THE NILE RIVER

The River Nile is about 6,670 km (4,160 miles) in length and is the longest river in Africa and in the world. Although it is generally associated with Egypt, only 22% of the Nile’s course runs through Egypt.

In Egypt, the River Nile creates a fertile green valley across the desert. It was by the banks of the river that one of the oldest civilizations in the world began. The ancient Egyptians lived and farmed along the Nile, using the soil to produce food for themselves and their animals.

The River Nile is formed from the White Nile, which originates at Lake Victoria and the Blue Nile, which originates at Lake Tana in Ethiopia. These rivers meet in Sudan and then go on their long journey northwards towards the sea.

The White Nile is a lot bigger than the Blue Nile, but because of losses along the way, it only contributes about 15% to the flow of the combined Nile. The Blue Nile, rising in Ethiopia, contributes about 85% to the flow of the Nile that passes through Egypt to the Mediterranean.

SOURCES

• http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/egypt/nile.htm
• Woodlands Resources
• http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/415347/Nile-River
• Encyclopedia britannica
• http://www.touregypt.net/egypt-info/magazine-mag05012001-magf4a.htm ( ancient Egypt)

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