The Top Ten Largest Lakes (By Area Size) in the World

Lakes are a beautiful natural wonder, and there are plenty of them around the world. Some of them are so massive that they could be considered small seas! But we are not looking at seas, in this article we will be exploring the top ten largest lakes from around the world…

Great Slave Lake (27,000 km2 - 10,000 sq mi)

Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake is the tenth-largest lake in the world, located in Canada. It has a surface area of 10,980 square miles (28,568 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 2,015 feet (614 meters). Great Slave Lake is also the deepest lake in North America and is known for its rugged beauty and pristine wilderness.

Malawi

Lake Malawi is the ninth-largest lake in the world, located in East Africa. It has a surface area of 11,400 square miles (29,600 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 2,316 feet (706 meters). Lake Malawi is also known for its unique fish species, including the cichlid fish.

Great Bear Lake (31,000 km2 - 12,000 sq mi)

Great Bear Lake

Great Bear Lake is the eighth-largest lake in the world, located in Canada. It has a surface area of 12,000 square miles (31,000 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 1,463 feet (446 meters). Great Bear Lake is also the largest lake entirely within Canada.

Baikal

Lake Baikal is the seventh-largest lake in the world, located in Russia. It has a surface area of 12,248 square miles (31,722 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 5,315 feet (1,620 meters). Lake Baikal is also the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater supply.

Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the sixth-largest lake in the world, located in East Africa. It has a surface area of 12,700 square miles (32,900 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 4,823 feet (1,470 meters). Lake Tanganyika is also the second-deepest lake in the world after Lake Baikal.

Michigan

Lake Michigan is the fifth-largest lake in the world, located in North America. It has a surface area of 22,400 square miles (58,000 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 923 feet (281 meters). Lake Michigan is also part of the Great Lakes system and is known for its sandy beaches.

Huron (59,600 km2 - 23,000 sq mi)

Huron

Lake Huron is the fourth-largest lake in the world, located in North America. It has a surface area of 23,000 square miles (59,600 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 750 feet (229 meters). Lake Huron is also part of the Great Lakes system and is known for its beautiful scenery.

Victoria

Lake Victoria is the third-largest lake in the world, located in East Africa. It has a surface area of 26,590 square miles (68,870 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 270 feet (82 meters). Lake Victoria is also the largest lake in Africa and is known for its diverse fish species.

Superior

Lake Superior is the second-largest lake in the world, located in North America. It has a surface area of 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 1,332 feet (406 meters). Lake Superior is also the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

Caspian Sea (389,000 km2 - 150,000 sq mi )

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world, located between Europe and Asia. It has a surface area of 143,000 square miles (371,000 square kilometres) and a maximum depth of 3,363 feet (1,025 meters). Despite its name, the Caspian Sea is not a sea, but rather a lake.

Each of these lakes is unique and has its own set of characteristics and attractions that make them special. From the Caspian Sea to Great Slave Lake, these lakes are a testament to the beauty and diversity of our planet’s natural wonders. Have you visited any of these lakes in real life? Did any on this list surprise you? If so why not let us know in the comments below.

Author: Gus Barge

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