The Most Popular River: Exploring Worldwide River Destinations

Choose the river you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 5, 2023 09:03)
Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters! We're excited to present to you our latest ranking - "What is the most popular river?" Dive into the world of mesmerizing waterways and explore the most captivating rivers from across the globe. From the majestic Amazon to the enchanting Danube, it's time to cast your vote for your favorite river or suggest a hidden gem that deserves recognition. So, come aboard as we embark on this exciting journey to discover the wonders of the world's most beloved rivers, unravel their mysteries, and crown the ultimate fan favorite. Don't let your favorite river drift away without your support - vote now and make a splash on StrawPoll's "Most Popular River" ranking!

What Is the Most Popular River?

  1. 1
    85
    votes
    The Amazon River is the largest and most extensive river system in the world, spanning over 6,400 km in length and flowing through nine countries in South America. It is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and is a crucial source of water, food, and transportation for millions of people.
    Description
    The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume in the world, and it is commonly regarded as the longest river in the world. It is located in South America and flows through Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and several other countries. The river has a tremendous impact on the region's ecosystem and plays a crucial role in the water cycle and biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
    • Length: Approximately 6,400 km (4,000 miles)
    • Discharge Volume: 209,000 cubic meters per second (7,381,000 cubic feet per second)
    • Basin Area: Approximately 7,062,000 square kilometers (2,722,000 square miles)
    • Number of Tributaries: Over 1,100 tributaries
    • Average Width: Approximately 1 to 6.4 kilometers (0.6 to 4 miles)
  2. 2
    48
    votes
    The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching over 6,650 km from its source in Burundi to its delta in Egypt. It has played a significant role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization, and continues to be an important source of water for agriculture and industry in the region.
    Description
    The Nile River is one of the most beautiful and historic natural wonders of Egypt. It is the longest river in Africa and holds great cultural significance for the country. Flowing northward for about 4,135 miles (6,650 kilometers), the Nile forms a lifeline in the otherwise arid desert landscape of Egypt. Its fertile banks and the water it provides have played a crucial role in the development of Egyptian civilization.
    • Length: 4,135 miles (6,650 kilometers)
    • Direction: Northward
    • Origin: From Lake Victoria in East Africa
    • Mouth: Mediterranean Sea
    • Importance: Crucial for agriculture, transportation, and development of Egyptian civilization
    The Nile River in other rankings
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, stretching over 6,300 km through China. It is home to a large number of fish species, and has provided transportation and irrigation for thousands of years. It is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the country.
    Description
    The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world. It flows through China, originating from the Tibetan Plateau and eventually emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. The river has played a significant role in China's history, culture, and economy for over thousands of years.
    • Length: 6,300 km (3,917 mi)
    • Origin: Tibetan Plateau
    • Mouth: East China Sea near Shanghai
    • Discharge: 30,166 m³/s (1,064,000 cu ft/s)
    • Basin area: 1,800,000 km² (695,000 sq mi)
  4. 4
    29
    votes
    The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, spanning over 3,700 km from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. It has played a crucial role in the history and economy of the United States, serving as a major transportation route for goods and people.
    Description
    The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, flowing through the United States. It is known for its significant historical, cultural, and economic importance.
    • Length: 2,320 miles (3,730 kilometers)
    • Source: Lake Itasca, Minnesota
    • Mouth: Gulf of Mexico
    • States Through Which It Flows: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana
    • Width at Its Widest Point: 11 miles (18 kilometers)
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, flowing over 2,850 km through ten countries. It is an important source of transportation, and is home to a diverse range of fish species. It also has historical and cultural significance, serving as a boundary and trading route for many civilizations throughout history.
    Description
    The Danube River is a major river in Europe, flowing through ten countries and serving as an important waterway for trade and transportation. It is the second longest river in Europe, after the Volga, spanning a length of approximately 2,850 kilometers. The Danube River also holds significant cultural and historical importance and is known for its scenic beauty.
    • Length: 2,850 km
    • Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine
    • Source: Black Forest, Germany
    • Mouth: Black Sea, Romania
    • Discharge: 6,500 m³/s
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    The Mekong River is the 12th-longest river in the world, flowing over 4,900 km through six countries in Southeast Asia. It is home to a rich variety of fish and wildlife, and is a crucial source of water and food for millions of people in the region.
    Description
    The Mekong River is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders of Cambodia. It is a transboundary river that runs through several countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and China. The river stretches approximately 4,350 kilometers, making it the 12th longest river in the world. Its beauty and significance are not only limited to its length but also to the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage it supports along its course.
    • Length: Approximately 4,350 kilometers
    • Transboundary: Flows through Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and China
    • Landscapes: Encompasses a variety of natural landscapes including waterfalls, rapids, floodplains, and deltas
    • Biodiversity: Home to a rich diversity of fish species and other aquatic life forms
    • Wildlife: Provides habitat for numerous endangered species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and Mekong giant catfish
    The Mekong River in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    The Ganges River is a major river in the Indian subcontinent, flowing over 2,500 km through India and Bangladesh. It is considered sacred by Hindus, and is an important source of water for irrigation and transportation in the region. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
    Description
    The Ganges River is one of the most important and sacred rivers in India and is considered a lifeline for millions of people. It holds immense religious, cultural, and economic significance in the region.
    • Mouth: Bay of Bengal
    • Location: Northern India
    • Length: 2,525 kilometers
    • Source: Gangotri Glacier in the state of Uttarakhand
    • Flow: Flows primarily through India and Bangladesh
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    The Rhine River is the longest river in Germany, flowing over 1,230 km through six countries in Western Europe. It has played a significant role in the region's history and economy, serving as a major transportation route and source of hydroelectric power.
    Description
    The Rhine River is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Germany. It is a major waterway that stretches approximately 1,233 kilometers, flowing through six countries including Germany, Switzerland, France, Liechtenstein, Austria, and the Netherlands. The river is famous for its picturesque landscapes, historic castles, vineyards, and charming towns along its banks. It offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
    • Length: 1,233 kilometers
    • Countries: Germany, Switzerland, France, Liechtenstein, Austria, Netherlands
    • Landscapes: Picturesque
    • Castles: Historic
    • Vineyards: Abundant
    The Rhine River in other rankings
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, flowing over 3,500 km through Russia. It is an important source of water for agriculture and industry, and has played a significant role in the country's culture and history.
    Description
    The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, flowing through central Russia for about 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles). It has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of Russia, providing a vital transportation route, irrigation source, and a rich habitat for various plant and animal species.
    • Length: 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles)
    • Source: Valdai Hills, Russia
    • Mouth: Caspian Sea
    • Countries: Russia
    • Basin Area: 1,380,000 square kilometers (530,000 square miles)
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    The Indus River
    Heavyrunner · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Indus River is a major river in South Asia, flowing over 3,200 km through India, Pakistan, and China. It has played a significant role in the region's history and economy, serving as a major source of water for irrigation and hydropower.
    Description
    The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia, located primarily in Pakistan. It originates from the Tibetan Plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar and flows through Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea near the city of Karachi. The river has a significant historical and cultural importance, playing a vital role in the development of ancient civilizations in the region.
    • Length: 2,900 kilometers
    • Origin: Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar
    • Countries Flowed Through: India, China, Pakistan
    • Major Tributaries: Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River, Beas River, Sutlej River
    • Discharge: Approximately 208 cubic kilometers per year

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Ranking factors for popular river

  1. Length
    The length of the river usually contributes to its popularity, as longer rivers tend to touch more regions, countries, or states and often have greater significance in terms of history, geography, and economy.
  2. Size
    The size of the river (including its width and depth) can play a role in its popularity. Larger rivers may attract more attention, tourism, and commercial use.
  3. Location
    The location of the river can affect its popularity. Rivers that pass through populated areas, famous landmarks, or popular tourist destinations often gain more attention.
  4. Cultural and historical significance
    Rivers that have played a major role in history or culture often become popular, as they are associated with famous events, stories, or myths.
  5. Economic importance
    Rivers that are important for trade, agriculture, or transportation may rank higher in popularity.
  6. Recreational activities
    Rivers that offer recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, rafting, or swimming, are likely to be more popular among tourists and locals alike.
  7. Biodiversity and natural beauty
    Rivers with diverse flora and fauna or picturesque landscapes can attract more visitors, contributing to their popularity.
  8. Water quality
    Rivers with clean and safe water for human consumption and recreation are more popular than those with polluted or contaminated water.
  9. Accessibility
    Rivers that are easy to access, either by road or public transportation, tend to be more popular among tourists and locals.
  10. Environmental conditions
    Rivers that are well-preserved and have minimal environmental threats, such as pollution or habitat destruction, will be more popular among eco-conscious travelers and locals.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular river. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or river is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2228 views
  • 229 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each river once every 24 hours. The rank of each river is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular river

Rivers have always been an integral part of human civilization, providing a source of water, transportation, and food. With hundreds of rivers around the world, it's no wonder that people have different opinions on which one is the most popular. From the mighty Amazon to the serene Nile, each river has its own unique charm and allure. At StrawPoll, we've taken the time to gather data and opinions to determine which river is truly the people's favorite. So, let's dive in and discover which river tops the charts!

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