Physical Features
The Rhine River is located in west-central Europe, and is one of the most important rivers in Europe. It flows through 6 countries, Liechtenstien, Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Netherlands, however the main branch’s source is Lake Constance on the Swiss-German border. It opens up into a delta which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The total length of the Rhine River is 765 miles (1231 kilometers). It’s surrounding catchment area is mostly flat and low-lying, which gives the Rhine an important agricultural significance. The Rhine River has many important tributaries such as the Mosel, Main, and Ruhr rivers which connect many German cities together. (Encyclopedia Britannica). Many industrial facilities have been built on the banks, however this has led to many environmental problems in the past.