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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When talking about a serene quick retreat in nature, lakes often top the list. Surrounded by lush greenery and blessed with mild weather, lakes create the perfect backdrop for families, friends, and couples to come together and enjoy quality time.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, take in the scenery, or splash around in the water, lakes offer some of the best getaway destinations. But have you ever stopped to consider just how vast these bodies of water can be?
In this article, we’ll explore the ten largest lakes in the world, as highlighted by USA Today and Statista.
10 Largest Lakes in the World
1. Caspian Sea | 149,200 square miles
The Caspian Sea is situated on the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of vast grassland in Central Asia. Renowned as the world’s biggest lake, the Caspian Sea is a unique saline body of water bordered by five countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
2. Lake Superior | 31,700 square miles
Holding the title of the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior receives water from around 200 rivers. Nestled along the border between the United States and Canada, this lake is known for its stunning beauty and diverse plant and animal inhabitants.
3. Lake Victoria | 26,828 square miles
The vast Lake Victoria is well-known as the largest in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake globally. Nestled among three countries—Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya—this lake supports the world’s largest freshwater fishery, producing 1 million tons of fish annually.
4. Lake Huron | 23,000 square miles
Lake Huron, the second-largest of the Great Lakes, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and numerous islands, including Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. Beneath its pristine surface lie numerous shipwrecks, hinting at a rich and intriguing history.
5. Lake Michigan | 22,300 square miles
The only Great Lake located entirely within the United States, Lake Michigan is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities along its shores. Its ecosystem is extraordinary, with the world’s largest sand dunes and globally significant plants found within the coastal zone, such as Pitcher’s thistle, Houghton’s goldenrod, and Dwarf Lake iris.
6. Lake Tanganyika | 12,700 square miles
Situated in East Africa, Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world and home to a rich variety of fish species, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. As Africa’s oldest rift lake, it is also bordered by thriving oil palms, a characteristic feature of Western Africa's unique flora.
7. Lake Baikal | 12,200 square miles
Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, Russia, is both the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, holding 20% of the planet's unfrozen freshwater reserves. Often called the "Galapagos of Russia," its ancient and isolated ecosystem has fostered an extraordinarily diverse and unique freshwater species, making it a treasure trove for evolutionary science.
8. Great Bear Lake | 12,096 square miles
Situated in Canada, Great Bear Lake is known for its pristine waters and rich natural resources, including abundant fish and wildlife. As the largest lake in the country, it’s a top destination for those seeking a quick getaway, offering a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating.
9. Lake Nyasa | 11,430 square miles
Lake Nyasa, also known as Lake Malawi, is bordered by three countries—Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Formed around 200 million years ago by volcanic activity, Lake Nyasa is famous for its stunning scenery and clear water.
10. Great Slave Lake | 11,030 square miles
Located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Great Slave Lake is the second-largest lake in the country. This freshwater lake is known for its clear and deep water, reaching a maximum depth of over 2,000 feet. Its shoreline is home to more than half of the territory’s population, spread across five vibrant communities.
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