The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, and the third-longest in the world. It flows 6,300 km in a generally easterly direction to the East China Sea and is home to nearly one-third of China's population. The Yangtze has played a major role in the history, culture and economy of China. For thousands of years, the river has been used for water, irrigation, sanitation, transportation, industry, boundary-marking and war.