Nile river facts
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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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?

Here for the Making Egypt comp? For your next clue, head to the page where you’ll learn 10 fascinating facts about Ancient Egypt, from its begnnings to the country today.
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COMMENTS1
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
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coco
cool
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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!
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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
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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
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