Interesting Facts and Features of Alex Ryan 4D – Interesting Facts and Features of The River Nile

Interesting Facts and Features about the River Nile The length of the Nile River is approximately 6650 kilometres (4132 miles). The Nile River is not only the longest river in Africa, but it’s the longest river in the world. Located in Africa, the Nile River lies in the following countries: Kenya, Eritrea, Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. It was a really important part of Ancient Egyptian life, where it gave them food, transport, building materials and more. When we see pictures of the Nile, we might think of it as one huge long river, but it actually has two sections that are called ‘tributaries’. These are smaller rivers that run separately and then merge into one river. The names of the tributaries are called the White Nile and the Blue Nile. In 2004, the White Nile Expedition became the first to explore the entire length of the Nile River. The expedition began in Uganda and finished in Rosetta, taking four months and two weeks to complete. In 1787, the famous Rosetta stone was found in the Nile Delta in the city of Rosetta. This Ancient Egyptian artifact played a key role in modern understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Interesting Facts and Features about the River Nile The Nile Delta in Northern Egypt is where the Nile River drains in to the Mediterranean Sea. It is around 160 kilometres (100 miles) in length and spreads out over 240 kilometres (149 miles) of coastline. It is rich in agriculture and has been farmed for thousands of years. Around 40 million people (half of Egypt’s population) live in the Nile Delta region. The Nile River has huge significance in regards to Ancient Egypt. Most of Ancient Egypt’s historical sites are located along the banks of the Nile River including cities such as Luxor and Cairo. The Aswan High Dam was built in 1970 to help stop flooding of the Nile River. Before the Aswan Dam was built, high levels of water could wipe out crops while low level water could produce famines and drought. The dam helps control these water levels.

Living Along the River Banks The Egyptians lived along the Nile because it provided fish, game, fruits and water in an area surrounded by desert. The dry, sandy deserts both east and west of the Nile provided protection from their enemies, allowing the people to enjoy a peaceful life along the river. The Egyptians grew their crops along the banks of the River Nile ... People would go fishing for food or extra money.

Animals Living in and Around the River Many different types of animals, birds, and fish all call the Nile River home such as crocodiles , rhinos, birds, turtles, lizards, 15 species of venomous snakes, fish and hippos. Otter Crocodile Hippopotamus The Softshell Turtle The Nile Perch The Nile Monitor