Which river originates south of the equator and flows north through north-eastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea?

The correct answer is the Nile River.

Key Points

• Origin: South of the equator in East Africa, with the primary source being Lake Victoria.
• Flow: North through northeastern Africa.
• Drainage: Empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Length: Approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles), making it one of the longest rivers in the world.
• Significance: Vital for agriculture in Egypt and Sudan; historically important for ancient civilizations, especially Egypt.

Additional Information Congo River:

• Origin: Begins in the highlands of northeastern Zambia.
• Flow: Flows through the Congo Basin in Central Africa, mostly westward.
• Drainage: Empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Length: About 4,700 kilometers (2,920 miles).
• Significance: Second longest river in Africa; major transportation route in the Congo Basin.

​Amazon River:

• Origin: Originates in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
• Flow: Flows eastward across northern South America.
• Drainage: Empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Length: Approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), considered the longest river by some measurements.
• Significance: Largest river by discharge volume of water; vital to the Amazon rainforest ecosystem.

Lena River:

• Origin: Originates in the Baikal Mountains of Siberia, Russia.
• Flow: Flows northward across Siberia.
• Drainage: Empties into the Arctic Ocean.
• Length: About 4,400 kilometers (2,736 miles).
• Significance: One of the major rivers in Russia; important for Arctic navigation and regional ecology. 

Important Points

Map Description of the Nile River:

• Source:
  • Lake Victoria: The Nile's primary source is Lake Victoria, located in East Africa.
  • Other Important Sources: The Blue Nile, originating from Lake Tana in Ethiopia, also contributes significantly to the Nile’s flow.
• Course:
  • Northward Flow: The Nile flows northward through Uganda, then enters Sudan.
  • Egyptian Stretch: It continues through Egypt, passing through major cities such as Cairo.
• Delta:
  • Nile Delta: The river fans out into the Nile Delta before draining into the Mediterranean Sea.
• It has historically been considered the longest river in the world, though this has been contested by research suggesting that the Amazon River is slightly longer.