.“The Rhine Waterways is the world’s most heavily used inland waterway.” In the light of this statement examine the significance of this waterway.

The Rhine Waterway plays a significant role in the development and prosperity of Western Europe in the following ways:

a. The Rhine Waterway passes through Germany and the Netherlands. The Ruhr joins the Rhine from the east.

b. It connects Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland. It is navigable for large ocean vessels up to Cologne.

c. It connects various industrial regions of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands with the North Atlantic Sea Route.

d. Raw materials for industries located in this region which are imported from other parts of the world are carried through this waterway.

e. Finished goods and capital goods from high-tech modern industries of Western Europe are exported all over the globe through this waterway.

f. It provides a cheap and safe way of transport.