GEOGRAPHY NOTES FOR FORM FIVE - ALL TOPICS

The Nile River is not only the longest river in Africa but also in the world. It flows South to North, beginning near Lake Victoria and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea – crossing eleven East African countries en route (Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt) and discharging an average of 99,941 cubic feet of water per second.

It’s difficult to overestimate the importance of this river in the history and development of the region. It was along the banks of the Nile that the Ancient Egyptians flourished and, in the view of the Greek historian Herodotus, their land was a gift from the river. They named it “Black” or “Ar”, a reference to the colour of its waters or Aur, and relied on it for a myriad of functions, from agricultural irrigation and fishing to transportation and trade. Even today, it’s said that 95% of Egyptians still live within a few miles of the river.

2. Congo River

The Congo River (formerly known as the Zaire River) is the second-longest river in Africa, the ninth-longest in the world, and the deepest river on the planet, both in terms of maximum and average depth. Its point of origin can be considered to be in the highlands of North eastern Zambia and/or the Katanga Plateau in the Southeastern corner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In either case, the river flows in a counter-clockwise arc, twice crossing the equator, and discharging 1,454,964 cubic feet of water per second on its way to the Atlantic Ocean at a seaport called Banana (or Banane) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

3. Niger River - 4,180 Km

Draining an area encompassing nine countries over roughly 730,000 square miles, the Niger River is an arc of some 2,600 miles through western Africa. Along the way, it’s known by various names, including Kwarra, Isa Eghirren and Joliba. One of the longest rivers in Africa, it’s home to almost 250 species of freshwater fish, many of them endemic to the river. They are joined by three types of crocodile – among them the Nile crocodile – lizards and a variety of birds, including geese, herons, pelicans, and even flamingos.

4. River Zambezi - 2,574 Km

Its name means “great river” and the Zambezi certainly lives up to it. Not only is it the fourth longest of the rivers Africa has to offer, but it’s the longest east-flowing river on the continent and the largest that flows from Africa into the Indian Ocean. Sometimes spelled “Zambesi”, it drains 540,000 square miles of south-central Africa, and flows through or along the boundaries of six countries. Amongst these are Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

5. River Ubangi - 2,270 km

Ubangi River is the fifth longest river in Africa with length of 2,270 km (1,410) and is a major tributary of the Congo River in equatorial Africa. The Ubangi is formed at the junction of the Uele and Bomu rivers. It then flows westward and southward through Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo.

6. The Orange River

With a length of 2160 kilometers, the Orange River flows mainly in South Africa. The area of the basin of this river is 973 000 km². The average flow rate at its mouth is about 370 cubic meters per second.

The Orange River originates in the Drakensberg Mountains at an altitude of 3150 meters (Lesotho). Part of its course serves as the land border between South Africa and Namibia. Then the Orange River ends its course in the Atlantic Ocean. This river is very important for South Africa because the water of the Orange River is used to irrigate crops as well as to produce electricity.

IMPORTANCE OF RIVERS

1. We all need water to survive

It goes without saying, but fresh, clean water is essential for humans and nature to survive. Rivers are precious sources of fresh drinking water for people across the world. And when rivers are so badly polluted by industry or unevenly distributed by poor water management practices, it can be a case of life-or-death. This unfortunately happens across the world.

2. Biodiversity

River ecosystems provide diverse habitats, supporting a variety of plant and animal species. It also contributes to the intricate web of biodiversity and contributes to ecological balance.

Consider the Mississippi River Delta as shown in this map. Marshes, swamps, and waterways create a rich ecosystem. This supports a wide range of plant and animal species, from migratory birds to various fish.

3. Habitats

Rivers provide excellent habitat and food for many of the earth's organisms. Many rare plants and trees grow by rivers. Ducks, voles, otters and beavers make their homes on the river banks. Reeds and other plants like bulrushes grow along the river banks.

Other animals use the river for food and drink. Birds such as kingfishers eat small fish from the river. In Africa, animals such as antelopes, lions and elephants go to rivers for water to drink. Other animals such as bears catch fish from rivers.

River deltas have many different species of wildlife. Insects, mammals and birds use the delta for their homes and for food.