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 1,320 km (820 mi) in a generally northwestern 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, which join near the town of Chur. The Rhine drains an area of 220,000 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 days to the present.