The longest river in Europe is the Volga River.
1. Length: The Volga is approximately 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles) long.
2. Location: It runs through central Russia, flowing from the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow southward to the Caspian Sea.
3. Drainage Basin: The Volga and its tributaries form the largest river system in Europe.
4. Economic Importance: It’s a crucial waterway for Russia, supporting agriculture, industry, and transportation.
5. Major Cities: Several important Russian cities are located along its banks, including Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Volgograd.
6. Dams and Reservoirs: The river has been extensively dammed for hydroaelectric power, creating several large reservoirs.
7. Cultural Significance: Often called ‘Mother Volga’ in Russian culture, it holds great historical and symbolic importance.
8. Ecosystem: The Volga supports a diverse ecosystem and is home to various species of fish, including the famous Beluga sturgeon.
9. Delta: The Volga Delta, where the river meets the Caspian Sea, is the largest river delta in Europe.
10. Navigation: The river is navigable for most of its length and is connected to other major waterways via canals, forming a vast network of inland waterways.