Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪk bˈe͡ɪkə͡l] (IPA) 
The spelling of the world-renowned freshwater lake in Russia is "Baikal", pronounced as /ˈbeɪ.kəl/. The "B" is pronounced with a slight aspiration, almost as if it were a "P". The "ai" is pronounced as a diphthong, sounding like "ay". The "k" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, and the final "al" is pronounced as "uhl". Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, holding about 20% of the world's freshwater reserves.
Lake Baikal, also known as Baikal, is an ancient, enormous rift lake located in southern Siberia, Russia. It is recognized as the world's deepest, oldest, and largest freshwater lake by volume, holding approximately 20% of the Earth's unfrozen freshwater. Baikal stretches over a length of about 395 miles (636 kilometers) and covers an area of around 12,248 square miles (31,722 square kilometers).
This unique natural wonder is nestled within the mountain ranges of southern Siberia, between the Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast. It forms part of the distinctly diverse and rich Baikal Rift Zone.
Lake Baikal boasts a maximum depth of about 5,387 feet (1,642 meters) at its southern end, making it the world's deepest lake. Its staggering depth is attributed to its tectonic origin, as it formed due to the Earth's crust gradually pulling apart along a continental rift.
This magnificent freshwater reservoir is renowned for its striking clarity, with its water visibility reaching up to 130 feet (40 meters) during winter. It serves as a habitat for numerous endemic species, including the Baikal seal, the world's only exclusively freshwater seal.
Lake Baikal is not only a natural marvel but also a major tourist attraction, offering breathtaking landscapes, ice festivals, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Its ecological significance and exceptional qualities have earned it the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
The word "Baikal" originates from the Buryat-Mongol language, a language spoken by the native people of the region known as Buryats. The Buryats are one of the largest ethnic groups in Siberia, and they have inhabited the Baikal region for centuries. In their language, the word "Baygal" or "Baykhuba" means "rich lake" or "nature lake".
The Russian name for the lake, "Bайкал", was derived from the original Buryat-Mongol term. The Buryat-Mongol word was transliterated into the Russian alphabet as "Baikal". Over time, the name "Lake Baikal" became the common name used in English and other languages.
It is important to note that languages can have slightly different transliterations and pronunciations, so variations in spelling and pronunciation may exist depending on the language or culture using the term.
