LESSON

Lake Baikal is estimated to be 20–25 million years old, making it the oldest lake in the world. It reaches depths of 1,620 meters down. It holds roughly 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater, spanning 31,500 square km. Known for its extreme biodiversity, it is home to over 1,000 species, including the unique Baikal seal, whcih can be called the nerpa. Contains approximately 23,000 cubic kilometers of water, making it the largest freshwater lake by volume. More than 70% of its 3,500+ plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth.

A map of Lake Baikal