Rivers are crucial sources of freshwater, essential for drinking, irrigation, and sustaining ecosystems. They facilitate trade as natural transport routes, generate renewable energy through hydropower, and support recreation.
Banks of the Nile at Cairo, Francis Frithca. 1857, printed 1870 MMA 1973.608.1.26
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and the world, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). It flows through eleven countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and has been a lifeline for civilizations throughout history.
Amazonas State, Francisco Chaves
The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume and the most extensive river system in the world. It spans across South America, with its basin covering approximately 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and dense rainforest.
Dusk on Chang Jiang (Yangtze), Andrew Hitchcock
The Yangtze River, also called the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world. It flows through China, providing a vital waterway for transportation and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. It is also home to the critically endangered Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji.
"Rounding a Bend" on the Mississippi, Frances Flora Bond Palmer, 1866, MMA 63.550.47
The Mississippi River is one of the most significant rivers in the United States, running for approximately 3,730 kilometers (2,320 miles). It has played a pivotal role in the country's history, serving as a major trade route, inspiring literature and music, and shaping the development of cities such as New Orleans and St. Louis.
The muffuletta sandwich is a true New Orleans classic.
Perfected by its originators at Central Grocery. Served on a hearty 9-inch round Sicilian sesame loaf that remains perfectly crusty, this sandwich is packed with flavor. It’s layered with ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss, provolone, and topped off with their signature marinated olive salad—a tangy mix of Kalamata and green olives, along with an array of pickled vegetables. Every bite is a delicious testament to its Crescent City roots.
The bank of the Yenisei River near Krasnoyarsk - Public Domain
The Yenisei River is the largest river system flowing into the Arctic Ocean. It stretches for about 5,539 kilometers (3,445 miles) across Siberia in Russia. The Yenisei River is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the stunning Stolby Nature Reserve, and is an important source of hydroelectric power.
The Yellow River Breaches its Course, ~ c12th, Ma Yuan, Beijing Palace Museum
The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, holds great historical and cultural significance in China. It is often called the "Mother River of China" due to its role in the country's early civilization. The river has a distinct yellow color due to the loess sediments it carries, and it has been prone to devastating floods throughout history.
March evening. The sun fell across the Ob river Dmitry Karyshev
The Ob-Irtysh River is a major river system in Russia and Kazakhstan. It is formed by the merging of the Ob River and the Irtysh River, flowing through vast Siberian landscapes. The Ob-Irtysh River is crucial for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and transportation in the region.
The Ob-Irtysh River may be hundreds of miles from Russia's capital, but the taste of Moscow is much closer if you’re in Costa Mesa, CA. Just head to the Moscow Deli, where you’ll find the "Moscovskiy" sandwich—a delightful creation featuring ham, cheese, coleslaw, and onions. It’s one of about ten delicious sandwiches on their menu, and it's sure to transport your taste buds straight to Russia.
Confluence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina, PhillipC
The Paraná River, South America’s second-longest at 4,880 kilometers, flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina before forming the Río de la Plata. Originating in Brazil, it is a vital waterway for transport and home to major hydroelectric projects like the Itaipu Dam. Its basin supports diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity but faces challenges like deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss.
If you ever find yourself cruising down the Paraná River, make a stop in Buenos Aires to experience this gem. The Italiano is packed with layers of mortadella, salami, ham, provolone cheese, fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayo, all perfectly nestled between two slices of freshly baked bread. It's a sandwich worth the journey!
Can't make it to South America...
Puerto Madero in Santa Ana is a wonderful Latin American grocery and butcher shop with an amazing kitchen. One of its standout offerings is the Italiano sandwich, which highlights the fusion of Argentine and Italian culinary traditions.
Sandwich and Art