Which Country Has the Most Lakes in the World?

Discover which country has the most lakes in the world and why. Explore the top 10 countries with the highest number of lakes, where these lakes are located, and why they matter to nature and people. 

Jun 11, 2025, 16:03 IST
Which Country Has the Most Lakes in the World?
Which Country Has the Most Lakes in the World?

Lakes are an important part of nature. They store fresh water, support wildlife, and help control the weather. Among all the countries in the world, Canada is known for having the most lakes. These lakes are not only beautiful but also play a big role in the environment. Keep reading for more details. 

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Which Country Has the Most Lakes?

The country with the most lakes in the world is Canada. It has nearly 879,800 lakes, more than any other country. These lakes cover a big part of Canada’s land and hold a lot of the world’s fresh water.

Top 10 Countries with the Most Lakes

Rank

Country

Number of Lakes

1

Canada

879,800

2

Russia

201,200

3

United States

102,500

4

China

23,800

5

Sweden

22,600

6

Brazil

20,900

7

Norway

20,000

8

Argentina

13,600

9

Kazakhstan

12,400

10

Australia

11,400

  1. Canada

Canada has the most lakes in the world. Most of these lakes were made thousands of years ago by melting glaciers. Lakes in Canada are big, clean, and full of life. They help provide drinking water, fish, and beautiful nature.

  1. Russia

Russia comes second with over 200,000 lakes. Many are found in cold areas like Siberia. Russia also has Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world. These lakes are important for nature and weather in the region.

  1. United States

The U.S. has over 100,000 lakes. The state of Alaska has the most, but Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Lakes in the U.S. are used for fishing, boating, and drinking water.

  1. China

China has many lakes, especially in the mountains and on flat plains. Some lakes are on the high Tibetan Plateau. Big rivers like the Yangtze help create and feed many of these lakes. Climate change is now affecting them.

  1. Sweden

Sweden is filled with lakes formed by glaciers. The lakes are calm and clean, and many people visit them to swim, fish, and enjoy nature. Lakes are a big part of life and culture in Sweden.

  1. Brazil

Brazil’s lakes are mostly found near rivers, especially in the Amazon region. These lakes fill up during heavy rains and dry up during hot months. They help support wildlife and nearby villages.

  1. Norway

Norway has thousands of lakes hidden in the mountains and forests. These lakes are peaceful and full of natural beauty. People enjoy hiking, swimming, and skiing near them.

  1. Argentina

Argentina’s lakes are mainly in the south, near the Andes Mountains. Many were formed by glaciers. Some of the most beautiful and clear lakes are found in Patagonia.

  1. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has many lakes in dry, flat lands. Some of them don’t flow into the ocean, like Lake Balkhash. These lakes are important for farming and drinking water in the region.

  1. Australia

Australia’s lakes are often salty and dry up during the hot season. Some lakes, like Lake Eyre, fill up only when it rains a lot. Even though they are dry at times, they are home to many birds and animals.

Interesting Facts About Canada’s Lakes

Most Lakes in the World

Canada has the most lakes of any country around 879,800 lakes that are each bigger than 0.1 sq. km. That’s more than any other country on Earth!

Half the World’s Lakes Are in Canada

Canada holds about 62% of all the lakes in the world. That means more than half of the Earth’s lakes are in just one country!

Lake Densities

Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere have the highest lake densities. 

Lakes Help Canada’s Water Cycle

Canada’s lakes store a lot of freshwater and help control the weather. They also support many plants, animals, and communities that rely on clean water.

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Content Writer

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over two years of experience and a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Driven and committed, she writes on current affairs and general knowledge, fueled by a desire to see positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

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