5 shortest rivers in the world and where are they located

Rivers are often imagined as vast, winding bodies of water shaping landscapes over thousands of kilometres. But not all rivers fit that image. Across the world, there exist rivers so short that you could walk their entire length in under a minute, yet they are still recognised as rivers due to their natural flow from a source to a larger water body.Interestingly, there is no universally accepted “shortest river” today. The category was once recognised by the Guinness World Records, but it was eventually dropped due to inconsistent measurements, seasonal variations, and debates over what truly qualifies as a river. Still, based on widely accepted geographic data, the following are among the shortest rivers in the world, ranked by approximate length.

Reprua River in Georgia - 18 meters

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / RMM

Located in the region of Abkhazia along the Black Sea coast, the Reprua River is often considered the shortest river on Earth.

Measuring just around 18 meters, it flows from a karst spring directly into the sea. Despite its tiny size, the river is fed by powerful underground sources linked to deep cave systems in the Caucasus Mountains. This gives it a surprisingly strong and steady flow. Its origin is associated with one of the deepest known cave systems in the world, adding scientific intrigue to its otherwise modest appearance.

Tamborasi River in Indonesia - 20 meters

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The Tamborasi River in Southeast Sulawesi is yet another river that vies for the honor of being considered the world’s shortest river.

The Tamborasi River spans a mere 20 meters, originating at a freshwater source, passing through verdant tropical vegetation, and ending at the ocean. However, what sets the Tamborasi apart from the rest is the scenery surrounding it. With thick forests on all sides, and with it lying next to a picturesque beach, the Tamborasi seems like an illusion, being clear, tranquil, and small in size.

Kovasselva River in Norway - Approximately 20–22 meters

Kovasselva is a river located in Norway which stretches from 20 to 22 meters long, depending on whether it is high season or low season.

This small river is a perfect example of the Norwegian coastline where rivers flow from a lake into a fjord. Unlike other rivers mentioned above, Kovasselva River may not be very popular; however, it remains one of the best examples of the existence of very short rivers in areas with rough terrains close to oceans.

Roe River in the United States - 61 meters

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / Montanabw

Perhaps one of the best-known of all the world's shortest rivers is the Roe River of Montana. This river, which is only around 61 meters long, drains from Giant Springs to the Missouri River.

It used to be recorded by the Guinness World Records as the shortest river in the world. Although the title may have since been stripped away from this river, it retains its popularity because of its volume and clear waters.

D River in the United States - Approx 134 meters

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / Bryce W Harrington

D River is found in the state of Oregon and links Devil's Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Normally, the length of the D River is measured at an average of 134 meters; however, this varies because of tidal action. In the past, D River held the Guinness World Record as the shortest river in the world until it was surpassed by Roe River. Measuring such an erratic length made it impossible to measure D River effectively, thus adding controversy to this category of rivers.