Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The correct spelling of this geographic landmark is [leɪk vɪkˈtɔːriə], using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable is pronounced as "layk," followed by "vick-TOR-ee-uh." The spelling of "Victoria" is derived from the Latin word "victoria," meaning "victory." The lake is named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who was reigning at the time of its discovery. Today, Lake Victoria is an important resource for the people of East Africa, supporting a thriving fishing industry and providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and transportation.
Lake Victoria is a vast freshwater lake located in East Africa. It is considered the largest lake by surface area in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake globally, after Lake Superior in North America. With an approximate surface area of 68,800 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is bordered by three countries: Kenya to the northeast, Uganda to the northwest, and Tanzania to the south.
Its waters are primarily fed by rainfall and numerous river systems, including the Kagera River, which is its largest inflow. The lake's outlet is the Victoria Nile, which exits the northern tip and flows towards the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its size and tropical location, Lake Victoria experiences a relatively warm climate throughout the year.
The lake is renowned for its tremendous biological richness, serving as a vital habitat for numerous fish species, including the economically important Nile perch and the tilapia fish. Fishing activities on the lake support the livelihoods of millions of people, playing a significant role in the economies of the surrounding countries. Lake Victoria also serves as a water resource for irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power generation, contributing to regional development.
Furthermore, Lake Victoria holds cultural significance to the communities living along its shores and provides recreational opportunities such as boating, birdwatching, and nature tourism. However, the lake also faces challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and the spread of invasive species, which can threaten its delicate ecosystem and the livelihoods it supports.
The word "Lake Victoria" derives from two main sources.
1. Lake: The term "lake" comes from the Old English word "lacu" or "lac" which referred to a body of water. This word has cognates in various Germanic languages and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lakō".
2. Victoria: The name "Victoria" was given to the lake by the British explorer John Hanning Speke, who first reached the lake in 1858.