I.

Introduction

Rhine (German, Rhein; French, Rhin; Dutch, Rijn; ancient, Rhenus), one of the principal rivers of Europe. Rising in eastern Switzerland, the Rhine flows about 1,320 km (820 mi) in a generally north-western direction through or adjoining Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, to its mouth on the North Sea. It is formed high in the Swiss Alps by the Vorderrhein and the Hinterrhein rivers, which join near the town of Chur. The Rhine drains an area of about 220,150 sq km (85,000 sq mi). Its major tributaries are the Aare (Aar), Neckar, Main, Lahn, Ill, Mosel, Ruhr, and Lippe. Because of the huge volume of freight and number of passengers carried on it, the Rhine is one of the most important commercial inland waterways in the world. The river has greatly influenced the history, culture, and economy of Europe from Roman times to the present.