The 10 Longest Rivers in Asia

Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is home to some of the world’s longest and most significant rivers. These rivers not only shape the geographical landscape but also play a vital role in the cultural, economic, and environmental fabric of the region. From the mighty Yangtze in China to the Brahmaputra flowing through India and Bangladesh, each river has a unique story and significance. This article delves into the ten longest rivers in Asia, exploring their origins, paths, and the pivotal roles they play in the lives of millions. Join us on this journey to understand the lifelines of Asia and their profound impact on the continent.

Longest Rivers in Asia

1. Yangtze River

Countries: China
Length: 6,300 km (3,915 miles)

The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows entirely within China, from the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai province to the East China Sea in Shanghai. The river is crucial for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, with the famous Three Gorges Dam located on its course. The Yangtze River basin is also one of the most economically developed regions in China.

2. Yellow River

Countries: China
Length: 5,464 km (3,395 miles)

Known as the “Mother River of China,” the Yellow River (Huang He) is the second-longest river in China. It originates from the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai province and flows into the Bohai Sea. The river has a history of frequent flooding, earning the nickname “China’s Sorrow,” but it has also been central to the development of Chinese civilization.

3. Mekong River

Countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
Length: 4,909 km (3,050 miles)

The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia. It begins in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through six countries before emptying into the South China Sea. The river supports diverse ecosystems and is vital for agriculture, fishing, and transportation. The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is known for its rich biodiversity and rice production.

4. Lena River

Countries: Russia
Length: 4,294 km (2,668 miles)

The Lena River is one of the longest rivers in Russia, flowing from the Baikal Mountains to the Arctic Ocean. It is essential for the transport of goods and people in the remote regions of Siberia. The river’s delta is one of the largest in the Arctic and is a significant habitat for wildlife.

5. Irtysh River

Countries: Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia
Length: 4,248 km (2,640 miles)

The Irtysh River is a major tributary of the Ob River and flows through several countries in Asia. It begins in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia and flows through China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The river is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and as a vital waterway for transportation.

6. Brahmaputra River

Countries: China, India, Bangladesh
Length: 3,969 km (2,466 miles)

The Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, originates from the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas. It flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, merging with the Ganges River before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is crucial for agriculture and transportation in the region but is also prone to devastating floods.

7. Ob River

Countries: Russia
Length: 3,650 km (2,268 miles)

The Ob River is one of the major rivers in Siberia, Russia. It flows from the Altai Mountains to the Arctic Ocean. The river and its tributaries form one of the largest river systems in the world, playing a key role in the transportation and economy of the Siberian region.

8. Indus River

Countries: China, India, Pakistan
Length: 3,610 km (2,243 miles)

The Indus River originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through China, India, and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most important rivers in the Indian subcontinent, supporting agriculture, providing water for drinking and irrigation, and sustaining numerous civilizations throughout history.

9. Yenisey River

Countries: Mongolia, Russia
Length: 3,487 km (2,167 miles)

The Yenisey River is the central river of the Yenisey basin and flows from Mongolia through Russia to the Arctic Ocean. It is one of the largest river systems in the world and is significant for the hydroelectric power generated along its course. The river is also a key transportation route in Siberia.

10. Nizhnyaya Tunguska River

Countries: Russia
Length: 2,989 km (1,857 miles)

The Nizhnyaya Tunguska River is a major tributary of the Yenisey River. It flows through the Siberian landscape of Russia and is known for its challenging navigation due to ice cover for much of the year. The river plays a role in the local ecosystem and supports some economic activities, including fishing and limited transportation.

List of 20 Longest Rivers in Asia

Rank	River	Countries	Length
1	Yangtze	China	6,300 km (3,915 miles)
2	Yellow River	China	5,464 km (3,395 miles)
3	Mekong	China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam	4,909 km (3,050 miles)
4	Lena	Russia	4,294 km (2,668 miles)
5	Irtysh	Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia	4,248 km (2,640 miles)
6	Brahmaputra River	China, India, Bangladesh	3,969 km (2,466 miles)
7	Ob	Russia	3,650 km (2,268 miles)
8	Indus River	China, India, Pakistan	3,610 km (2,243 miles)
9	Yenisey	Mongolia, Russia	3,487 km (2,167 miles)
10	Nizhnyaya Tunguska	Russia	2,989 km (1,857 miles)
11	Ganga	India, Bangladesh	2,900 km (1,800 miles)
12	Yarlung Tsangpo	China, India, Bangladesh	2,840 km (1,765 miles)
13	Amur	Russia, China	2,824 km (1,755 miles)
14	Salween River	China, Myanmar, Thailand	2,800 km (1,740 miles)
15	Euphrates	Iraq, Syria, Turkey	2,760 km (1,715 miles)
16	Vilyuy	Russia	2,650 km (1,647 miles)
17	Amu Darya	Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan	2,500 km (1,553 miles)
18	Ishim	Kazakhstan, Russia	2,450 km (1,522 miles)
19	Ural	Kazakhstan, Russia	2,428 km (1,509 miles)
20	Pearl River	China, Vietnam	2,320 km (1,442 miles)
21	Aldan	Russia	2,273 km (1,412 miles)
22	Olenyok	Russia	2,270 km (1,411 miles)
23	Syr Darya	Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan	2,212 km (1,374 miles)
24	Irrawaddy River	Myanmar	2,210 km (1,373 miles)
25	Xi River	China, Vietnam	2,197 km (1,365 miles)
26	Kolyma	Russia	2,129 km (1,323 miles)
27	Songhua River	China	1,925 km (1,196 miles)
28	Podkamennaya Tunguska	Russia	1,865 km (1,159 miles)
29	Tigris	Turkey, Syria, Iraq	1,850 km (1,150 miles)
30	Vitim	Russia	1,837 km (1,141 miles)

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Source: Wikipedia