The Volga River

Europe · Russia · geography

Longest in Europe. The Volga is the longest river in all of Europe, stretching 3,531 kilometers (2,194 miles) across Russia. That's almost as long as the distance from New York to London and back.

Flows to the Caspian. The Volga begins in western Russia and travels southeast, finally emptying into the Caspian Sea. The river's water empties so much that it releases between 8,000 and 8,500 cubic meters per second into the sea.

Heart of Russia. Russians call the Volga their national river because it has been central to their history and culture. Around 830 AD, an old Russian state called the Rus' Khaganate grew up along its banks.

Connected civilizations. For thousands of years, the Volga served as a meeting place where different cultures and peoples from Asia and Europe could trade and share ideas. It was one of the most important crossroads of the ancient world.

Huge drainage basin. The river's watershed (the land area it drains) covers 1,360,000 square kilometers. That's an enormous area that sends water flowing downhill toward the Volga.