Discovering Nature's Giants: A Guide to the Largest Lakes Around the Globe
1. Caspian Sea - 371,000 Km2 The Caspian Sea has acted as a pillar of human industry and culture for countless centuries; this gargantuan lake spans 371,000 km2 (143,243 mi2) making it the world's largest enclosed inland body of water. Furthermore, its massive area not only serves as a boundary between Europe and Asia but it also manages to influence climatic conditions and all surrounding ecosystems. Despite being referred to as a "sea," it is technically also a lake with both saltwater and freshwater characteristics. Its length stretches approximately 1,200 km (745 mi) from north to south, while its width averages 320 km (200 mi). 130 rivers are responsible for feeding into the Caspian Sea, the most significant being the Volga River. Its considerable size plays a role in regional geopolitics, touching five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. The sea's extensive shoreline, differentiating from rocky cliffs to flatlands, impacts surround...
