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The Amazon River, Nile River, and Mississippi River are three of the longest and most important rivers in the world. While they have some differences, they also share some similarities.
Similarities
* Length: All three rivers are over 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) long. The Amazon is the longest river in the world, at 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles). The Nile River is the second longest, at 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). And the Mississippi River is the fourth longest, at 3,734 kilometers (2,320 miles).
* Volume: All three rivers carry a large volume of water. The Amazon River has the highest average discharge of any river in the world, at 209,000 cubic meters (7,350,000 cubic feet) per second. The Nile River has an average discharge of 2,830 cubic meters (100,000 cubic feet) per second. And the Mississippi River has an average discharge of 16,800 cubic meters (590,000 cubic feet) per second.
* Watersheds: All three rivers have large watersheds. The Amazon River has the largest watershed of any river in the world, covering an area of 7,050,000 square kilometers (2,720,000 square miles). The Nile River has a watershed of 3,500,000 square kilometers (1,350,000 square miles). And the Mississippi River has a watershed of 3,200,000 square kilometers (1,240,000 square miles).
* Economic importance: All three rivers are important to the economy of their respective countries. The Amazon River is a major source of transportation, irrigation, and fishing for Brazil. The Nile River is a major source of water, irrigation, and transportation for Egypt and Sudan. And the Mississippi River is a major artery for commerce, agriculture, and industry for the United States.
Differences
* Location: The Amazon River is located in South America, the Nile River is located in Africa, and the Mississippi River is located in North America.
* Climate: The Amazon River flows through a tropical climate zone, the Nile River flows through a desert climate zone, and the Mississippi River flows through a temperate climate zone.
* Flora and fauna: The Amazon River is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many that are found nowhere else on Earth. The Nile River is home to a variety of aquatic species, including fish, crocodiles, and birds. And the Mississippi River is home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Despite their differences, the Amazon River, Nile River, and Mississippi River are all important rivers that play a vital role in the lives of millions of people.