European major Rivers & their drainage basins

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Europe is home to numerous rivers, both large and small. It is challenging to provide an exact count due to variations in river classification and the presence of numerous tributaries. However, there are hundreds of significant rivers in Europe. Some estimates suggest there are over 100,000 rivers and streams across the continent.

The diversity of European rivers is impressive, with environments ranging from the Scandinavian-Russian Arctic to mesic regions of middle Europe to arid regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coast.

European rivers are found in 48 countries. Most of them are transboundary.

Here are some of the prominent rivers and their drainage basins in Europe:

1. Volga River:
   • Length: 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Volga River is primarily located in Russia, flowing through several of its major cities. Its vast drainage basin covers an area of approximately 1,380,000 square kilometers (533,000 square miles), making it the largest river basin in Europe.
2. Danube River:
   • Length: 2,857 kilometers (1,777 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Danube River flows through or forms the borders of ten countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Its drainage basin covers an area of approximately 801,463 square kilometers (309,447 square miles).
3. Dnieper River:
   • Length: 2,285 kilometers (1,420 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Dnieper River is primarily situated in Ukraine, flowing through its capital city, Kyiv. It also passes through Belarus and Russia. The drainage basin of the Dnieper River covers an area of around 504,000 square kilometers (195,000 square miles).
4. Rhine River:
   • Length: 1,233 kilometers (766 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Rhine River flows through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Its drainage basin covers an area of around 185,000 square kilometers (71,000 square miles).
5. Elbe River:
   • Length: 1,094 kilometers (680 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Elbe River originates in the Czech Republic and flows through Germany, forming a portion of the Germany-Czech Republic border. Its drainage basin covers an area of about 148,268 square kilometers (57,247 square miles).
6. Rhône River:
   • Length: 812 kilometers (505 miles)
   • Drainage Basin: The Rhône River flows through Switzerland and France, finally emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Its drainage basin covers an area of approximately 98,000 square kilometers (38,000 square miles).