The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes on the border of the United States and Canada, together containing about a fifth of the world's surface fresh water.
Together forming the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area, these five interconnected bodies of water have shaped the economic and industrial development of an entire region spanning two countries.
Five Interconnected Lakes
The Great Lakes consist of Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, together forming the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface area.
An Enormous Freshwater Reserve
The lakes collectively contain approximately 21 percent of the world's surface fresh water, representing an enormously significant natural resource for the surrounding region.
A Vital Industrial and Shipping Corridor
The Great Lakes have historically supported extensive industrial development and shipping activity, connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, enabling ocean-going vessel traffic deep into the North American interior.
Shared Between Two Nations
The lakes form a significant portion of the border between the United States and Canada, requiring extensive binational cooperation on environmental management and shipping regulation.
