FAQ

What is the largest lake in the world?

The Caspian Sea at 371,000 km2. It is technically a lake, not a sea. The largest freshwater lake by surface area is Lake Superior at 82,100 km2.

What is the deepest lake?

Lake Baikal in Russia at 1,642 m deep. It contains 22% of the worlds surface freshwater.

How many lakes are in the world?

Over 117 million lakes larger than 0.2 hectares. Only about 100 are truly large. Canada alone has over 60% of the worlds lakes.

Why are some lakes saltwater?

Endorheic lakes (no outlet) accumulate dissolved salts over time. The Great Salt Lake, Dead Sea, and Aral Sea are examples. Water evaporates but salt remains.