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Ubangi River

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The Ubangi River is a huge river in Central Africa. It is the largest right-bank tributary of the Congo River. This means it is the biggest river that flows into the Congo from the right side. The river begins at a single point. This point is where the Mbomou and Uele Rivers meet. The Mbomou has a mean annual discharge of 1,350 m3/s. The Uele has a mean annual discharge of 1,550 m3/s.

Transaqua
Transaqua

The river follows a winding path through the land. At first, it flows toward the west. This part of the river acts as a border. It sits between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Then, the river bends toward the southwest. It flows past the city of Bangui. Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic. After passing the city, the river turns south. It then forms a border between the DRC and the Republic of the Congo. Finally, it joins the Congo River at a place called Liranga.

Scientists believe the river has a very long history. In the early Pleistocene period, the upper parts of the river were different. It is believed they once flowed into the Chari River. They also once flowed into Lake Chad. Later, the water was captured by the Congo River. This changed the way the water moved across the land. This history shows how much the Earth can change over time.

Transaqua
Transaqua

There are many important facts about the size of this river. The mean annual discharge at the mouth is 5,936 m3/s. At Bangui, the discharge ranges between different amounts. The average flow at Bangui is about 5,000 m3/s. The river is also a very useful path for people. Along with the Congo River, it is a transport artery. This means river boats use it to move things. They travel between Bangui and Brazzaville.

Transaqua
Transaqua

People have had big ideas for this water for a long time. In the 1960s, a plan called Transaqua was proposed. This plan wanted to divert water from the Ubangi to the Chari River. The goal was to help Lake Chad. This would help tens of millions of people in Africa. It would provide more fishing and better farming. In 2008, leaders met to discuss this project again. They wanted to see if the plan could work.

Transaqua
Transaqua
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