> What's the only river in the world that crosses the equator twice?And the answer: the Congo River. Photo credit: UN Photo/Marie FrechonThe second longest river in Africa after theNile, the Congo River flows through seven countries, and zigzags across theequator twice as it flows from eastern Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. The riveris also the deepest in the world, reaching 720 feet deep in some parts.The Congo River is a powerful, deep river that spans far and wide. The river hasthe second-largest flow in the world, behind the Amazon, and the second-largestwatershed of any river, again trailing the Amazon. While most of it is navigableby boat, there are several perilous stretches, one of which that is known as theGates of Hell for its 75 miles of rapids. The Congo River is integral to the continued perseverance of the cultures bywhich it is surrounded. It has been a major source of transportation for peoplein Africa for many hundred years – in fact, there are still few roads andrailways, as the river is relied on for much of the transportation in theregion. The river provides over 9,000 miles of navigable shipping routes inCentral Africa, and a tremendous amount of goods are transported on the riverevery day. Further, those who live along the Congo River depend on the water toirrigate their crops of cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco.As a massive, freshwater heart of Africa, the Congo also holds an abundance ofnatural resources such as ivory, rubber and timber. Further, the Congo RiverBasin protects an abundance of life. Without this river, life in the heart ofAfrica would not be able to thrive. See the river in action below.