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Geography · entry 9 of 52
Canada contains more lakes than any other country, according to most estimates.
The longer version
Glaciers scraped the bedrock as they advanced and retreated during the last ice age, gouging out hollows across a vast shield of ancient rock. When the ice melted, water filled those depressions. The underlying stone is hard and drains poorly, so the water stays instead of soaking away.
Counting lakes is difficult because there is no universal minimum size, which is why estimates vary. Thousands of them appear on detailed maps, and many more are small ponds with no official name. The stored fresh water supports fisheries, transport routes and hydroelectric power across the country.
Where this entry sits
These facts wander across maps, borders, deserts, rivers, mountains, and the extreme corners of the natural world. Each one is short and self-contained, offering a small surprise about places you may never visit rather than anything you actually need. The full list sits on the Geography page, where every entry is listed in order.
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