Lake Baikal, in eastern Siberia, is no ordinary lake. Here are some interesting facts about it:

» Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world with a maximum depth of 1,632m

» It is also the world’s largest volume of fresh water 23,000 cubic km.

» This means that one-fifth of all the fresh water in the world is located here at Lake Baikal.

» Lake Baikal is 640km long and judging by its dimensions only it would be more of a sea than a lake.

» Baikal is also the world’s most ancient freshwater lake, it originated 20-25 million years ago.

» It is home to many unique species of animals and plants including the freshwater seal.

» Lake Baikal is one of the clearest and purest bodies of water. In a good day you could see 40 meters into the lake.

» Dimensions of Lake Baikal: It is 636 km long, 79 km wide.

» There are 27 islands in Lake Baikal, most of them being uninhabited.

» Baikal Lake’s coastline measures 2100 kilometers (around 1300 miles).

» More than 300 streams and rivers flow into Lake Baikal, but there is just one outlet, the Angara.

» The water in the lake creates a mild microclimate around its shores.

» More than half the species found in Lake Baikal are unique to this place.