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11

In which African city and country do the White Nile and Blue Nile converge?

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KHARTOUM, SUDAN - geography illustration
KHARTOUM, SUDAN — geography

The majestic Nile River, a lifeline for civilizations for millennia, is famously formed by the convergence of two distinct tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile. These two great rivers meet in the city of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. This strategic location marks the official beginning of the Nile River as it flows northward through Sudan and Egypt before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.

The White Nile, considered the longer of the two, originates in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, with its source generally traced back to Lake Victoria in Uganda. It embarks on a long journey, winding through various landscapes and contributing to the pale, light gray sediment that gives it its name. In contrast, the Blue Nile begins its journey in the highlands of Ethiopia, specifically from Lake Tana. It is known for carrying a significant amount of dark silt, especially during the rainy season, which gives it a darker hue.

At their confluence in Khartoum, known locally as "al-Mogran" or "The Confluence," the two rivers, though different in color and origin, merge to form the single, powerful Nile River. While the White Nile is longer, the Blue Nile contributes the majority of the water and silt to the main Nile, particularly during flood season. This crucial meeting point has shaped Khartoum into a significant trade and communication center, historically and presently, bridging different regions and cultures along the Nile's course.