list of lakes by area

{{Redirect|Largest lakes|the largest lakes by volume|List of lakes by volume|lakes on bodies other than Earth|List of largest lakes and seas in the Solar System}}

File:Fuller_projection_with_largest_lakes_by_area.svg with the 15 largest lakes roughly to scale]]

This is a pair of lists of terrestrial lakes with a surface area of more than approximately {{Convert|3000|km2|mi2|-2}}, ranked by area,{{cite encyclopedia|title=Historical Estimates of Limnicity |editor-last=Likens|editor-first=Gene E.|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of inland waters|year=2009|publisher=Elsevier|location=Amsterdam|isbn=978-0120884629|edition=1st}} Table 1: The world's lakes >2000 km² in area, arranged in decreasing order of lake area. See also [http://stream.loe.org/images/110819/Downing%20&%20Duarte.pdf Lakes (Formation, Diversity, Distribution)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222131039/http://stream.loe.org/images/110819/Downing%20%26%20Duarte.pdf |date=2014-02-22 }}{{cite book|last=Marsh|first=William M.|author2=Martin M. Kaufman |title=Physical geography : great systems and global environments|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0521764285|pages=399 |others=Table 16.2: Great lakes of the world by lake type|date=30 April 2012}}{{cite book|editor-last=van der Leeden|editor-first=Frits|editor2-first=Fred L.|editor2-last=Troise|editor3-first=David Keith|editor3-last=Todd|title=The water encyclopedia|year=1991|publisher=Lewis|location=Chelsea, Mich.|isbn=9780873711203|pages=[https://archive.org/details/waterencyclopedi0000vand/page/198 198–200]|edition=2nd|url=https://archive.org/details/waterencyclopedi0000vand/page/198}} 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 {{Convert|9500|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}), Mar Chiquita Lake (Córdoba) (maximum area {{Convert|6000|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}), Lake Torrens (maximum area {{Convert|5745|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) and Great Salt Lake (maximum area, 1988, {{Convert|8500|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}).

The list is divided in two: all lakes as conventionally defined down to {{Convert|3000|km2|mi2|-2}}, 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.{{Cite web| title = Plume over the Caspian Sea | date = 16 April 2008 | publisher = NASA | url = http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=8665 | access-date = 2010-11-29}}{{Cite web| title = Caspian Sea | publisher = Britannica | url = https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/98044/Caspian-Sea | access-date = 2010-11-29}}{{Cite web| title = Endorheic Lakes | publisher = United Nations| url = http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/publications/short_series/lakereservoirs-2/10.asp| access-date = 2010-11-29}}{{Cite web| last = DuMont | first = H.J. | title = The Caspian Lake: History, biota, structure, and function | publisher = American Society of Limnology and Oceanography| url = http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/127855.pdf| access-date = 2010-11-29}}Planet Earth And the New Geoscience (2003:154). Victor Schmidt, William Harbert, University of Pittsburgh

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.David Lees in Canadian Geographic writes, "Contrary to popular belief, the largest lake in the world is not Lake Superior but mighty Lake Michigan–Huron, which is a single hydrological unit linked at the Straits of Mackinac." Lees, David. "High and Dry" Canadian Geographic (May/June 2004) pp.94-108."Lakes Michigan and Huron are considered to be one lake hydraulically because of their connection through the deep Straits of Mackinac." Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "[http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/glscf/hydrology.html Great Lakes Sensitivity to Climatic Forcing: Hydrological Models] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808074846/http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/glscf/hydrology.html |date=2010-08-08 }}." NOAA, 2006."Lakes Michigan and Huron are considered to be one lake, as they rise and fall together due to their union at the Straits of Mackinac." U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Hydrological Components" [http://www.edisonsault.com/CustServ/USACOE%20LS%20WATER%208%2007.pdf Record Low Water Levels Expected on Lake Superior] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015125647/http://www.edisonsault.com/CustServ/USACOE%20LS%20WATER%208%2007.pdf |date=2008-10-15 }}. August 2007. p.6{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677-15926--,00.html |title=Great Lakes Map |publisher=Michigan Department of Environmental Quality |access-date=20 September 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://geology.com/records/largest-lake.shtml |title= Largest Lake in the World |publisher= geology.com |access-date= 28 September 2012}}

Conventional list

Following are conventionally identified lakes larger than {{convert|3000|km2|abbr=on}} in area.

border="0"

colspan="2" align="center"|

{| class="wikitable" align="center"

bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

!colspan="7" align="center"| Continent colour key

bgcolor="#CCCCFF"|Africa

|bgcolor="#FFFFFF"|Antarctica

|bgcolor="#98FF98"|Asia

|bgcolor="#FFFF99"|Eurasia

|bgcolor="#FFCCFF"|Europe

|bgcolor="#CCFFFF"|North America

|bgcolor="#FFEBAD"|South America

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"

style="vertical-align:bottom;"

! class=unsortable | Thumbnail,
at fixed scaleFile:Scale outline.png

! style="text-align:left;" | Name

! style="text-align:left;" | Countries with shoreline

! Type

! Area

! Length

! {{abbr|Max.|Maximum}}
depth

! Volume

! Notes

style="vertical-align:top;" pics

| align="center" | File:Caspian_outline.png

| bgcolor="#FFFF99"|{{nts|1}}

| align="left" |Caspian Sea

| align="left" | {{IRN}}
{{KAZ}}
{{TKM}}
{{AZE}}
{{RUS}}

| align="center" | Saline 1.2%

| {{convert|389000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1199|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1025|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|78200|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | 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 {{convert|18000|km2|mi2

2}}.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Superior outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|2}}

| align="left" | Superior

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|82100|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|616|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|406|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|12070|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.{{cite web |url=http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/physfacts.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529233616/http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/physfacts.html |archive-date=2012-05-29 |title=Great Lakes: Basic Information: Physical Facts |access-date=November 9, 2011 |date=May 25, 2011 |publisher=United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Victoria outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|3}}

| align="left" | Victoria

| align="left" | {{TZA}}
{{UGA}}
{{KEN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|59940|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|322|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|81|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|2420|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | The largest lake by area in Africa.{{cite web | url=http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/lakevictoria.htm | title=WorldAtlas.com: Lake Victoria | access-date=18 November 2015}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Huron outline.png

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|4}}

| align="left" | Huron

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|59590|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|332|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|229|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|3520|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | The larger lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.{{cite web | url=http://www.manitoulin-island.com/ | title=Manitoulin Island website | access-date=23 November 2014}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Michigan outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|5}}

| align="left" | Michigan

| align="left" | {{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

|{{convert|58030|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}{{Cite web|

date=2023-01-23|title=Physical Features of the Great Lakes |url=https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/physical-features-great-lakes|access-date=2023-06-02|website=www.epa.gov|language=en}}

| {{convert|494|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|282|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|4930|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | The smaller lobe of Lake Michigan–Huron. The largest lake (by area) that is located entirely in one country.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Tanganyika outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|6}}

| align="left" | Tanganyika

| align="left" | {{ubli|{{TZA}}|{{COD}}|{{BDI}}|{{ZMB}}}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|32900|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|676|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1470|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|18750|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Longest freshwater lake in the world and third largest of any kind by volume.{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/582434/Lake-Tanganyika | title=Lake Tanganyika at Encyclopædia Britannica | access-date=23 November 2014}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Baikal outline.gif

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|7}}

| align="left" | Baikal

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|31722|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|636|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1642|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|23610|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Deepest lake in the world and largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/lake-baikal-worlds-largest-freshwater-body-turning-swamp-ecologists-say-1682512 | title=Lake Baikal, World's Largest Freshwater Body | website=International Business Times | date=9 September 2014 | access-date=23 November 2014}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Great bear outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|8}}

| align="left" | Great Bear Lake

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|31153|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|446|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|2234|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake entirely within Canada,{{cite web|title=Plate 18. Large Lakes|url=http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|publisher=Natural Resources Canada|access-date=12 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120042558/http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2013}} and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Nyasa outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|9}}

| align="left" | Malawi

| align="left" | {{MWI}}
{{MOZ}}
{{TZA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|29600|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|579|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|706|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|8640|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/wh/lakemal.html |title=Protected Areas Programme |access-date=2008-06-26 |date=October 1995 |publisher=United Nations Environment Programme, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UNESCO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511101010/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/wh/lakemal.html |archive-date=2008-05-11 |url-status=dead }}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Great slave outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|10}}

| align="left" | Great Slave Lake

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|27200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|614|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1115|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Deepest lake in North America{{cite web | url=http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/greatslave.htm | title=WorldAtlas.com: Great Slave Lake | access-date=23 November 2014}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Erie outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|11}}

| align="left" | Erie

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|25667|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|388|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|488|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Winnipeg outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|12}}

| align="left" | Winnipeg

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|24514|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|425|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|36|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|294|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Ontario outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|13}}

| align="left" | Ontario

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|18970|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|311|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|244|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1631|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |The lowest lying of the Great Lakes.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Ladoga outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|14}}

| align="left" | Ladoga

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|17700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|219|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|260|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|837|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake in Europe.{{cite web | url=http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/lake_onega_lake_ladoga | title=Freshwater Ecoregions of the World: Lake Ladoga | access-date=23 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116170216/http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/Lake_Onega_Lake_Ladoga | archive-date=16 January 2017 | url-status=dead }}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Balkhash outline.gif

| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|15}}

| align="left" | Balkhash

| align="left" | {{KAZ}}

| align="center" | Saline 0.3% (variable)

| {{convert|16400|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|605|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|100|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Fresh shallow western part. Salty deeper eastern part. Shrinking in size.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Vostok outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFFFFF" | {{nts|16}}

| align="left" | Vostok

| align="left" | {{flag|Antarctica}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|12500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|900|m|abbr=on|sortable=on|ft|disp=br}}

| {{convert|5400|+/-|1600|km3|abbr=on|sortable=on|cumi|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Largest lake in Antarctica, but subglacial.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Onega outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|17}}

| align="left" | Onega

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|9700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|245|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|127|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|291|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Second-largest lake in Europe.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Titicaca outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFEBAD" | {{nts|18}}

| align="left" | Titicaca

| align="left" | {{PER}}
{{BOL}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|8372|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|177|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|281|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|896|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Highest navigable lake in the world. Greatest mountain lake too. Largest lake in South America.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Nicaragua outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|19}}

| align="left" | Nicaragua

| align="left" | {{NIC}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|8264|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|177|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|110|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Largest lake in Central America. Contains fresh water sharks.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Athabasca outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|20}}

| align="left" | Athabasca

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|7850|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|335|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|124|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|204|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |A remnant of the vast, Glacial Lake McConnell. Huge catchment area (ratio).

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Reindeer outline.gif

| bgcolor="CCFFFF" | {{nts|21}}

| align="left" | Reindeer

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| align="left" |The deepest areas are the site of a large meteorite impact, which happened almost 100 million years ago. Much older than the lake.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Turkana outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|22}}

| align="left" | Turkana

| align="left" | {{KEN}}
{{ETH}}

| align="center" | Saline 0.25% (approx.)

| {{convert|6405|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|248|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|109|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|193|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake.{{cite web | url=http://www.omovalley.com/Lake-Turkana-in-Kenya-it-is-the-worlds-largest-desert-alkali-lake.php | title=Omo Valley in Ethiopia, Lake Turkana | access-date=23 November 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031195526/http://www.omovalley.com/Lake-Turkana-in-Kenya-it-is-the-worlds-largest-desert-alkali-lake.php | archive-date=31 October 2014 }}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Issyk-kul outline.gif

| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|23}}

| align="left" | Issyk-Kul

| align="left" | {{KGZ}}

| align="center" | Saline 0.6%

| {{convert|6236|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|182|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|668|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1736|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Second largest mountain lake in the world. Second deepest saline lake as well.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Vänern outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|24}}

| align="left" | Vänern

| align="left" | {{SWE}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|5650|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|106|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|153|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Largest lake in the European Union.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|25}}

| align="left" | Rukwa

| align="left" | {{TZA}}

| align="center" | Saline

| {{convert|5614.7|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}{{cite web | url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjet/article/view/236622 | title=Development of Improved Characteristic Equations for Lake Rukwa in Tanzania | access-date=8 Nov 2024}}

| {{convert|183|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|22.49|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|58.243|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Tanzania's 4th largest lake.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Albert outline.png

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|26}}

| align="left" | Albert

| align="left" | {{UGA}}
{{COD}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|5590|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/major-lakes-area-sq-km/ | title=Major Lakes | access-date=9 Oct 2023}}

| {{convert|161|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|51|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|133|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

File:Nettilling outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|27}}

| align="left" | Nettilling

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| align="left"| Largest lake on an island; Baffin Island.{{cite web | url=http://www.geocurrents.info/geonotes/lakes-on-islands-in-lakes-toba-and-taal-in-indonesia-and-the-philippines | title=Lakes on Islands | date=30 March 2012 | access-date=23 November 2014}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

File:Winnipegosis outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|28}}

| align="left" | Winnipegosis

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|5370|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|245|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|12|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|17.2|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Second largest lake in Manitoba.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Mweru outline.png

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|29}}

| align="left" | Mweru

| align="left" | {{ZMB}}
{{COD}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|5120|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|131|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|27|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|38|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |The second largest lake in the Congo's drainage basin, Tanganyika being the largest.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Nipigon outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|30}}

| align="left" | Nipigon

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|4848|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|116|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|165|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|266|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |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.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Manitoba outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|31}}

| align="left" | Manitoba

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Saline 0.35%

| {{convert|4706|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|225|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|14.1|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |A remnant of the prehistoric, Glacial Lake Agassiz together with: Winnipeg and Winnipegosis.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Taymyr outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|32}}

| align="left" | Taymyr

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|4560|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|12.8|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake entirely within the Arctic Circle.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Qinghai outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|33}}

| align="left" | Qinghai

| align="left" | {{CHN}}

| align="center" | Saline 1.4% (variable)

| {{convert|4489|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}} (2007)

| {{convert|32.8|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|108|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake in China. Variable in size. Endorheic basin.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Saimaa outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|34}}

| align="left" | Saimaa

| align="left" | {{FIN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|4380|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|82|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|36|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest catchment area of the lakes within the Nordic countries.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Lake of the Woods outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|35}}

| align="left" | Lake of the Woods

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|4350|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|110|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|19.4|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |About 15 000 islands. The shoreline measures (included these) roughly: 105 000 km.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Khanka outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|36}}

| align="left" | Khanka

| align="left" | {{RUS}}
{{CHN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|4190|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|90|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|10.6|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|18.3|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Has a shape like a pear. Variable size. Drains through the Amur River, that ends in the Sea of Japan.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Sarygamysh outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|37}}

| align="left" | Sarygamysh

| align="left" | {{TKM}}
{{UZB}}

| align="center" | Saline 1.15% (approx.)

| {{convert|3955|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|125|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|68.56|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |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.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Dubawant outline.png

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|38}}

| align="left" | Dubawnt

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3833|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|91|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Frozen surface 10 months each year. No permanent settlements on its shores.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Van outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|39}}

| align="left" | Van

| align="left" | {{TUR}}

| align="center" | Saline 2.3%

| {{convert|3755|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|119|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|451|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|642|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake in the Middle East. Third deepest saline lake.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Peipus outline.png

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" |{{nts|40}}

| align="left" | Peipus

| align="left" | {{EST}}
{{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3555|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|15.3|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|25|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest trans-boundary lake in Europe.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Uvs outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|41}}

| align="left" | Uvs

| align="left" | {{flag|Mongolia}}

| align="center" | Saline 1.9% (approx.)

| {{convert|3350|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|84|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|22|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|20|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Greatest lake in Mongolia (by area). Very large catchment area (endorheic).

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:north aral outline.png

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|42}}

| align="left" | North Aral Sea

| align="left" | {{KAZ}}

| align="center" | Variable: from 0.9 to 1.2%

| {{convert|3300|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|42|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|28.7|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest remnant of the former Aral Sea. Once the world's third largest lake.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|43}}

| align="left" | Poyang

| align="left" | {{CHN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3210|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|25.1|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|25.2|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest fresh water lake in China. Variable size. Important location for the birdlife.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|44}}

| align="left" | Tana

| align="left" | {{ETH}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3200|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|84|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|25.6|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |The source of the Blue Nile.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|45}}

| align="left" | Amadjuak

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3115|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|74|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |In geological terms, a "young" lake (approximately 4,500 years old). Second largest on Baffin Island, third largest in Nunavut.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|46}}

| align="left" | Melville

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Saline 1.95% (approx. average of surface and bottom water)

| {{convert|3069|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Estuary connected with the Atlantic Ocean. Large drainage basin in the Labrador.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" |

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|47}}

| align="left" | Bangweulu

| align="left" | {{ZAM}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|3000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}} (permanent)

| {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

{{convert|12|km3|cumi|abbr=on|

sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="center" |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.

Source for the 20 largest lakes (and their areas):{{cite web|url=http://www.worldlakes.org/lakeprofiles.asp?anchor=area|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224083948/http://www.worldlakes.org/lakeprofiles.asp?anchor=area|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 24, 2004|title=Largest Lakes (Area)|publisher=LakeNet|access-date=3 March 2013}}

Geological list

Following are the dozen largest lakes under geological definitions, down to {{convert|17500|km2|abbr=on}} in area.

border="0"

colspan="2" align="center"|

{| class="wikitable" align="center"

bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

!colspan="7" align="center"| Continent colour key

bgcolor="#CCCCFF"|Africa

|bgcolor="#98FF98"|Asia

|bgcolor="#FFCCFF"|Europe

|bgcolor="#CCFFFF"|North America

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"

style="vertical-align:bottom;"

! class=unsortable | Thumbnail,
at fixed scaleFile:Scale outline.png

! style="text-align:left;" | Name

! style="text-align:left;" | Countries with shoreline

! Type

! Area

! Length

! {{abbr|Max.|Maximum}}
depth

! Volume

! Notes

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Michigan-Huron outline.png

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|1}}

| align="left" | Michigan–Huron

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|117620|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|710|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|282|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|8450|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Contains Manitoulin Island, the world's largest lake island.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Superior outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|2}}

| align="left" | Superior

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|82100|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|616|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|406|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|12070|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Largest of the Great Lakes by volume, having more water than the other four combined.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Victoria outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|3}}

| align="left" | Victoria

| align="left" | {{TZA}}
{{UGA}}
{{KEN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|59940|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|322|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|81|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|2420|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | The largest lake by area in Africa.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Tanganyika outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|4}}

| align="left" | Tanganyika

| align="left" | {{ubli|{{TZA}}|{{COD}}|{{BDI}}|{{ZMB}}}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|32900|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|676|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1470|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|18750|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Second-largest lake by volume and second longest.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Baikal outline.gif

| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|5}}

| align="left" | Baikal

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|31722|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|636|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1642|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|23610|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" | Deepest lake in the world and largest by volume.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Great bear outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|6}}

| align="left" | Great Bear Lake

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|31153|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|446|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|2234|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Nyasa outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|7}}

| align="left" | Malawi

| align="left" | {{MWI}}
{{MOZ}}
{{TZA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|29500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|579|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|706|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|8640|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Great slave outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|8}}

| align="left" | Great Slave Lake

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|27200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|614|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1115|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Deepest lake in North America

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Erie outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|9}}

| align="left" | Erie

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|25667|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|388|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|488|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Has the smallest volume of the Great Lakes.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Winnipeg outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|10}}

| align="left" | Winnipeg

| align="left" | {{CAN}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|24514|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|425|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|36|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|294|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Very large catchment area compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Ontario outline.gif

| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|11}}

| align="left" | Ontario

| align="left" | {{CAN}}
{{USA}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|18970|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|311|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|244|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|1631|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |The lowest lying of the Great Lakes.

style="vertical-align:top;"

| align="center" | File:Ladoga outline.gif

| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|12}}

| align="left" | Ladoga

| align="left" | {{RUS}}

| align="center" | Fresh

| {{convert|17700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|219|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|260|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| {{convert|837|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}

| align="left" |Largest lake in Europe.

Notes and references

Note: Lake areas may slightly vary depending on the sources.

;Notes

;References

External links

{{cite web|url=http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0001777.html |title=Large Lakes of the World |work=FactMonster |publisher=Pearson Education }}

Lakes

list of lakes by area

Conventional list

Geological list

See also

Notes and references

Further reading

External links