Geography: Rivers

Rio Grande

Rio Grijalva

Mexico is traversed by a network of major rivers that are integral to its ecology, economy, and way of life. These rivers, including the Rio Grande, Rio Balsas, and Rio Grijalva, flow through varied terrains, from arid deserts to lush jungles, shaping the country's diverse ecosystems. They are crucial for Mexico’s agriculture, providing water for irrigation to support the cultivation of crops such as maize, beans, and tomatoes. These rivers also play a key role in the nation's water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and are vital for local fisheries. Beyond their practical importance, Mexican rivers are steeped in history and culture, featuring in ancient myths and legends, and continuing to be significant in the lives of many communities. The table below provides an overview of the major rivers in Mexico, detailing their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length*	Source	Outflow
Rio Grande	3,051 km (1,896 mi)	San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA	Gulf of Mexico
Rio Colorado	1,450 km (901 mi)	Confluence of Green and Grand Rivers	Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)
Rio Balsas	771 km (479 mi)	Puebla, Mexico	Pacific Ocean
Rio Pánuco	772 km (480 mi)	Mexico's Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	Gulf of Mexico
Rio Usumacinta	970 km (602 mi)	Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico	Gulf of Mexico
Rio Grijalva	480 km (298 mi)	Chiapas, Mexico	Gulf of Mexico
Rio San Juan	390 km (242 mi)	Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico	Pacific Ocean
Rio Coatzacoalcos	365 km (227 mi)	Eastern Sierra Madre, Veracruz, Mexico	Gulf of Mexico
Rio Papaloapan	371 km (230 mi)	Oaxaca, Mexico	Gulf of Mexico
Rio Yaqui	320 km (199 mi)	Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico	Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)

*Sources do not differentiate between the length of river that exists within the country’s borders and the overall length of the river irrespective of national borders.