The largest lake in the world: by surface area is the Caspian Sea, which is technically a saltwater lake rather than a sea, with a surface area of approximately 143,000 square miles (371,000 square kilometers). The Caspian Sea is bordered by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.

Largest Lake in the World

However, if we consider the largest freshwater lake by surface area, then the winner is Lake Superior, which is located in North America and has a surface area of approximately 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometers). Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and it borders the United States and Canada.

In terms of volume, the largest lake in the world is Lake Baikal in Russia, which contains about 20% of the world’s freshwater. It has a volume of approximately 5,500 cubic miles (23,000 cubic kilometers) of water.

top 10 largest lakes in the world List

Here are the top 10 largest lakes in the world by surface area:

Caspian Sea (371,000 sq km) – located between Asia and Europe
Superior (82,103 sq km) – located in North America, shared by the USA and Canada
Victoria (68,870 sq km) – located in Africa, shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
Huron (59,600 sq km) – located in North America, shared by the USA and Canada
Michigan (58,000 sq km) – located in North America, shared by the USA and Canada
Tanganyika (32,600 sq km) – located in Africa, shared by Tanzania, Congo, Burundi, and Zambia
Baikal (31,500 sq km) – located in Russia, Asia
Great Bear Lake (31,000 sq km) – located in North America, Canada
Malawi (29,600 sq km) – located in Africa, shared by Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique
Great Slave Lake (28,930 sq km) – located in North America, Canada

Note that the ranking of the lakes can vary depending on the source and the method of measurement used.

1-Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, bordered by the United States and Canada. It is the third-largest Great Lake by surface area, covering approximately 58,000 square kilometers. The lake is located entirely within the United States, and it is bounded by the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

Lake Michigan is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. It is a popular destination for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. The lake’s waters are also used for commercial shipping and transportation, particularly for goods like coal, grain, and iron ore.

The lake’s shoreline is dotted with many vibrant cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids, that offer a variety of cultural and entertainment options. The region is also home to many parks, nature preserves, and scenic trails that attract hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Lake Michigan has had a significant impact on the development of the region’s economy and culture, and it remains an essential natural resource for the United States and Canada.

2-Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, located between Asia and Europe, is the world’s largest lake by surface area, covering approximately 371,000 square kilometers. It is bordered by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Despite being referred to as a sea, the Caspian is actually a saltwater lake and is considered to be the largest inland body of water in the world.

The Caspian Sea is an important region for oil and natural gas reserves, as well as for fishing and caviar production. The five bordering countries have been involved in disputes over the ownership and control of the sea’s resources, and have yet to reach an agreement on a comprehensive legal framework for the sea’s governance.

The sea is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Caspian seal, sturgeon fish, and various bird species. The Caspian Sea is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical sites. The cities located along the shores of the Caspian, such as Baku, Astrakhan, and Aktau, offer cultural and culinary experiences that reflect the region’s rich history and traditions.

3-Malawi Lake

Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, is a freshwater lake located in southeastern Africa, bordered by Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is the (Largest Lake in the World) third-largest lake in Africa, covering an area of approximately 29,600 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of about 706 meters.

Lake Malawi is renowned for its exceptional diversity of fish species, with over 1,000 different species found in its waters, including the colorful and popular cichlid fish. The lake’s ecosystem is considered to be one of the most biodiverse in the world, making it an important center for freshwater biodiversity.

In addition to its ecological significance, Lake Malawi also plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of the people living in the surrounding region. Fishing is the primary economic activity, with many local communities relying on the lake’s resources for sustenance and income.

Lake Malawi is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and unique marine life. It offers various water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves provide opportunities for safari tours, hiking, and camping.

4-Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, located in North America, shared by the United States and Canada. It has a surface area of approximately 82,100 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 406 meters.

Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and it is the largest among them. It is fed by over 200 rivers and streams, and it drains into Lake Huron via the St. Marys River. The lake has a diverse range of marine life, including over 80 species of fish, such as trout, salmon, and whitefish.

The region around Lake Superior has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and it attracts tourists throughout the year. The lake’s shoreline offers numerous recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and wolves.

Lake Superior is also an important economic resource, providing water for industrial use, hydropower, and shipping. The lake is an important transportation route for commercial shipping, connecting the ports of Duluth, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond.

5-Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, with an area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers. It is located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The lake is named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and is also known as Victoria Nyanza or simply Nyanza. The lake is an important source of water for the surrounding communities, and it is also a major transportation hub for goods and people between the three bordering countries.

Lake Victoria is renowned for its biodiversity, with over 500 species of fish found in its waters, many of which are endemic to the lake. It is home to the Nile perch, a fish species that is prized for its meat and is a major source of income for local fishermen. The lake is also an important habitat for various bird species, including the endangered shoebill.

In addition to its ecological significance, Lake Victoria is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The lake is surrounded by national parks and wildlife reserves that offer opportunities for safari tours and other outdoor activities. The lake’s islands, such as the Ssese Islands in Uganda and the Mfangano Island in Kenya, offer a glimpse into the traditional ways of life of the local communities.

6-Lake Huron

Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is located primarily in the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of Michigan. With a surface area of approximately 59,600 square kilometers, it is the second-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lake Huron is connected to Lake Michigan by the Straits of Mackinac and is connected to the Saint Clair River, which drains into Lake Saint Clair and then to Lake Erie. Its shoreline is over 3,800 kilometers long, with many islands dotting the lake.

The lake’s watershed covers an area of over 134,000 square kilometers and includes a mix of rural and urban land use. The lake’s primary source of water is the Georgian Bay, which is fed by numerous rivers and streams.

Lake Huron is an important region for shipping, with major ports located in Sarnia and Thunder Bay in Canada, and Bay City and Alpena in Michigan. The lake is also a popular destination for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. Tourists can visit attractions such as the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, the Bruce Peninsula, and the Mackinac Island, which is a car-free island with historic buildings and scenic views.

7-Great Bear Lake

Great Bear Lake is the largest lake entirely within Canada, and the eighth largest in the world by surface area, with an area of approximately 31,000 square kilometers. It is located in the Northwest Territories, in the northern part of the country, and is known for its pristine and remote wilderness.

The lake is surrounded by untouched forests, rugged mountains, and rocky shores, providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. It is also an important destination for fishing, with abundant populations of lake trout, Arctic grayling, and whitefish.

Great Bear Lake has cultural significance for the indigenous communities in the region, including the Dene and Inuit peoples, who have lived along its shores for thousands of years. The lake holds spiritual and ecological importance in their traditions, and they continue to rely on its resources for food and cultural practices.

The lake is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and kayaking. The Great Bear Lake area offers opportunities for camping and wilderness experiences, with the chance to see the Northern Lights in the winter months. Overall, Great Bear Lake is a unique and special destination for those looking for a remote and rugged wilderness adventure.

8-Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, bordered by Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the second-deepest lake in the world, with a maximum depth of approximately 1,470 meters and is the longest freshwater lake in the world, stretching over 673 kilometers.

The lake is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with over 350 species of fish found in its waters, including many endemic cichlid species. The lake’s ecosystem is considered to be one of the most important freshwater ecosystems in the world and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In addition to its ecological significance, Lake Tanganyika also plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of the local communities. Fishing is the primary economic activity, with many local communities relying on the lake’s resources for sustenance and income.

Lake Tanganyika is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and unique marine life. It offers various water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves provide opportunities for safari tours, hiking, and camping.

9-Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is a large freshwater lake located in Russia, in the southern part of Siberia. It is considered to be the deepest and the oldest lake in the world, with a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated age of around 25 million years.

Lake Baikal is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world by volume, containing around 20% of the Earth’s freshwater. It has a surface area of approximately 31,500 square kilometers, making it also one of the largest lakes in the world by surface area.

The lake is renowned for its unique and diverse flora and fauna, with over 3,000 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. It is also home to a wide range of fish species, including the famous Baikal omul, which is a popular local delicacy.

The surrounding region is sparsely populated, with many small villages and towns located along the shores of the lake. The lake is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its scenic landscapes, clear water, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, take hikes along the shoreline, and visit local villages to learn about the indigenous cultures and traditions. In the winter, the lake is a popular spot for ice fishing and winter sports such as skiing and ice skating.

10-Baikal Lake

Lake Baikal is a rift lake located in southern Siberia, Russia, and is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, holding about 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface fresh water. It covers an area of about 31,722 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of 1,642 meters, making it the deepest lake in the world.

Lake Baikal is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, with thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth. It is also home to the Baikal seal, the only freshwater seal species in the world.

The lake is surrounded by mountain ranges and forests, making it a popular tourist destination for hiking, camping, and winter sports. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.

In addition to its ecological and tourism significance, Lake Baikal is also an important source of freshwater for the region, providing drinking water to millions of people in Russia and neighboring countries. The lake also plays a crucial role in scientific research, with many ongoing studies exploring its unique geology, ecology, and biodiversity.

Click To Home Page- Click Now

Largest Lake in the World Top 10 [2023] Area Name and Country