The Congo River

The Congo River is one of the biggest rivers in the world. It is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile. The river flows for about 2,900 miles through central Africa. It is also the deepest river in the world, with some spots more than 700 feet deep.

The Rainforest River

The Congo River flows through the second largest rainforest in the world. The rainforest is dark, hot, and full of life. The river crosses the equator twice on its journey. Heavy rain falls in the forest almost every day. All this water helps make the Congo such a powerful river.

Amazing Animals

Many unusual animals live in and around the Congo River. Gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos swing in the trees nearby. Hippos and crocodiles swim in the water. Strange fish that live nowhere else in the world make their home in the Congo. Scientists are still finding new kinds of animals near the river.

Fun Facts

• The Congo River carries the second most water of any river, after the Amazon.
• The river has parts where it flows very fast through narrow rocky gorges.
• More than 700 kinds of fish live in the Congo River.

Did You Know?

The Congo River is so deep in some places that no sunlight reaches the bottom, and blind fish live there in the dark.