The world's greatest river by length is the Nile River, which stretches approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) through northeastern Africa. It flows through several countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile has played a crucial role in the history and development of civilizations in its basin, notably providing water, fertile land for agriculture, and a means of transportation. While some debate exists regarding whether the Amazon River may rival or surpass the Nile in length, the Nile remains traditionally recognized as the longest river in the world.