Which country has the largest area of freshwater lakes?

Canada is recognized as the country with the largest area of freshwater lakes in the world. This is largely due to its geography and climate, which have created numerous glacial lakes over millions of years. Approximately 9% of Canada's total land area is covered by lakes, and it contains a significant proportion of the world’s freshwater resources—around 20% of the world’s lakes are located in Canada.

The presence of the Canadian Shield, a vast area of exposed Precambrian rock, also contributes to the formation of these lakes. The extensive network of rivers and diverse ecosystems further highlight Canada's rich freshwater habitats. This remarkable concentration of freshwater makes Canada a critical player in global freshwater resources, emphasizing its importance in environmental conservation and natural resource management.

In contrast, while Russia has many lakes and a vast land area, it does not surpass Canada in terms of the sheer surface area covered by freshwater lakes. The United States and India also have significant lakes, but they do not compare to Canada's expansive network of freshwater bodies.