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Nile River basin

river basin, Africa

Quick Summary

The Nile River basin is a vast area in northeastern Africa, covering about one-tenth of the continent. It is home to the Nile River, the longest river in the world, which flows northward from south of the Equator into the Mediterranean Sea. The basin encompasses parts of ten countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, with its most distant source being the Kagera River in Burundi.12

The Nile is formed by three main streams: the Blue Nile and the Atbara, originating in Ethiopia, and the White Nile, which flows into Lakes Victoria and Albert. This river system has been crucial for the development of advanced civilizations, enabling agriculture and supporting life through its consistent water supply and fertile mud. The Nile also serves as an important waterway for transportation.1

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