The Mekong River — Passage and Quiz

The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It stretches approximately 2,700 miles (4,350 kilometers) from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its endpoint in the Mekong Delta, which empties into the South China Sea.

The Mekong River Delta, located in Vietnam, is a fertile region that supports agriculture, particularly rice production. The delta is home to millions of people and is a critical area for biodiversity, including fish species that are essential to the local diet and economy.

The Mekong River faces challenges such as dam construction, overfishing, and climate change, which threaten its ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. Efforts to manage the river’s resources include international cooperation and sustainable development initiatives.

Fun fact: The Mekong River is home to the Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world!