PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Caspian Sea
Explanation
By surface area, the Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth, making it the world's largest lake. Despite the word 'Sea' in its name, it is geographically classified as a lake because it is completely landlocked. It contains saltwater. On the other hand, Lake Superior in North America is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Key Points
- > The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world by surface area.
- > It is bordered by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
- > Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.
- > Lake Baikal in Russia is the world's deepest and oldest lake.
- > Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the African continent.
- > The Caspian Sea is a saltwater lake.
Additional Information
Major Lakes of the World
| Lake Name | Global Record / Feature | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Caspian Sea | Largest lake overall (saltwater) | Central Asia / Eastern Europe |
| Lake Superior | Largest freshwater lake | USA / Canada |
| Lake Baikal | Deepest freshwater lake | Russia |
| Lake Titicaca | Highest navigable lake | South America |
| Dead Sea | Lowest elevation, hyper-saline | Israel / Jordan |
Memory Tips
- The 'Sea' Deception: Don't let the word 'Sea' fool you. The Caspian Sea is landlocked, which technically defines it as the world's largest lake.