Which lake is the largest freshwater lake by surface area?

Lake Superior, one of North America’s Great Lakes, is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It spans about 82,100 square kilometres and borders the United States and Canada. Although the Caspian Sea is bigger overall, it is saline and classified as an inland sea or salt lake. Lake Superior contains enormous quantities of fresh water and is a key part of the Great Lakes system. Its cold, deep waters have been central to shipping, ecology, and regional climate.