The Mekong River

river · Southeast Asia · water · ecosystems

Massive river system. The Mekong is nearly 3,050 miles long and flows through six different countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It's the third-longest river in all of Asia.

Starts in Tibet. The Mekong begins high in the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau and travels southwest, dropping down through different countries as it makes its way to the sea.

Powerful seasonal changes. The Mekong's water flow changes dramatically with the seasons, sometimes flooding heavily during rainy months and becoming much lower during dry times. These swings make it tricky for boats to navigate.

Home to amazing creatures. The river supports thousands of fish species, including the giant Mekong catfish, plus dolphins, crocodiles, and water birds that depend on its waters to survive.

Dams cause problems. Many hydroelectric dams have been built on the Mekong since the 2000s to create power, but they've harmed fish populations and made droughts worse in some areas.