Wanderlust World Wanderlust World River width measurements typically reflect maximum width during wet seasons at the broadest points—often estuaries or floodplains rather than main channels.
| Rank | River | Maximum Width | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Río de la Plata | 225 km (140 mi) | Argentina/Uruguay |
| 2 | Amazon River | 209 km (130 mi) | South America |
| 3 | Saint Lawrence River | 193 km (120 mi) | Canada/USA |
| 4 | Congo River | 16-20 km (10-12 mi) | Africa |
| 5 | Yangtze River | 1.6-2.5 km (1-1.5 mi) | China |
| 6 | Niger River | 1.6-2.5 km | West Africa |
| 7 | Amur River | 1.6-2.5 km | Russia/China |
| 8 | Ob River | 1.6-2.5 km | Russia |
| 9 | Yenisei River | 1.6-2.5 km | Russia |
| 10 | Lena River | 1.6-2.5 km | Russia |
The top three—Río de la Plata, Amazon, and Saint Lawrence—are technically estuaries where river meets sea, creating vast funnel-shaped widening. The Congo is the only major river maintaining exceptional width well inland. The Russian Arctic rivers (Ob, Yenisei, Lena) widen dramatically in their delta regions.
Width measurements vary by methodology, season, and whether braided channels, wetlands, and floodplains are included. Some sources rank the Amazon wider than the Río de la Plata depending on measurement criteria.