LONGEST RIVER June 17, 2007
Posted by wmmbb in Humankind/Planet Earth.trackback
The BBC reports that there is support for the claim that the Amazon is the world’s longest river. If the new findings are supported the Amazon can claim to be 6,800 km which is longer that the Nile at 6,695 km. The issue revolves around the question as to most distant source for the river, which probably matters for someone other than trivia quiz contestants.
We do not need maps when we catch a train, or drive to Sydney because we know which roads to follow, but maps do change our perceptions of the wider world. For example, it is staggering to realize that Manaus with a population over 2 million people is accessible by ocean going ships.
Brazil was a Portuguese colony for over 300 years. What is somewhat surprising that this colonial overlordship was not significantly challenged by other European powers, and that such a small country as Portugal could impose rule on such a large territory. There is more to this story which sets the background to modern developments.
thats really lame
abby,I am not sure what you are referring to. Was the original BBC article concerning the length of the Amazon, or more likely my comments concerning Manaus and period of unchallenged Portuguese control? It would be helpful if you had been more specific. You may be right. But thanks for the, albeit lame, comment.