Following are two lists of terrestrial lakes that have surface areas of more than approximately 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi), ranked by area, excluding reservoirs and lagoons.
The area of some lakes can vary over time, either seasonally or from year to year. This is especially true of salt lakes in arid climates.
This list therefore excludes seasonal lakes such as Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre (maximum area 9,500 km2, 3,700 sq mi), Mar Chiquita Lake (Córdoba) (maximum area 6,000 km2, 2,300 sq mi), Chott el Djerid (up to 7,000 km2, 2,700 sq mi, Lake Torrens (maximum area 5,745 km2, 2,218 sq mi) and Great Salt Lake (maximum area, 1988, 8,500 km2, 3,300 sq mi).
The list is divided in two: all lakes as conventionally defined down to 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi), and the largest lakes under a geological definition, where the Caspian Sea is considered a small ocean rather than a lake, and Lake Michigan–Huron (or "Huron–Michigan") is recognized as a single body of water.
The Caspian Sea is conventionally considered the world's largest lake, but it is centered on an oceanic basin (a fragment of the ancient Tethys Ocean) rather than lying entirely over continental crust as all other lakes do.
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are conventionally counted as separate lakes, but hydrologically they are a single body of water, which is the world's largest lake by surface area.
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Africa
Africa
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Africa
Continent colour key
Antarctica
Continent colour key
Asia
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Eurasia
Continent colour key
Europe
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North America
Continent colour key
South America
Ranked list
Continent colour key
Africa
Antarctica
Asia
Eurasia
Europe
North America
South America
· Conventional list
Multi-metric bars
World heat map
Caspian Sea
Caspian Sea
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1
Name
Caspian Sea
Countries with shoreline
Iran Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Azerbaijan Russia
Type
Saline 1.2%
Area
389,000 km2150,000 sq mi
Length
1,199 km745 mi
Max. depth
1,025 m3,363 ft
Volume
78,200 km318,800 cu mi
Notes
Geologically a small ocean rather than a lake. Garabogazköl lagoon, if counted separately, would rank as the world's 15th largest, with an area of 18,000 square kilometres (6,900 sq mi).
Superior
Superior
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
2
Name
Superior
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
82,100 km231,700 sq mi
Length
616 km383 mi
Max. depth
406 m1,332 ft
Volume
12,070 km32,900 cu mi
Notes
Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.
Victoria
Victoria
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
3
Name
Victoria
Countries with shoreline
Tanzania Uganda Kenya
Type
Fresh
Area
59,940 km223,140 sq mi
Length
322 km200 mi
Max. depth
81 m266 ft
Volume
2,420 km3580 cu mi
Notes
The largest lake by area in Africa.
Huron
Huron
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
4
Name
Huron
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
59,590 km223,010 sq mi
Length
332 km206 mi
Max. depth
229 m751 ft
Volume
3,520 km3840 cu mi
Notes
The larger lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.
Michigan
Michigan
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
5
Name
Michigan
Countries with shoreline
United States
Type
Fresh
Area
58,030 km222,410 sq mi
Length
494 km307 mi
Max. depth
282 m925 ft
Volume
4,930 km31,180 cu mi
Notes
The smaller lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. The largest lake (by area) that is located entirely in one country.
Tanganyika
Tanganyika
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Col 2
6
Name
Tanganyika
Countries with shoreline
mw- .mw- Tanzania Democratic Republic of the Congo Burundi Zambia
Type
Fresh
Area
32,900 km212,700 sq mi
Length
676 km420 mi
Max. depth
1,470 m4,820 ft
Volume
18,750 km34,500 cu mi
Notes
Longest freshwater lake in the world and third largest of any kind by volume.
Baikal
Baikal
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
7
Name
Baikal
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
31,722 km212,248 sq mi
Length
636 km395 mi
Max. depth
1,642 m5,387 ft
Volume
23,610 km35,660 cu mi
Notes
Deepest lake in the world and largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.
Great Bear Lake
Great Bear Lake
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Col 2
8
Name
Great Bear Lake
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
31,153 km212,028 sq mi
Length
373 km232 mi
Max. depth
446 m1,463 ft
Volume
2,234 km3536 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake entirely within Canada, and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
Malawi (Nyasa)
Malawi (Nyasa)
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
9
Name
Malawi (Nyasa)
Countries with shoreline
Malawi Mozambique Tanzania
Type
Fresh
Area
29,600 km211,400 sq mi
Length
579 km360 mi
Max. depth
706 m2,316 ft
Volume
8,640 km32,070 cu mi
Notes
Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
Great Slave Lake
Great Slave Lake
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Col 2
10
Name
Great Slave Lake
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
27,200 km210,500 sq mi
Length
480 km300 mi
Max. depth
614 m2,014 ft
Volume
1,115 km3268 cu mi
Notes
Deepest lake in North America
Erie
Erie
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
11
Name
Erie
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
25,667 km29,910 sq mi
Length
388 km241 mi
Max. depth
64 m210 ft
Volume
488 km3117 cu mi
Notes
Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
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Col 2
12
Name
Winnipeg
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
24,514 km29,465 sq mi
Length
425 km264 mi
Max. depth
36 m118 ft
Volume
294 km371 cu mi
Notes
Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
Ontario
Ontario
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
13
Name
Ontario
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
18,970 km27,320 sq mi
Length
311 km193 mi
Max. depth
244 m801 ft
Volume
1,631 km3391 cu mi
Notes
The lowest lying of the Great Lakes.
Ladoga
Ladoga
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Col 2
14
Name
Ladoga
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
17,700 km26,800 sq mi
Length
219 km136 mi
Max. depth
260 m850 ft
Volume
837 km3201 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in Europe.
Balkhash
Balkhash
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Col 2
15
Name
Balkhash
Countries with shoreline
Kazakhstan
Type
Saline 0.3% (variable)
Area
16,400 km26,300 sq mi
Length
605 km376 mi
Max. depth
26 m85 ft
Volume
100 km324 cu mi
Notes
Fresh shallow western part. Salty deeper eastern part. Shrinking in size.
Vostok
Vostok
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
16
Name
Vostok
Countries with shoreline
Antarctica
Type
Fresh
Area
12,500 km24,800 sq mi
Length
250 km160 mi
Max. depth
900 m3,000 ft
Volume
5,400 ± 1,600 km31,300 ± 380 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in Antarctica, but subglacial.
Onega
Onega
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Col 2
17
Name
Onega
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
9,700 km23,700 sq mi
Length
245 km152 mi
Max. depth
127 m417 ft
Volume
291 km370 cu mi
Notes
Second-largest lake in Europe.
Titicaca
Titicaca
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18
Name
Titicaca
Countries with shoreline
Peru Bolivia
Type
Fresh
Area
8,372 km23,232 sq mi
Length
177 km110 mi
Max. depth
281 m922 ft
Volume
896 km3215 cu mi
Notes
Highest navigable lake in the world. Greatest mountain lake too. Largest lake in South America.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
19
Name
Nicaragua
Countries with shoreline
Nicaragua
Type
Fresh
Area
8,264 km23,191 sq mi
Length
177 km110 mi
Max. depth
26 m85 ft
Volume
110 km326 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in Central America. Contains fresh water sharks.
Athabasca
Athabasca
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
20
Name
Athabasca
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
7,850 km23,030 sq mi
Length
335 km208 mi
Max. depth
124 m407 ft
Volume
204 km349 cu mi
Notes
A remnant of the vast, Glacial Lake McConnell. Huge catchment area (ratio).
Reindeer
Reindeer
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
21
Name
Reindeer
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
6,650 km22,570 sq mi
Length
245 km152 mi
Max. depth
219 m719 ft
Volume
113 km327 cu mi
Notes
The deepest areas are the site of a large meteorite impact, which happened almost 100 million years ago. Much older than the lake.
Turkana
Turkana
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Col 2
22
Name
Turkana
Countries with shoreline
Kenya Ethiopia
Type
Saline 0.25% (approx.)
Area
6,405 km22,473 sq mi
Length
248 km154 mi
Max. depth
109 m358 ft
Volume
193 km346 cu mi
Notes
Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake.
Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
23
Name
Issyk-Kul
Countries with shoreline
Kyrgyzstan
Type
Saline 0.6%
Area
6,236 km22,408 sq mi
Length
182 km113 mi
Max. depth
668 m2,192 ft
Volume
1,736 km3416 cu mi
Notes
Second largest mountain lake in the world. Second deepest saline lake as well.
Vänern
Vänern
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
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24
Name
Vänern
Countries with shoreline
Sweden
Type
Fresh
Area
5,650 km22,180 sq mi
Length
140 km87 mi
Max. depth
106 m348 ft
Volume
153 km337 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in the European Union.
Rukwa
Rukwa
Col 2
25
Name
Rukwa
Countries with shoreline
Tanzania
Type
Saline
Area
5,614.7 km22,167.8 sq mi
Length
183 km114 mi
Max. depth
22.49 m73.8 ft
Volume
58.243 km313.973 cu mi
Notes
Tanzania's 4th largest lake.
Albert
Albert
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26
Name
Albert
Countries with shoreline
Uganda Democratic Republic of the Congo
Type
Fresh
Area
5,590 km22,160 sq mi
Length
161 km100 mi
Max. depth
51 m167 ft
Volume
133 km332 cu mi
Nettilling
Nettilling
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Col 2
27
Name
Nettilling
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
5,542 km22,140 sq mi
Length
113 km70 mi
Max. depth
132 m433 ft
Volume
130 km331 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake on an island; Baffin Island.
Winnipegosis
Winnipegosis
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Col 2
28
Name
Winnipegosis
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
5,370 km22,070 sq mi
Length
245 km152 mi
Max. depth
12 m39 ft
Volume
17.2 km34.1 cu mi
Notes
Second largest lake in Manitoba.
Mweru
Mweru
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29
Name
Mweru
Countries with shoreline
Zambia Democratic Republic of the Congo
Type
Fresh
Area
5,120 km21,980 sq mi
Length
131 km81 mi
Max. depth
27 m89 ft
Volume
38 km39.1 cu mi
Notes
The second largest lake in the Congo's drainage basin, Tanganyika being the largest.
Nipigon
Nipigon
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30
Name
Nipigon
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
4,848 km21,872 sq mi
Length
116 km72 mi
Max. depth
165 m541 ft
Volume
266 km364 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake entirely in Ontario. Part of the Great Lake drainage basin. Often referred to as the, "sixth" or "seventh" lake, together with St. Clair.
Manitoba
Manitoba
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31
Name
Manitoba
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Saline 0.35%
Area
4,706 km21,817 sq mi
Length
225 km140 mi
Max. depth
7 m23 ft
Volume
14.1 km33.4 cu mi
Notes
A remnant of the prehistoric, Glacial Lake Agassiz together with: Winnipeg and Winnipegosis.
Taymyr
Taymyr
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Col 2
32
Name
Taymyr
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
4,560 km21,760 sq mi
Length
250 km160 mi
Max. depth
26 m85 ft
Volume
12.8 km33.1 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake entirely within the Arctic Circle.
Qinghai
Qinghai
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Col 2
33
Name
Qinghai
Countries with shoreline
China
Type
Saline 1.4% (variable)
Area
4,489 km21,733 sq mi (2007)
Max. depth
32.8 m108 ft
Volume
108 km326 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in China. Variable in size. Endorheic basin.
Saimaa
Saimaa
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Col 2
34
Name
Saimaa
Countries with shoreline
Finland
Type
Fresh
Area
4,380 km21,690 sq mi
Max. depth
82 m269 ft
Volume
36 km38.6 cu mi
Notes
Largest catchment area of the lakes within the Nordic countries.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods
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35
Name
Lake of the Woods
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
4,350 km21,680 sq mi
Length
110 km68 mi
Max. depth
64 m210 ft
Volume
19.4 km34.7 cu mi
Notes
About 15 000 islands. The shoreline measures (included these) roughly: 105 000 km.
Khanka
Khanka
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Col 2
36
Name
Khanka
Countries with shoreline
Russia China
Type
Fresh
Area
4,190 km21,620 sq mi
Length
90 km56 mi
Max. depth
10.6 m35 ft
Volume
18.3 km34.4 cu mi
Notes
Has a shape like a pear. Variable size. Drains through the Amur River, that ends in the Sea of Japan.
Sarygamysh
Sarygamysh
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Col 2
37
Name
Sarygamysh
Countries with shoreline
Turkmenistan Uzbekistan
Type
Saline 1.15% (approx.)
Area
3,955 km21,527 sq mi
Length
125 km78 mi
Max. depth
40 m130 ft
Volume
68.56 km316.45 cu mi
Notes
Located about midway between the Caspian Endorheic basin and former Aral Sea. No drainage river today. Drained centuries ago to the Caspian Sea (Uzboy River). Polluted.
Dubawnt
Dubawnt
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Col 2
38
Name
Dubawnt
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
3,833 km21,480 sq mi
Volume
91 km322 cu mi
Notes
Frozen surface 10 months each year. No permanent settlements on its shores.
Van
Van
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Col 2
39
Name
Van
Countries with shoreline
Turkey
Type
Saline 2.3%
Area
3,755 km21,450 sq mi
Length
119 km74 mi
Max. depth
451 m1,480 ft
Volume
642 km3154 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in the Middle East. Third deepest saline lake.
Peipus
Peipus
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Col 2
40
Name
Peipus
Countries with shoreline
Estonia Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
3,555 km21,373 sq mi
Max. depth
15.3 m50 ft
Volume
25 km36.0 cu mi
Notes
Largest trans-boundary lake in Europe.
Uvs
Uvs
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41
Name
Uvs
Countries with shoreline
Mongolia
Russia
Type
Saline 1.9% (approx.)
Area
3,350 km21,290 sq mi
Length
84 km52 mi
Max. depth
22 m72 ft
Volume
20 km34.8 cu mi
Notes
Greatest lake in Mongolia (by area). Very large catchment area (endorheic).
North Aral Sea
North Aral Sea
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Col 2
42
Name
North Aral Sea
Countries with shoreline
Kazakhstan
Type
Variable: from 0.9 to 1.2%
Area
3,300 km21,300 sq mi
Max. depth
42 m138 ft
Volume
28.7 km36.9 cu mi
Notes
Largest remnant of the former Aral Sea. Once the world's third largest lake.
Poyang
Poyang
Col 2
43
Name
Poyang
Countries with shoreline
China
Type
Fresh
Area
3,210 km21,240 sq mi
Length
170 km110 mi
Max. depth
25.1 m82 ft
Volume
25.2 km36.0 cu mi
Notes
Largest fresh water lake in China. Variable size. Important location for the birdlife.
Tana
Tana
Col 2
44
Name
Tana
Countries with shoreline
Ethiopia
Type
Fresh
Area
3,200 km21,200 sq mi
Length
84 km52 mi
Max. depth
15 m49 ft
Volume
25.6 km36.1 cu mi
Notes
The source of the Blue Nile.
Amadjuak
Amadjuak
Col 2
45
Name
Amadjuak
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
3,115 km21,203 sq mi
Volume
74 km318 cu mi
Notes
In geological terms, a "young" lake (approximately 4,500 years old). Second largest on Baffin Island, third largest in Nunavut.
Melville
Melville
Col 2
46
Name
Melville
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Saline 1.95% (approx. average of surface and bottom water)
Area
3,069 km21,185 sq mi
Length
140 km87 mi
Max. depth
256 m840 ft
Volume
313 km375 cu mi
Notes
Estuary connected with the Atlantic Ocean. Large drainage basin in the Labrador.
Bangweulu
Bangweulu
Col 2
47
Name
Bangweulu
Countries with shoreline
Zambia
Type
Fresh
Area
3,000 km21,200 sq mi (permanent)
Length
75 km47 mi
Max. depth
10 m33 ft
Volume
12 km32.9 cu mi
Notes
One of the world's great wetland systems. The area has swamps and floodplain. Variable size on this shallow lake. Crucial importance for animals and birds, of a far larger area.
Ranked list
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Name
Countries with shoreline
Type
Area
Length
Max. depth
Volume
Notes
1
Caspian Sea
Iran Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Azerbaijan Russia
Saline 1.2%
389,000 km2150,000 sq mi
1,199 km745 mi
1,025 m3,363 ft
78,200 km318,800 cu mi
Geologically a small ocean rather than a lake. Garabogazköl lagoon, if counted separately, would rank as the world's 15th largest, with an area of 18,000 square kilometres (6,900 sq mi).
2
Superior
Canada United States
Fresh
82,100 km231,700 sq mi
616 km383 mi
406 m1,332 ft
12,070 km32,900 cu mi
Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.
3
Victoria
Tanzania Uganda Kenya
Fresh
59,940 km223,140 sq mi
322 km200 mi
81 m266 ft
2,420 km3580 cu mi
The largest lake by area in Africa.
4
Huron
Canada United States
Fresh
59,590 km223,010 sq mi
332 km206 mi
229 m751 ft
3,520 km3840 cu mi
The larger lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.
5
Michigan
United States
Fresh
58,030 km222,410 sq mi
494 km307 mi
282 m925 ft
4,930 km31,180 cu mi
The smaller lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. The largest lake (by area) that is located entirely in one country.
6
Tanganyika
mw- Tanzania Democratic Republic of the Congo Burundi Zambia
Fresh
32,900 km212,700 sq mi
676 km420 mi
1,470 m4,820 ft
18,750 km34,500 cu mi
Longest freshwater lake in the world and third largest of any kind by volume.
7
Baikal
Russia
Fresh
31,722 km212,248 sq mi
636 km395 mi
1,642 m5,387 ft
23,610 km35,660 cu mi
Deepest lake in the world and largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.
8
Great Bear Lake
Canada
Fresh
31,153 km212,028 sq mi
373 km232 mi
446 m1,463 ft
2,234 km3536 cu mi
Largest lake entirely within Canada, and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
9
Malawi (Nyasa)
Malawi Mozambique Tanzania
Fresh
29,600 km211,400 sq mi
579 km360 mi
706 m2,316 ft
8,640 km32,070 cu mi
Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
10
Great Slave Lake
Canada
Fresh
27,200 km210,500 sq mi
480 km300 mi
614 m2,014 ft
1,115 km3268 cu mi
Deepest lake in North America
11
Erie
Canada United States
Fresh
25,667 km29,910 sq mi
388 km241 mi
64 m210 ft
488 km3117 cu mi
Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.
12
Winnipeg
Canada
Fresh
24,514 km29,465 sq mi
425 km264 mi
36 m118 ft
294 km371 cu mi
Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
13
Ontario
Canada United States
Fresh
18,970 km27,320 sq mi
311 km193 mi
244 m801 ft
1,631 km3391 cu mi
The lowest lying of the Great Lakes.
14
Ladoga
Russia
Fresh
17,700 km26,800 sq mi
219 km136 mi
260 m850 ft
837 km3201 cu mi
Largest lake in Europe.
15
Balkhash
Kazakhstan
Saline 0.3% (variable)
16,400 km26,300 sq mi
605 km376 mi
26 m85 ft
100 km324 cu mi
Fresh shallow western part. Salty deeper eastern part. Shrinking in size.
16
Vostok
Antarctica
Fresh
12,500 km24,800 sq mi
250 km160 mi
900 m3,000 ft
5,400 ± 1,600 km31,300 ± 380 cu mi
Largest lake in Antarctica, but subglacial.
17
Onega
Russia
Fresh
9,700 km23,700 sq mi
245 km152 mi
127 m417 ft
291 km370 cu mi
Second-largest lake in Europe.
18
Titicaca
Peru Bolivia
Fresh
8,372 km23,232 sq mi
177 km110 mi
281 m922 ft
896 km3215 cu mi
Highest navigable lake in the world. Greatest mountain lake too. Largest lake in South America.
19
Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Fresh
8,264 km23,191 sq mi
177 km110 mi
26 m85 ft
110 km326 cu mi
Largest lake in Central America. Contains fresh water sharks.
20
Athabasca
Canada
Fresh
7,850 km23,030 sq mi
335 km208 mi
124 m407 ft
204 km349 cu mi
A remnant of the vast, Glacial Lake McConnell. Huge catchment area (ratio).
21
Reindeer
Canada
Fresh
6,650 km22,570 sq mi
245 km152 mi
219 m719 ft
113 km327 cu mi
The deepest areas are the site of a large meteorite impact, which happened almost 100 million years ago. Much older than the lake.
22
Turkana
Kenya Ethiopia
Saline 0.25% (approx.)
6,405 km22,473 sq mi
248 km154 mi
109 m358 ft
193 km346 cu mi
Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake.
23
Issyk-Kul
Kyrgyzstan
Saline 0.6%
6,236 km22,408 sq mi
182 km113 mi
668 m2,192 ft
1,736 km3416 cu mi
Second largest mountain lake in the world. Second deepest saline lake as well.
24
Vänern
Sweden
Fresh
5,650 km22,180 sq mi
140 km87 mi
106 m348 ft
153 km337 cu mi
Largest lake in the European Union.
25
Rukwa
Tanzania
Saline
5,614.7 km22,167.8 sq mi
183 km114 mi
22.49 m73.8 ft
58.243 km313.973 cu mi
Tanzania's 4th largest lake.
26
Albert
Uganda Democratic Republic of the Congo
Fresh
5,590 km22,160 sq mi
161 km100 mi
51 m167 ft
133 km332 cu mi
27
Nettilling
Canada
Fresh
5,542 km22,140 sq mi
113 km70 mi
132 m433 ft
130 km331 cu mi
Largest lake on an island; Baffin Island.
28
Winnipegosis
Canada
Fresh
5,370 km22,070 sq mi
245 km152 mi
12 m39 ft
17.2 km34.1 cu mi
Second largest lake in Manitoba.
29
Mweru
Zambia Democratic Republic of the Congo
Fresh
5,120 km21,980 sq mi
131 km81 mi
27 m89 ft
38 km39.1 cu mi
The second largest lake in the Congo's drainage basin, Tanganyika being the largest.
30
Nipigon
Canada
Fresh
4,848 km21,872 sq mi
116 km72 mi
165 m541 ft
266 km364 cu mi
Largest lake entirely in Ontario. Part of the Great Lake drainage basin. Often referred to as the, "sixth" or "seventh" lake, together with St. Clair.
31
Manitoba
Canada
Saline 0.35%
4,706 km21,817 sq mi
225 km140 mi
7 m23 ft
14.1 km33.4 cu mi
A remnant of the prehistoric, Glacial Lake Agassiz together with: Winnipeg and Winnipegosis.
32
Taymyr
Russia
Fresh
4,560 km21,760 sq mi
250 km160 mi
26 m85 ft
12.8 km33.1 cu mi
Largest lake entirely within the Arctic Circle.
33
Qinghai
China
Saline 1.4% (variable)
4,489 km21,733 sq mi (2007)
32.8 m108 ft
108 km326 cu mi
Largest lake in China. Variable in size. Endorheic basin.
34
Saimaa
Finland
Fresh
4,380 km21,690 sq mi
82 m269 ft
36 km38.6 cu mi
Largest catchment area of the lakes within the Nordic countries.
35
Lake of the Woods
Canada United States
Fresh
4,350 km21,680 sq mi
110 km68 mi
64 m210 ft
19.4 km34.7 cu mi
About 15 000 islands. The shoreline measures (included these) roughly: 105 000 km.
36
Khanka
Russia China
Fresh
4,190 km21,620 sq mi
90 km56 mi
10.6 m35 ft
18.3 km34.4 cu mi
Has a shape like a pear. Variable size. Drains through the Amur River, that ends in the Sea of Japan.
37
Sarygamysh
Turkmenistan Uzbekistan
Saline 1.15% (approx.)
3,955 km21,527 sq mi
125 km78 mi
40 m130 ft
68.56 km316.45 cu mi
Located about midway between the Caspian Endorheic basin and former Aral Sea. No drainage river today. Drained centuries ago to the Caspian Sea (Uzboy River). Polluted.
38
Dubawnt
Canada
Fresh
3,833 km21,480 sq mi
91 km322 cu mi
Frozen surface 10 months each year. No permanent settlements on its shores.
39
Van
Turkey
Saline 2.3%
3,755 km21,450 sq mi
119 km74 mi
451 m1,480 ft
642 km3154 cu mi
Largest lake in the Middle East. Third deepest saline lake.
40
Peipus
Estonia Russia
Fresh
3,555 km21,373 sq mi
15.3 m50 ft
25 km36.0 cu mi
Largest trans-boundary lake in Europe.
41
Uvs
Mongolia Russia
Saline 1.9% (approx.)
3,350 km21,290 sq mi
84 km52 mi
22 m72 ft
20 km34.8 cu mi
Greatest lake in Mongolia (by area). Very large catchment area (endorheic).
42
North Aral Sea
Kazakhstan
Variable: from 0.9 to 1.2%
3,300 km21,300 sq mi
42 m138 ft
28.7 km36.9 cu mi
Largest remnant of the former Aral Sea. Once the world's third largest lake.
43
Poyang
China
Fresh
3,210 km21,240 sq mi
170 km110 mi
25.1 m82 ft
25.2 km36.0 cu mi
Largest fresh water lake in China. Variable size. Important location for the birdlife.
44
Tana
Ethiopia
Fresh
3,200 km21,200 sq mi
84 km52 mi
15 m49 ft
25.6 km36.1 cu mi
The source of the Blue Nile.
45
Amadjuak
Canada
Fresh
3,115 km21,203 sq mi
74 km318 cu mi
In geological terms, a "young" lake (approximately 4,500 years old). Second largest on Baffin Island, third largest in Nunavut.
46
Melville
Canada
Saline 1.95% (approx. average of surface and bottom water)
3,069 km21,185 sq mi
140 km87 mi
256 m840 ft
313 km375 cu mi
Estuary connected with the Atlantic Ocean. Large drainage basin in the Labrador.
47
Bangweulu
Zambia
Fresh
3,000 km21,200 sq mi (permanent)
75 km47 mi
10 m33 ft
12 km32.9 cu mi
One of the world's great wetland systems. The area has swamps and floodplain. Variable size on this shallow lake. Crucial importance for animals and birds, of a far larger area.
Multi-metric bars
World heat map
Africa
Africa
Continent colour key
Africa
Continent colour key
Asia
Continent colour key
Europe
Continent colour key
North America
Ranked list
Continent colour key
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
· Geological list
Multi-metric bars
World heat map
Michigan–Huron
Michigan–Huron
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
1
Name
Michigan–Huron
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
117,620 km245,410 sq mi
Length
710 km440 mi
Max. depth
282 m925 ft
Volume
8,450 km32,030 cu mi
Notes
Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.
Superior
Superior
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
2
Name
Superior
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
82,100 km231,700 sq mi
Length
616 km383 mi
Max. depth
406 m1,332 ft
Volume
12,070 km32,900 cu mi
Notes
Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.
Victoria
Victoria
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
3
Name
Victoria
Countries with shoreline
Tanzania Uganda Kenya
Type
Fresh
Area
59,940 km223,140 sq mi
Length
322 km200 mi
Max. depth
81 m266 ft
Volume
2,420 km3580 cu mi
Notes
The largest lake by area in Africa.
Tanganyika
Tanganyika
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
4
Name
Tanganyika
Countries with shoreline
Tanzania Democratic Republic of the Congo Burundi Zambia
Type
Fresh
Area
32,900 km212,700 sq mi
Length
676 km420 mi
Max. depth
1,470 m4,820 ft
Volume
18,750 km34,500 cu mi
Notes
Second-largest lake by volume and second longest.
Baikal
Baikal
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
5
Name
Baikal
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
31,722 km212,248 sq mi
Length
636 km395 mi
Max. depth
1,642 m5,387 ft
Volume
23,610 km35,660 cu mi
Notes
Deepest lake in the world and largest by volume.
Great Bear Lake
Great Bear Lake
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
6
Name
Great Bear Lake
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
31,153 km212,028 sq mi
Length
373 km232 mi
Max. depth
446 m1,463 ft
Volume
2,234 km3536 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake entirely within Canada, and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
Malawi
Malawi
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
7
Name
Malawi
Countries with shoreline
Malawi Mozambique Tanzania
Type
Fresh
Area
29,500 km211,400 sq mi
Length
579 km360 mi
Max. depth
706 m2,316 ft
Volume
8,640 km32,070 cu mi
Notes
Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
Great Slave Lake
Great Slave Lake
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
8
Name
Great Slave Lake
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
27,200 km210,500 sq mi
Length
480 km300 mi
Max. depth
614 m2,014 ft
Volume
1,115 km3268 cu mi
Notes
Deepest lake in North America
Erie
Erie
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
9
Name
Erie
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
25,667 km29,910 sq mi
Length
388 km241 mi
Max. depth
64 m210 ft
Volume
488 km3117 cu mi
Notes
Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
10
Name
Winnipeg
Countries with shoreline
Canada
Type
Fresh
Area
24,514 km29,465 sq mi
Length
425 km264 mi
Max. depth
36 m118 ft
Volume
294 km371 cu mi
Notes
Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
Ontario
Ontario
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
11
Name
Ontario
Countries with shoreline
Canada United States
Type
Fresh
Area
18,970 km27,320 sq mi
Length
311 km193 mi
Max. depth
244 m801 ft
Volume
1,631 km3391 cu mi
Notes
The lowest lying of the Great Lakes.
Ladoga
Ladoga
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Col 2
12
Name
Ladoga
Countries with shoreline
Russia
Type
Fresh
Area
17,700 km26,800 sq mi
Length
219 km136 mi
Max. depth
260 m850 ft
Volume
837 km3201 cu mi
Notes
Largest lake in Europe.
Ranked list
Thumbnail, at fixed scale
Name
Countries with shoreline
Type
Area
Length
Max. depth
Volume
Notes
1
Michigan–Huron
Canada United States
Fresh
117,620 km245,410 sq mi
710 km440 mi
282 m925 ft
8,450 km32,030 cu mi
Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.
2
Superior
Canada United States
Fresh
82,100 km231,700 sq mi
616 km383 mi
406 m1,332 ft
12,070 km32,900 cu mi
Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.
3
Victoria
Tanzania Uganda Kenya
Fresh
59,940 km223,140 sq mi
322 km200 mi
81 m266 ft
2,420 km3580 cu mi
The largest lake by area in Africa.
4
Tanganyika
Tanzania Democratic Republic of the Congo Burundi Zambia
Fresh
32,900 km212,700 sq mi
676 km420 mi
1,470 m4,820 ft
18,750 km34,500 cu mi
Second-largest lake by volume and second longest.
5
Baikal
Russia
Fresh
31,722 km212,248 sq mi
636 km395 mi
1,642 m5,387 ft
23,610 km35,660 cu mi
Deepest lake in the world and largest by volume.
6
Great Bear Lake
Canada
Fresh
31,153 km212,028 sq mi
373 km232 mi
446 m1,463 ft
2,234 km3536 cu mi
Largest lake entirely within Canada, and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
7
Malawi
Malawi Mozambique Tanzania
Fresh
29,500 km211,400 sq mi
579 km360 mi
706 m2,316 ft
8,640 km32,070 cu mi
Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
8
Great Slave Lake
Canada
Fresh
27,200 km210,500 sq mi
480 km300 mi
614 m2,014 ft
1,115 km3268 cu mi
Deepest lake in North America
9
Erie
Canada United States
Fresh
25,667 km29,910 sq mi
388 km241 mi
64 m210 ft
488 km3117 cu mi
Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.
10
Winnipeg
Canada
Fresh
24,514 km29,465 sq mi
425 km264 mi
36 m118 ft
294 km371 cu mi
Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
