The main river flowing through Egypt is the Nile River. It is considered the longest river in the world, stretching about 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). The Nile has been fundamental to Egyptian civilization, providing water for irrigation and supporting agriculture in an otherwise arid landscape. Its two main tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile, converge near Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, before flowing northward through Egypt and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The river has historical significance, influencing trade, religion, and the socio-economic structure of ancient Egypt.