GEOPOLITICS BY NUMBERS
The Mekong River flows through six countries in one of the world’s greatest areas of expansion. Its riches, however, have always been a double-edged sword.
It was known as the “river of war” and today is an almost inexhaustible source of life and energy for Southeast Asia. In China is “the turbulent river,” in Thailand and Laos the “mother water,” and in the Vietnamese delta it is known as “the nine dragons” because of its branches. But for everyone, it is simply the Mekong. A river of mysteries — starting with its length.
Length of the Mekong, in kilometers, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: 4,350
Length of the Mekong, in kilometers, according to Wikipedia: 4,880
Mekong sets records from its elevation to its flow.
Altitude above sea level at its source, in meters: 5,224
Average flow, in cubic meters per second: 16,000
Volume of water discharged annually in the China Sea, in cubic kilometers: 475
The same value, in swimming pools: 25 billion
(China Science Exploration Association — CGIAR)
It’s only one river but it flows through six countries.
Percentage of water discharged into the sea, originating from Laos: 35%
Thailand: 18%
Cambodia: 18%
China: 16%
Vietnam: 11%
Myanmar: 2%
(CGIAR)
Although politically there are six different countries, the actual basin of the Mekong is one big area.
The Mekong’s drainage basin in square kilometers: 795,000
Of which in Laos: 25%
Thailand: 23%
China: 21%
Cambodia: 20%
Vietnam: 8%
Myanmar: 3%
(CGIAR)
It is an area with one of the richest and most complex ecosystems on Earth.
Species of plants surveyed in the basin: 20,000
Of mammals: 430
Birds: 1,200
Fish: 850
Reptiles and amphibians: 800
Species of freshwater dolphin found in the river: 1
(BBC)
In some cases, these are real sea monsters.
Heaviest weight of a Mekong carp in kilos: 70
Maximum length in meters: 1,5
(AP)
The Mekong River has some of the richest, most developed freshwater fishing in the world. With its fish it can feed the large majority of the basin’s population.
Tons of fish caught every year in the Mekong (excluding aquaculture): 2 million
People involved in fishing activity: 4 million
People who depend on the Mekong for their food and economic survival: 60 million
Percentage of total proteins consumed by the average Cambodian that come from Mekong fish: 80%
(FAO)
In Europe, the most popular river fish is pangasius. It is found in all the low-price markets (unfortunately it is also of relatively low nutritional value).
Maximum pangasius length in meters: 1.3
Weight in kilos: 44
(CNN)
Despite the importance of fisheries, the real great game in the future will be played in the energy field. Mekong is now considered a huge source of hydropower. Everyone has caught “dam fever” and want the Mekong water without having to think of the others in the valley. The risk is that the Mekong could return to being a “river of war.”
Cambodians who have no access to electricity: 2 out of 3
Laotians: 1 out of 3
Estimate of the percentage increase in electricity demand in the Mekong Basin over the next 20 years: 80%
Dams in China: 6
Under construction: 6
Others planned: 15
Dams in Laos: 10
Cambodia: 2
Vietnam: 8
Thailand: 7
(CIA)
