where did the amazon river get its name
Amazon River
While debate as to whether the Amazon or the Nile is the world 's longest river has gone on for many years , the historic consensus of geographic authorities has been to regard the Amazon as the second longest river in the world , with the Nile being the longest . However , the Amazon has been measured by different geographers as being anywhere between 6,259 and 6,992 kilometres ( 3,889 and 4,345 mi ) long . It is often said to be `` at least '' 6,400 kilometres ( 4,000 mi ) long . The Nile is reported to be anywhere from 5,499 to 6,690 kilometres ( 3,417 to 4,157 mi ) . Often it is said to be `` about '' 6,650 kilometres ( 4,130 mi ) long . There are many factors that can affect these measurements .
While debate as to whether the Amazon or the Nile is the world 's longest river has gone on for many years , the historic consensus of geographic authorities has been to regard the Amazon as the second longest river in the world , with the Nile being the longest . However , the Amazon has been measured by different geographers as being anywhere between 6,259 and 6,992 kilometres ( 3,889 and 4,345 mi ) long . It is often said to be `` at least '' 6,400 kilometres ( 4,000 mi ) long . The Nile is reported to be anywhere from 5,499 to 6,690 kilometres ( 3,417 to 4,157 mi ) . Often it is said to be `` about '' 6,650 kilometres ( 4,130 mi ) long . There are many factors that can affect these measurements .