What is the name of the longest river in Asia? A) Mekong B) Yangtze C) Ganges D) Indus
VerifiedAnswer: B) Yangtze
Explanation:
The Yangtze River is indeed the longest river in Asia, stretching approximately 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth at the East China Sea near Shanghai. This mighty river flows entirely within China and serves as a crucial lifeline for millions of people living along its banks.
Let's understand why the other options are incorrect. The Mekong River, while significant in Southeast Asia, is approximately 4,350 kilometers long. It flows through six countries including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Ganges River, sacred to Hindus and vital to the Indian subcontinent, measures about 2,525 kilometers in length. The Indus River, historically important for ancient civilizations, spans roughly 3,180 kilometers through Tibet, India, and Pakistan.
The Yangtze River holds immense geographical and cultural importance. It divides China into northern and southern regions and has been central to Chinese civilization for thousands of years. The river basin supports over 400 million people, making it one of the most densely populated river valleys in the world. Major cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai have developed along its course.
From an economic perspective, the Yangtze serves as a major transportation route, connecting inland China with coastal ports. The famous Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects, was constructed on this river to generate clean energy and control flooding. The river also supports agriculture, fishing, and industrial activities throughout its vast drainage basin.
