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# of Lakes

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What Country has the Most Lakes?

You can travel anywhere around the globe and at some point be able to find a lake. That is because lakes cover 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 our lakes and keep them clean and healthy.

The greatest number of lakes are located in the northern hemisphere, in particular in the northmost 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.

If you were wondering, the United States, Canada's southern neighbor ranks third on the list of which country has the most lakes. While the density of lakes in the northern hemisphere is a known fact, it doesn't preclude other countries from also having strong lake density numbers.

What Country has the Most Lakes?

As the list below reveals, even countries sought 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.

Country
# of Lakes
Canada879,800
Russia201,200
Finland188,000
United States102,500
China23,800
Sweden22,600
Brazil20,900
Norway20,000
Argentina13,600
Kazakhstan12,400

While some of these locations may not be a surprise, others might be a little eye-catching. Australia, for example, is not only located well below the equator but is also relatively small in size, yet it holds more than 11,000 lakes.

Brazil is another country that has more than a few lakes, over 20,000 to be precise, and is also another warmer-climate country. On the other end of the spectrum, those countries located in the Northern hemisphere are still home to the highest density of lakes with places like Russia and Sweden also 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.

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Country
# of Lakes
Canada879,800
Russia201,200
Finland188,000
United States102,500
China23,800
Sweden22,600
Brazil20,900
Norway20,000
Argentina13,600
Kazakhstan12,400
Peru12,000
Australia11,400
Belarus11,000
Switzerland7,000
Colombia3,250
Germany2,000
Indonesia521
India180
Uganda165

Which 10 countries have the most lakes?

Canada has the most lakes worldwide. The others in the top ten include Russia, the United States, China, Sweden, Brazil, Norway, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources