We’re off on an exciting adventure to northeast Africa to learn about one of the world’s most famous rivers – and you’re coming with us! So grab your passport, suncream and shades, and check out our fascinating Nile river facts

Nile river facts

Nile River Facts - Nile River

  • 1) Found in northeast Africa, the Nile has long been recognised as the longest river in the world – stretching a massive 6,695km! There is some debate over this title, though – some scientists argue that the Amazon river in South America is longer.
  • 2) The Nile is often associated with Egypt, but in fact, it flows through 11 countries: Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.
  • 3) This mighty river has two main tributaries (branches, or smaller rivers or streams) which meet to form ‘the Nile’. One tributary is called the White Nile, which starts in South Sudan, and the other is called the Blue Nile, which starts in Ethiopia.
    Nile River Facts - Khartoum
  • 4) The Blue Nile and White Nile merge together in the city of Khartoum in Sudan. From there, the river continues to flow north through Egypt and, finally, into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • 5) The Nile has been an important source of life for people throughout history. Around 5,000 years ago, the Ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile for fresh water, food and transportation. It also provided them with fertile land to farm on…
  • 6) But how did the Nile allow the Ancient Egyptians to farm on dry desert land? The answer is that the river flooded every August! And when it did, all the nutrient-rich soil carried in the water spread across the river banks, leaving a thick, moist mud… Perfect for growing crops!
    Nile River Facts - Nile River
  • 7) The Nile no longer floods each year, however. This is because in 1970 the Aswan High Dam was built. This huge dam controls the flow of the river to generate electricity, irrigate (water) farms and provide homes with drinking water.
  • 8) This fascinating river remains an invaluable source of life for Egyptians to this day. More than 95% of the country’s population depend on its water and live within a few miles of the river banks.
  • 9) And it’s not just important for humans – the river and its banks are home to lots of wonderful wildlife, too – including different kinds of fish and birds, as well as turtles, snakes, hippos and one of our planet’s largest reptiles… the Nile crocodile!
    Nile River Facts - Nile Crocodile
  • 10) Such an incredible river is cause for celebration, wouldn’t you say? The Egyptians sure think so! Each year in August, they have a two-week holiday called ‘Wafaa an-Nil’ to celebrate the ancient flooding of the Nile – an important natural event which allowed their civilisation to grow!

Want to find out more about the world’s wonderful rivers? Then check out these top facts about rivers and put your knowledge to the test with our Rivers Quiz!

What do you think of our Nile river facts? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Likes

LEAVE A COMMENT

THANK YOU

Your comment will be checked and approved shortly.

WELL DONE,
YOUR COMMENT
HAS BEEN ADDED!

COMMENTS

  • Muhannad muhammad

    Very useful

  • GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD SORCE

  • MALYA Stoltzfus

    Thanks for the facts!

  • jenna

    i really want to see what it looks like i cant wait for it

  • k

    hmm its cool

  • 4731as

    this info is for kids.

  • olivia

    interesting facts, I didn't know much about!!!!! -olivia

  • wow

  • Khwezi

    Omg this is brilliant I’m doing an oral about this and I never knew much about it but this has so much detail and it was taken time to do all the explanations wow I just can’t believe how incredible and how much things that I never knew about the Nile river.

  • sop

    cool

  • Jeff Something

    I think these are great facts.

  • Sky

    Fantastic info this will help me with my school project.

  • ebcat3

    nice

  • อเล็กซานเดอร์

  • olivia

    I really like this info thanks.

  • Dulli!!!!

    Cool facts great job!

  • AlexanderW

    cool stuff Im going there soon

  • hi

  • I like lol

  • coco

    cool

  • Cool!

  • hi

  • awsome

  • summer salkeld

    i think that this website is an amazing place for kids education

  • yo yo

    coooool

  • Iza

    Amazing!

  • BR

    Thanks for helping with my 8th grade project

  • keila23232

    Good!

  • Scarlet

    Good

  • Scarlet

    Good advise for my homework:)

  • Scarlet

    Good advise for my homework :)

  • Scarlet the giraffe

  • The_Angel

    hi

  • claudia delacour

    so cool

  • claudia delacour

    I love egypt!

  • The_Angel

    YAY

  • Addisyn

    That is the best

  • Kylee

  • Jp

    I love river Nile

  • yes i cant wait this is soo cool

  • Theo

    this is cool

  • Luna

    Egypt rocks!

  • Leah

    Awesome!

  • colby

    this is so informatinon i love it ive learned so much

  • cool

  • Samantha

    That is so informational!

  • lol

    lol

  • bok bok

    awsome

  • Khaled

    It was amazing.

  • Abbey

    Great.experiance

  • hi

    hey what is up

  • hi

    can you make it a video

  • Nesa

    Im yr 7 and im learning about the nile river so i can use information from here well thats good and i have assessments coming up

  • queen b

    this website is amazing thank you I love it

  • cool

  • the lion queen

    so cool!! I love the nile river!

  • flame_boy2000

    :)

  • Emma E

    this was so fascinating!! learned so much love it!!

  • Ilé snyders

    THank you for your help. I will definitely benefit from this.

  • Patrick Okemo

    Very interesting

  • cool dude

    cool site. keep gaming

  • D.J

    WOW!!!!!

  • Zac

    Excellent

  • Amanjot singh

    This gives you lots of information about lot of Nile rivers.

  • kato godfrey

    it is the longest river in the world.

  • Maahim

    wow

  • Trace!

    This was very interesting. I love it helped me with my homework.

  • sam

    GREAT STUFF

  • hi

    wow

  • miles

    no good

More Like Physical Geography

Physical Geography

30 freaky facts about the weather!

A storm’s a-brewin’, gang!
Physical Geography
SPONSORED

Protect the planet with the Met Office!

All about Earth’s wildest weather – and how you can help look after the planet…
Physical Geography

What is a bushfire?

Learn about what causes bushfires and how you can help those affected…
Physical Geography

10 Facts about Hurricanes!

Discover what they are, how they form and how they’re named…