ALL THEMES

Discover a curated collection of rivers, organized by theme. Each collection is either complete or a work in progress. If you’d like to contribute to a specific theme and help us finish it, please reach out.

TOP 200 LIST

Embark on a journey with the world’s rivers, starting with the top 200 longest. Explore their ecosystems, histories, and the vital role they play in our planet. Discover hidden wonders and learn about the challenges they face.

VULNERABLE RIVERS

Many rivers face serious threats. In 2007, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) identified “10 Rivers Most at Risk”. Dams, water overuse, climate change, invasive species, overfishing, and pollution endanger ecosystems and communities.

TIBETIAN PLATEAU

The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” serves as the geographical and historical wellspring for many of Asia’s most vital rivers, an area which collectively support billions of people across Asia.

RIVERS OF CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY

This collection isn’t just about the vastness of ancient Greco-Roman civilizations, it’s about the stories that flow beyond borders. We celebrate how seemingly unconnected nations might share cultural legacies, often with rivers playing a starring role.

WORLD RECORDS

This collection celebrates rivers that hold unique titles. Take the Yarlung Tsangpo River, for example. Flowing at a staggering 5,210 meters above sea level, it’s recognized as the world’s highest river.

GRAND CANAL OF CHINA

This collection wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the extraordinary feat of the Grand Canal. As the world’s longest man-made waterway, the Grand Canal stretches an impressive 1,776 kilometers across four provinces. Dating back 2,500 years, construction began on sections of the canal as early as 500 BC.

SCARED RIVERS

The concept of a sacred river is deeply personal. We appreciate the exploration of this topic and dedicate this collection to the diverse ways rivers are revered around the world. Many reputable groups have published lists of rivers considered sacred.

LANGSTON'S RIVERS

Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” this collection brings together water from the Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and Mississippi. Hughes’ poem explores the deep connection between rivers and civilization.

ABUJA'S RIVER STREETS

Travelers, particularly Africa enthusiasts, might be surprised by a hidden world map in the streets of Abuja, Nigeria. Abuja’s affluent Maitama district boasts street names mirroring some of the world’s most iconic rivers.

NATIONAL WILD & SCENIC RIVERS

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, established in 1968, recognizes the invaluable heritage of select rivers. These rivers boast outstanding ecological, cultural, and recreational significance, and their protection ensures their stories are carried forward.

RIVER WATERFALLS

Waterfalls stand as powerful testaments to Earth’s ever-changing story. They whisper secrets of the planet’s past and present, while leaving us breathless with their magnificence.

THE GIFT OF RIVERS

Pamela Michael is the editor of “The Gift of Rivers: True Stories of Life on the Water,” a collection of writings by distinguished and emerging authors examining the spiritual, practical, and historical significance of rivers. Our collection includes all seventeen rivers referenced in her book published by Travelers’ Tales.
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History

The Humboldt River: A Tribute to Alexander von Humboldt

Beneath the relentless Nevada sun, where the air shimmers and the horizon stretches into a mirage, a river whispers secrets. The Humboldt, a silver vein snaking through the parched earth, holds more than just water; it carries the echo of a visionary. A man who, before the age of satellites and data streams, dared to see the world as a living, breathing tapestry. Forget dusty textbooks and dry lectures. This is a journey into the heart of a wild landscape, where a river’s flow becomes a portal to a mind that reshaped our understanding of nature itself. Prepare to be drawn into a story where the arid beauty of the American West meets the revolutionary ideas of Alexander von Humboldt, and discover how a river, and a name, can illuminate the very soul of our interconnected planet.

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Guinness World Record Amazon River Row: But Was It the First?

A Guinness World Record stands, celebrating a modern row across the Amazon. Yet, the river’s vastness conceals a deeper history. Did the first oars truly belong to those who sought a record, or to those whose lives were inextricably tied to the river’s flow? This exploration delves into a record-breaking expedition and the compelling possibility of earlier Indigenous voyages, challenging the notion of a ‘first’ passage.

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History

Driven from Eden: The Human Cost of the Rivers’ Decline

We take water for granted. Turn on the tap, it’s there. But what if it wasn’t? What if the river that sustains your community dwindled to a trickle? That’s not a hypothetical question for the Mesopotamian Marshes, the birthplace of agriculture and writing. The Tigris and Euphrates, the very rivers that allowed civilization to flourish, are now failing, threatening to wipe out a 5,000-year-old culture and a unique ecosystem. Their story is a chilling reminder of how fragile our relationship with nature truly is, and how easily we can lose what we take for granted.

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Guy (Man + River) Dives into Rivers to Find CRAZY things!

Have you ever wondered what lurks beneath the murky surface of our rivers? Not just fish and rocks, but lost treasures, forgotten relics, and maybe even a few shocking secrets? One guy is diving into these depths and unearthing the most unbelievable things imaginable. From returning lost phones and wallets to uncovering historical artifacts and exposing the harsh realities of pollution, his river adventures are captivating. Get ready to be amazed, touched, and maybe even a little disturbed by what he finds – you won’t believe what’s hidden in our rivers until you see it for yourself.

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Hands that Make the River Sing: A Baka Tradition

Deep within the heart of the rainforest, where the air hangs thick with the scent of damp earth and the calls of unseen creatures echo through the emerald canopy, a different kind of music rises. It’s a rhythm born not of drums or flutes, but of water and air, a pulse that resonates with the very spirit of the river. This is Liquindi, the ancient and extraordinary music of the Baka Forest People.

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Trump River: Could the Mississippi Get a New Name?

What if the mighty Mississippi, the lifeblood of America, suddenly became the “Trump River”? Imagine the cascading effect, from the “Trump River Blues” echoing through the “Trump River Delta” to “Trump River Alligators” basking in the sun. This thought experiment, while absurd, exposes the surprising politics and complex history behind how we name the very landscapes that define us, revealing a story that flows deeper than any river itself.

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