The largest single lake on Earth is the Caspian Sea.
The World's Largest Lake: The Caspian Sea
Located in Central Asia, the Caspian Sea stands as the world's largest lake, distinguishing itself by its sheer size. Often referred to as a "sea" due to its immense scale and saline water, it is technically a landlocked body of water and therefore classified as a lake.
Key Characteristics
- Unparalleled Size: The Caspian Sea covers an enormous area of approximately 386,000 square kilometers. This makes it, by far, the largest enclosed inland body of water globally.
- Geographic Location: It is situated in the vast basin between Europe and Asia, bordered by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
- Unique Water Composition: While classified as a lake, its water is brackish, possessing a salinity level that is higher than most freshwater lakes but lower than ocean water. This characteristic is a relic of its geological past, when it was connected to the global ocean system.
Comparative Scale: Caspian Sea vs. Other Major Lakes
To grasp the magnitude of the Caspian Sea, a comparison with other significant lakes provides helpful perspective. Lake Superior, for instance, which ranks as the world's second-largest lake by surface area, is substantially smaller.
| Lake | Area (Square Kilometers) | Location | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caspian Sea | 386,000 | Central Asia | Largest Lake Worldwide |
| Lake Superior | 82,000 | Canada / United States (North America) | Second Largest Lake Worldwide (by surface area) |
As shown, the Caspian Sea is nearly five times larger than Lake Superior, underscoring its dominant position among Earth's lakes. Lake Superior, while a critical component of the Great Lakes and a major freshwater body, highlights the extraordinary scale of the Caspian Sea.
Understanding the "Sea" Nomenclature
Despite its common moniker, the Caspian Sea is hydrographically defined as a lake because it is an endorheic basin—it is entirely enclosed with no natural outflow to an ocean or sea. The term "sea" is largely historical and descriptive, reflecting its vastness and the perception of early explorers and inhabitants.
