuer. It covers a distance of 6695 kilometers (4160 Miles). height: 28px; The wide ethnic and linguistic diversity is mirrored in the numerous ecological relationships between these peoples and the river. Ancient Egypt is beset with myths. It is believed to be the longest river in the world. Nile River Map - Nile River History. a.facebook-find, After killing him, Set chopped his body parts and flung them into the Nile. In particular, the Nile is the primary water source of Egypt and … There is also a grass ground cover with perennial thorny trees and mixed shrubs. Nile River - Nile River - Plant and animal life: In the areas where no irrigation is practiced, different zones of plant life may be roughly divided according to the amount of rainfall. line-height: 28px; This helped use the natural source in household activities, and in one word, the water of Nile is the primary source of water supply even for modern day Egypt. Privacy Policy | https://www.britannica.com/place/Nile-River/Plant-and-animal-life. Upon dying, they are replaced with a crocodile of similar species. 10 Interesting Nile River Facts. (And Process of Formation), How Were the Himalayas Formed? There is some debate over this title, though – some scientists argue that the Amazon river in South America is longer. These species are known as papyrus. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After passing through nine different countries, which are Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, the river merges into the Mediterranean Sea. The existence of the river Nile can be found as early as 3000BC. River Worksheets Printables – River Worksheets Printables will help a trainer or student to find out and realize the lesson program inside a faster way. A professional writer, editor, blogger, copywriter, and a member of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors, New York. For thousands of years, the river has provided a source of irrigation to transform the dry area around it into lush agricultural land. 1. It is 6,650 km (4,130 mile) lang. The Nile Delta region is home to over 40 million people (which is around half of the population of Egypt). While many scientists have voiced contentions about the size Nile and Amazon river, the Nile still stands out because of its highly elongated river channel. background-image: url('/wp-content/themes/cassiopeia/assets/icons/twitter-icon.svg'); Hapi was honoured for the floods which brought fertility to the lands. Although their habitat has shrunk over the years, these reptiles could be found as far up as the Nile Delta at one point in. vertical-align: middle; The crocodiles which are found in the Nile basin are recorded as the world’s largest species that can gallop half the weight of its body in one sitting. Again, Lake Victoria has various feeder rivers that seem to merge in this location. Nile River Facts. Today, the river continues to serve as a source of irrigation, as well as an important transportation and trade route. The name ‘Nile’ has originated from the Greek word ‘neilos’ that refers to ‘valley.’ During the ancient Egyptian civilization, this river was referred to as ‘Ar’ or ‘Aur.’ These two words mean the same that is “black.”. The Egyptians measured the height of the annual flood using a Nilometer. It is worth noting that unlike any other river, the Nile passes through more than eleven countries, draining around 10% of the entire continent of Africa. The Nile has a length of about 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles). In 1787, the iconic Rosetta stone was discovered in the Nile Delta. background-position: 0 50%; These workbooks are perfect for both youngsters and grownups to use. Live crocodiles, locally called the ‘Petsuchos’ are studded with jewelry and worshipped in temples. Facts about Nile River – There are so many wonderful and amazing places and nature phenomenons in our earth. Other River Nile Facts The Nile’s two major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, meet at Khartoum, Sudan. It is the longest river in the world. background-size: 26px 26px; And, in the present-day also, the Nile remains an integral part of Egypt and its people. Indeed, the country wouldn’t have thrived if it weren’t for the resources provided by the Nile River. } The Dinka and Nuer are pastoralists whose … Though this river has immense significance over the evolution of Egyptian civilization but, one should not be mistaken about its actual location. The paper we use today was first made from the leaves of papyrus, a leaf of a plant which is grown on the banks of this fertile river. The expedition took 4 months and 2 weeks to complete. Its average discharge is 3.1 million litres (680,000 gallons) per second. It stretches from Great Lakes of Africa, crosses the Sahara Desert, and finally flows into the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. (And Do They Mate With Other Species). Centuries back, tiny reeds grew along the riverbeds. He was honored and highly revered as floods led to excellent fertility that further facilitated the growth of vegetation in the area. It is this mineral-rich feature of this river that got it referred to as the Black River. Follow us on Twitter 1) Found in northeast Africa, the Nile has long been recognised as the longest river in the world – stretching a massive 6,695km! The river has a range of tropical rainforests that are lined with banana trees, bamboos, ebonies, and tiny shrubs. margin-right: 1rem; The river Nile is the primary source of water supply not only in Egypt but also supports ten percent of Africa’s water supply. The River Nile is 6,648km (4,132 miles) in length. This artifact has a major role in our modern assessment of Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphics. Since ancient times, Egypt has relied on the Nile, with most people living along or near the banks of the river. The Nile is a favorite tourist destination for people visiting Egypt. According to Egyptian myths, Osiris, an Egyptian God was tricked and killed by his brother Set. Nile River Facts. Various cruises provide different attractive deals on river tours. While its eastern area represents life, the western part is said to symbolize death. A wide variety of vegetations makes the destination an ideal tropical rainforest area that is mostly covered with thick forest patches. Since the time human civilization and habitation evolved, the mention of this river can be found. Along its long course, the river brought silt which was formed from chunks of boulders, rocks and plant debris. Egypt’s population has depended up the Nile for thousands of years. © 2020 . Required fields are marked *. The Ancient Egyptians called the Nile the "Aur", which means "black" and comes from the black soil. The river Nile is one of the ancient rivers of the world. The river Nile is known as the longest river in the world. The perennial water flow helped the merchants to bring goods through the waterway, which made transportation an easy process even in the medieval period. Blue Nile and White Nile will meet at Khartoum, Sudan. The River Nile is 4,132 miles (6,648km) in length. It is referred to in ancient religious texts and ancient literature. The Nile River is most well-known for being the lifeline of Egyptian civilizations for more than 5,000 years. The length of the Nile River is approximately 6650 kilometres (4132 miles). font-size: 14px; While the Nile River is often associated with Egypt, it actually touches Ethiopia, Zaire, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Sudan, as well as Egypt. Sep 15, 2016 - The Nile River begins at the Equator (tributaries Blue Nile and White Nile join) and flows northward for 4,160 miles to the Nile Delta in Egypt emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Every year between June and September, this river flooded its bank. But wait, you won’t be witnessing a blue color or a whitish version of the river. At that point, the majority of the Egyptians built homes in proximity to the river. The Nile flows through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, The Sahara Desert, Kenya, Tanzania, Eritrea, Burundi, , and Rwanda. He has been part of many reputed domestic and global online magazines and publications. http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-river-nile/ Facts About the River Nile. Today, the Aswan Dam keeps the Nile from flooding modern cities. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Your email address will not be published. } We already know the role of the Nile in fostering the agrarian economy of Egypt. How long is the Nile River? The river Nile is probably one of the most renowned rivers in the world and here are some interesting facts to reveal why. The Nile river used to provide the ancient Egyptians with fertile land. Given the length of the Nile, it traverses through diverse areas inhabited by indigenous people. Popularly known as Nile Crocodiles, these species abundantly thrive in the city of Faiyum (formerly known as Shedet). cursor: pointer; a.facebook-find { The river discharges about 300 million cubic meters of. The Nile is one of the world’s best-known rivers. Among other animal species, you will find soft-shelled turtles, a range of snakes like cobras and mambas, lizards, and the iconic Nile crocodile. The biggest user of Nile water is Egypt, which is surrounded by desert. Fact 9. Its many unique features have made it the nucleus of modern civilization. According to sources, Egyptians worshipped God Hapi for bringing in the flood. The Nile River is the longest river in the world. 7) The Nile is still generally credited as the world's longest river, by sources from the United Nations to the Guinness Book of World Records, although … Why did the Ancient Egyptians call it the Black River? The Nile is Traditionally Considered to be the Longest River in the World; The Source of the River was Disputed for Many Years; The River Nile is Formed From Two Major Tributaries; The Origins of the River's Name are Disputed; The Ancient Egyptians Were Dependent on the River for Drinking Water, Food Trade and Transportation They used the river water for drinking, preparing food, agriculture, and fishing. Located in Northern Egypt, this Delta is the draining spot of the Nile River. During the ancient civilization, from the size and height of the pyramid, the status of the King or Pharaoh was determined. With such a long length, the Nile River is speculated to be the longest river in the world. The river Nile has immense significance on the history and evolution of the Egyptian Civilization. padding-left: 32px; Every year during the flood, the river used to deposit fertile soil on the banks of Egypt. Living Creatures Along the river Nile, How are Rivers Formed and Why Rivers Are Important For Us, Kinetic Energy: Types and Examples of Kinetic Energy, How Do Birds Mate? It is worth noting that unlike any other river, the Nile passes through more than eleven countries, draining around 10% of the entire continent of Africa. Find us on Facebook The largest source of the Nile is Lake Victoria. Site Map. Moreover, the entire ancient history of Egyptian civilization is associated with this great river. In a bid to ascertain the original length, explorers began the White Nile Expedition back in 2004. It flows throughout the country and is the country’s major water source. Trees like rubber, bamboo, banana, coffee shrub and ebony with patches of mixed woodland and savanna are present here. Enjoy our range of interesting facts about the Nile River. How Does Photosynthesis Take Place in Desert Plants? It's only recent that the first known navigation team successfully followed the river from beginning to i… Tropical rainforest is found along the Nile–Congo divide, in parts of the Lake Plateau, and in southwestern Ethiopia. The Egyptian civilization developed mainly in the location which was created from the silt deposition of this ancient river Nile. Yearly floods helped the civilization to yield high-quality crops with higher productions, and they could also use the river for transporting their products to other lands. The River Nile is in the beautiful continent of Africa. The Ancient Egyptians called the rich black soil from the floods the "Gift of the Nile". 5 Facts about River Nile: The Aswan Dam that was built in 1970 on the River Nile has been a huge success in controlling the flooding of the River and nearby areas. The Kagera River is said to be the biggest feeder and is known as the real source of the river Nile. Even the regular water requirement for the pyramid worker was met with the water of this ancient river. The Nile is about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long and its drainage basin covers eleven countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Republic of the Sudan, and Egypt. Egypt is referred to as the land of great Pyramids. Can Squirrels Eat Bread? } From the archeological evidence, it has been established that the quality amount of farming was practiced along the banks of this river. vertical-align: middle; a.twitter-follow { When Osiris’ wife searched for her deceased husband, she couldn’t find all his body parts. Although several individuals claim the tributary to be emerging from Lake Victoria, scientists have questioned this and are still trying to find the source. display: inline-block; Given these striking characteristics, the Nile is deemed to be the longest river of the earth. The Nile is not only the longest river in Africa, but it is also the longest river in the whole world. All Rights Reserved . a.twitter-follow { The Nile is often touted to be the lifeline of Ancient Egypt. Facts about the Nile River have been twisted/ told falsely almost every where on the internet, but today you’ll have the honour of reading the correct facts about the Nile River from very trustworthy sources like National Geographic. From the early days to date, if you carefully look at the map, you can notice that the river has changed its actual course and shifted a bit. background-image: url('/wp-content/themes/cassiopeia/assets/icons/facebook-icon.svg'); “Lord of the Fishes and Birds of the Marshes” and “Lord of the River Bringing Vegetation” were some of the titles that he was known by. The White Nile Expedition began in 2004 and was started to navigate the entire length of the river. About eighty percentage of Egypt falls on the banks of this river, and the entire country is mostly dependent on this river for the annual water source as there is a shortage of rainfall in this geographical region. South American water hyacinths are witnessed, especially where there is less current on the water surface. .fb-like { (And Which Foods to Avoid), Can Squirrels Eat Raisins? At that point, papyrus was used for writing books and relaying messages. The White Nile and the Blue Nile are two major tributaries of the Nile. The river brings very rich and fertile silt along with it. Write for us | There are various theories regarding the starting location of this ancient river. The Nile River runs for approximately 6650 kilometres (4132 miles) and is located in Africa but also flows through parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo (Kinshasa) and Kenya. Moreover, both the tributaries play an essential role in the perennial water supply, which reciprocates the constant flow of water throughout the year. But on the other hand, Egypt faced the loss of lives and various damages due to this flood, which turned devastating at times. One of the most interesting facts about the Nile River is that it is home to one of the most dangerous and largest species of crocodile, the Nile Crocodile. The river Nile, whose journey started around five million years ago, played a vital role in Egyptian history. Located in Cairo, inhabitants of this city deeply revered the crocodile deeming to be god’s worldly manifestation. They used the river water for drinking, preparing food, agriculture, and fishing. 20+ Enchanting Facts About the River Nile, What is an Island and 11 Largest Islands in the World. 7 Efficient Facts about the Diesel Engine, 33 Astonishing Facts about the Atlas Mountains, Although traditionally considered the longest river in the world, the starting point of the river is disputed often, and many people consider, The Nile flows through eleven different countries –. The river Nile was one of the major trade routes which helped the Egyptians to take their products to the other parts the word. August 3, 2015, cherran, Leave a comment. Rich in silt and nutrients, the Nile Delta is ideal for agriculture. This river has been important to Africa for thousands of years and continues to be so today. width: auto; The River Nile is arguably the best known river in the world. Although every river is relevant for the individuals and the wildlife habitat living in proximity, the Nile continues looming large because of its historic significance and cultural status. It’s just our job to learn about it. Irrigation and water demand of the country is primarily met by this river. Since its path is very long, the portion it flows through Egypt gets the maximum silt deposition which formed the large delta on which the land of Egypt is situated. The length of the Nile River is approximately 6,850 kilometers (4,256 miles).