Largest Lake in the World, List, By Area, By Volume

Lakes are surrounded by land and are separated from rivers or springs. They are formed by different methods, some of them are created by activities like tectonic activities, volcanic activities, glacial retreats, or through human intervention, etc. Lakes vary greatly in size, depth, and length. The Caspian Sea is incomparable, being the largest saltwater lake globally. The Caspian Sea is divided into three regions, northern, central, and southern. The lake straddles the boundaries of the vast continents of Eurasia, forming a unique and important water reservoir.

Which is the Largest lake in the world?

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water. It is an endorheic basin located between Europe and Asia. It is located to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the Central Asian Plain. To its south are the Iranian plateau and to the west are the fertile plains of southern Russia. Covering 389,000 square km, it rivals Japan in size. Its volume of 78,200 km³ and salinity of 1.2% – about one-third of that of seawater – underline its unique nature. The Caspian Sea is bounded by Kazakhstan to the northeast, Russia to the northwest, Azerbaijan to the southwest, Iran to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southeast.

Geographical Features of the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, the largest body of water globally, boasts a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems across its three main divisions. The North Sea, with its shallow depth, contrasts sharply with the Derbent Depression of the Middle Caspian, which drops to more than 500 m. Meanwhile, in the southern Caspian is the Lankaran Depression, which reaches a depth of 1025 meters. This huge expenditure contains a significant portion of the world’s lacustrine waters. The climate experiences an unstable climate ranging from cold in the winter to average temperatures between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. 

There are 50 islands on its surface, including the major Tyuleniy Archipelago, and fed by a network of 130 rivers, especially the Volga, Ural, Kura, and Tarek, the Caspian Sea supports a rich biodiversity. From sturgeon spawning grounds to rare lotus meadows and over 100 bird species, the area serves as an important habitat for many flora and fauna, including the endemic Caspian seal, which inhabits its waters. It is the only marine mammal living there.

Top 10 largest lakes in the world

The lakes are critical reservoirs of freshwater, crucial for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. There are many lakes famous for their natural beauty. Here we are discussing 10 of the largest lakes in the world.

1. Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is geologically a small ocean rather than a lake. In spite of being called a “sea”, it is actually bounded by land, making it the largest lake in the world by area. It borders five countries and contains a vast amount of saltwater, more than all the freshwater lakes in the world combined! This huge body of water forms an important part of the surrounding area.

Length – 1,199 km

Maximum depth – 1,025 m

Volume – 78,200 km³

2. Superior Lake

Lake Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It is located on the Canada-US border and is part of the Great Lakes system. It is known for its cold, clear waters and dramatic shipwrecks. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Its surrounding landscape is a mix of rugged coasts, dense forests, and attractive cities.

Length – 616 km

Maximum depth – 406 m

Volume – 12,070 km³

3. Victoria Lake

Victoria keeps the title of the largest lake by area in Africa. This tropical giant is also the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by surface area. It covers the borders of several countries feeds the mighty Nile River and is a hotspot for biodiversity. Rich with islands, Victoria Lake is an important resource and a stunning natural wonder. Victoria Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area.

Length – 322 km

Maximum depth – 81 m

Volume – 2,420 km³

4. Huron Lake

Lake Huron is one of the best lakes in North America. It shares its borders with both Canada and the United States. This lake is part of the world’s largest freshwater lake system (joint with Michigan), with unique qualities such as a fast-flowing stream and Georgian Bay. The lake, named after a local indigenous tribe, the Huron, holds a historical legacy and provides important freshwater resources.

Length – 332 km

Maximum depth – 229 m

Volume – 3,520 km³

5. Michigan Lake

One of the Great Lakes, Michigan lake holds its own against its impressive neighbors. The lake covers the border with the United States and shares water relations with Lake Huron, technically part of the world’s largest freshwater lake system. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and diverse ecosystems. Michigan Lake is an important source of freshwater for the surrounding region. The iconic Mechanic Bridge is a landmark that separates it from Huron Lake (geographically, not hydrologically).

Length – 494 km

Maximum depth – 282 m

Volume – 4,930 km³

6. Tanganyika Lake

The Tanganyika Lake claims to be the second oldest freshwater lake globally and boasts impressive depth, making it the second deepest lake after Baikal Lake. The shape of this lake extends across four countries: Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. This huge lake holds an incredible amount of water and is the source of life for the surrounding area. Tanganyika Lake is home to unique fish species and is a stunning natural site.

Length – 676 km

Maximum depth – 1,470 m

Volume – 18,750 km³

7. Baikal Lake 

Baikal Lake holds the title as the deepest freshwater lake in the world. This lake is millions of years old and it is considered to be the oldest freshwater lake in the world. This vast reservoir contains vast amounts of clear water, which constitutes a significant portion of the world’s freshwater supply. Baikal Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hotspot for biodiversity. It has many unique plant and animal species found nowhere else.

Length – 636 km

Maximum depth – 1,642 m

Volume – 23,610 km³

8. Great Bear Lake 

Great Bear Lake is situated in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The lake, despite its cold, remote location, holds a remarkable amount of fresh water. It ranks as the fourth largest freshwater lake globally. Surrounded by tundra and boreal forest, Great Bear lake offers a glimpse of an ancient forest. Fishing is a popular activity here. The Great Bear Lake area is an important part of the ecosystem and a breathtaking natural wonder.

Length – 373 km

Maximum depth – 446 m

Volume – 2,234 km³

9. Malawi Lake 

Malawi Lake is also known as the “Lake of the Stars”. It is located in East Africa along the Malawi-Mozambique border. It is the third-largest freshwater lake in Africa and the ninth-largest lake in the world. Famous for its incredible biodiversity, Lake Malawi is a paradise for colorful cichlid fishes, with hundreds of unique species found nowhere else on Earth. The landscapes surrounding this lake are equally stunning, with beaches, mountains, and national parks offering opportunities for exploration and relaxation. This lake is a dream destination for nature lovers.

Length – 579 km

Maximum depth – 706 m

Volume – 8,640 km³

10. Great Slave Lake 

Great Slave Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Canada after Great Bear Lake. The lake is located within the North-Western Region and is known for its harsh, subtropical climate with long, cold winters. This lake is a huge body of water which is an important habitat for migratory birds. The lake provides livelihood to local fishing communities. Great Slave Lake is also notable for its historical significance, with archaeological evidence pointing to indigenous settlements dating back thousands of years. The beauty of this lake is astonishing during the winter months.

Length – 480 km

Maximum depth – 614 m

Volume – 1,115 km³

Longest River in the World

Name the Smallest lake in the world

The smallest lake in the world is called Benxi Lake. It is located in China, in a place called Benxi City, in the Liaoning Province. Benxi Lake is very small, only about 15 square meters in size. This means it is not even as big as a typical living room! The lake is known for its clear water, which comes from a spring underneath. Even though it is small, it is a popular spot for tourists to visit. People enjoy looking at its clear water and the beautiful surroundings. Benxi Lake is a special place because it holds the title of the smallest lake in the world

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