Only 3% of the water on Earth is freshwater, which is essential for drinking and agriculture. Lakes are one of the primary sources of freshwater. However, not all lakes are the same in size or depth. Some are incredibly large, while others are exceptionally deep. According to a list published by World Atlas, the 10 largest lakes in the world by area are: the Caspian Sea, Lake Superior, Lake Victoria, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Baikal, Great Bear Lake, Lake Malawi, and Great Slave Lake. Among these, some hold about 20% of the world’s frozen freshwater. Here’s an overview of these 10 largest lakes based on their size.
Caspian Sea
For centuries, the Caspian Sea has been a pillar of art and culture. Despite its name, it is not a sea but the largest lake in the world, spanning 371,000 square kilometers. It serves as a boundary between Europe and Asia, influencing the climate and ecosystem of surrounding regions. The Caspian Sea contains both freshwater and saltwater. This massive lake touches five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and plays a significant role in regional geopolitics.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, covering an area of 82,103 square kilometers. To its south lies the United States, and to the north, Canada. The lake is also notable for its depth, with an average depth of 152 meters (500 feet) and a maximum depth of 406 meters (1,332 feet). Several important cities, including Duluth and Thunder Bay, are situated along its shores. Connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway, Lake Superior serves as a vital route for shipping.
Lake Victoria
This freshwater lake is located in East Africa, covering an area of 69,484 square kilometers. It spans three countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Lake Victoria plays a crucial role in regional hydrology as a major source of the Nile River. Its vast size also makes it an important hub for transportation, facilitating trade and travel among the bordering countries. Despite its large area, the lake is not very deep, with an average depth of 40 meters (130 feet).
Lake Huron
Lake Huron is the second-largest of North America’s Great Lakes, covering an area of 59,590 square kilometers. It is primarily located between the United States and Canada. The lake is a major center for commercial fishing and is known for its 30,000 islands, the most famous of which is Manitoulin Island. Unique geological formations, such as Turnip Rock, give the lake a distinct character.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is an essential part of any list of the world’s largest lakes. It spans an area of 57,753 square kilometers and is notably deep. One of North America’s five Great Lakes, it is entirely located within the United States. The lake touches several states, including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Important ports, such as Chicago and Milwaukee, are situated along its shores, making the lake vital for shipping and travel.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, spanning an area of 32,900 square kilometers. It is located across four African countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. It is the second deepest lake in the world, with a depth of 1,470 meters (4,822 feet). This freshwater lake is estimated to be between 9 to 12 million years old.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is located in southern Siberia, Russia, and is an extraordinary geographical feature. It spans an area of 31,722 square kilometers and is the deepest freshwater lake in the world, with a maximum depth of 1,642 meters (5,387 feet). Lake Baikal is a critical area for biodiversity, hosting around 1,700 species of plants and animals. Historically, it has been considered a sacred place by local ethnic groups, such as the Buryats. The lake is approximately 25 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in the world.
Lake Great Bear
Lake Great Bear is located in the cold and remote region of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It covers an area of 31,328 square kilometers and is the eighth-largest lake in the world by size. Not only is it vast, but it is also quite deep, with a maximum depth of 446 meters (1,463 feet). Due to its distance from populated areas, human activities have had minimal impact on the lake, making it one of the cleanest lakes in the world. The water is so clear that sunlight can penetrate deep into the lake. During the winter months, Great Bear Lake is covered with ice, which can reach a thickness of up to 2 meters.
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is part of the African Great Lakes and spans an area of approximately 29,600 square kilometers. It holds more water than any other lake in the African Rift System. The lake is estimated to be between 1 to 2 million years old and is quite deep, with a maximum depth of 706 meters (2,316 feet). A significant number of people live along its shores, and the local economy is largely based on fishing.
Great Slave Lake
The name of Great Slave Lake has a sorrowful history, as it was named after the enslaved people who lived along its southern shore in the mid-18th century. Located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, it is the country’s second-largest lake and the deepest in North America, with a maximum depth of 614 meters (2,000 feet). The lake covers an area of about 28,568 square kilometers. It plays a significant role in the flow of Canada’s Mackenzie River. Great Slave Lake is an important area for fishing and is essential for the local communities that depend on it for freshwater. Due to the extreme cold, the lake remains partially frozen for nearly eight months of the year.
