The Euphrates is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles) through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. It is a vital water source for agriculture and drinking water in the region, supporting millions of people. The river is historically significant, as it was part of the Fertile Crescent, where some of the earliest human civilizations, such as the Sumerians and Babylonians, developed. The Euphrates also plays a crucial role in the Tigris-Euphrates river system, which has been essential for trade and cultural exchange throughout history.