What Country has the Most Lakes?

Lakes are found virtually everywhere around the globe. There are some distinctions, however, about where most lakes are found and a few countries with a particularly high number of lakes.

Lakes are wonderful natural resources. They provide benefits to not only the environment but the people and wildlife around them. Many state and national parks are home to many of the world's most beautiful and largest lakes. These natural sanctuaries also provide a great way to preserve lakes and keep them clean and healthy.

The greatest number of lakes are located in the northern hemisphere, in particular in the northernmost region of this hemisphere. In fact, of the more than 1.4 million lakes in the world that register more than 0.2 square miles, over 60% of them reside in Canada.

The United States, Canada's southern neighbor, ranks third on the list of countries with the most lakes. While the density of lakes in the northern hemisphere is a known fact, countries in other parts of the world are rich with lakes, too.

What Country has the Most Lakes?

As the list below reveals, even countries south of the equator can be home to many beautiful lakes and bodies of water. Here is a look at the top 10 countries with the most lakes.

While some of these locations may not be a surprise, others may be. Australia, for example, located well below the equator, holds more than 11,000 lakes.

Brazil is home to over 20,000 lakes and is also another warmer-climate country. On the other end of the spectrum, countries located in the Northern hemisphere are also home to the highest density of lakes, with places like Russia and Finland ranking in the top five.

The good news is, regardless of where you live, there is a good chance that a lake is somewhere close. And depending on where you live and what country you live in, there may even be one right around the corner.