Location of the Nile River
The Nile River is an iconic river located in Africa, and is the longest river in the entire world with a length of 4,132 miles. It is known for bringing life in the form of rich soil and fish to the countries along its banks. It starts from Lake Victoria in Uganda, and then flows through Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, and then finally enters Egypt and empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
Geographically speaking, the Nile River is located in North Africa and its route passes through several different countries. Starting from the far north, in a region called the ‘Upper Nile’, which covers the area from the start of the river at Lake Victoria to Sudan. This region is the main source of the water and is what powers the river to continue flowing south. After crossing Sudan, the river enters Egypt and is narrowed to form the ‘Lower Nile’.
Facts About the Nile River
The Nile is a vast river covering 11 countries, and with its vast source, brings with it around 30 billion cubic metres of water every year. The river is a major source of life to all countries as it covers around 10% of the total population of Africa. Generally, the Nile is a major source of freshwater for countries like Tanzania, Uganda and Egypt, and a big provider of power for Sudan and Ethiopia.
An interesting fact about the Nile is that historical records show that more than four and a half thousand years ago, the Ancient Egyptians were the first to cultivate river banks and learn how to irrigate using the river’s waters, and from this early knowledge many countries have since learnt how to use the river to irrigate and sow their crops.
Nile River Influence on Surrounding Countries
The Nile River has been a source of life for thousands of years in many different countries running along its banks. In Africa, it has been a major source of irrigation, drinking water, and the basis of a flourishing economy. Countries like Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have based almost most of their economies around the river.
In some areas, the Nile is used for transportation purposes, such as in Egypt where wooden boats called feluccas are used to navigate the river and navigate the Nile Valley. The river is also a source of electricity, as various dams have been built along the way, such as the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. The High Dam is a hydroelectric dam that provides more than two-thirds of Egypt’s electricity supply.
Environmental Challenges Related to the Nile River
Despite being a source of life for many countries, the misuse of the river has created many environmental problems. Pollution from farms, industries, and sewage as well as uncontrolled deforestation of riparian vegetation has caused a huge decrease in the quality of water. In recent years, the rate of water extraction from the river has been far higher than the rate of replenishment.
Also, due to increasing population and agricultural activities, the sewage water is discharged directly into the river. Nutrients from the wastewater cause an increase in the amount of algae, which then blocks the flow of water, and this has caused an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem.
Nile River Control and Preservation
Various countries and international agencies like the African Development Bank have engaged in various programs and strategies to improve the Nile River. Various countries have come up with policies related to the construction of dams, river water management, and environmental conservation, which are aimed at protecting the river and its environment.
International agencies such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have launched several programs in order to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the river. Several countries, including Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan, have formed a joint initiative called the “Nile Basin Initiative” which is designed to protect the river and give an assurance of water-sharing among the countries.
Conclusion
The Nile River is an iconic river located in Africa and is the longest river on Earth. It originates in Lake Victoria in Uganda and passes through several countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Through the ages, the river has been a source of life by providing fresh water, opportunities for irrigation, electricity and transportation. Unfortunately, the misuse of the river has caused negative effects on the environment. However, international agencies, countries and non-governmental organizations have implemented various policies and strategies in order to protect and preserve the river, its environment and its resources for the benefit of all those living in its vicinity.
