Lake Baikal -- Surprisingly Unheard of

Lake Baikal is located in south-east Siberia about 100 miles from the Mongolian border. Lake Baikal is the biggest fresh water lake in the world, by volume, containing 20% of the worlds unfrozen fresh water. Lake Baikal is also one of the deepest fresh water lakes in the world, with an maximum depth of 5,387 feet. Lake Baikal is thought to be the worlds oldest lake being between 25 and 30 million years old and one of the clearest lakes in the world. Lake Baikal was formed in a rift valley which is the valley between two plateaus or mountains. The largest lakes in the world are all located in rift valleys, with the exception of Lake Victoria. Lake Baikal is home to great wildlife diversity, with more that 2,700 species of plants and animals living in or around the lake. The Weather conditions at the lake are extreme, with the average winter temperature being -2 degrees Fahrenheit and the average winter temperature being 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these extreme temperatures, the Buryat tribe calls the eastern side of the lake home. The Buryat rear goats, camels, and sheep and share many similarities to the Mongols; such as nomadic living, herding, and living in gerts. Currently around 400,000 Buryat reside around the Ulan-Ude area which is 62 miles away from the lake. Lake Baikal has an extensive history, with it being a battle ground in 2nd century BC and has been inhabited by nomads since. Lake Baikal attracted investors who saw the potential tourism of such an incredible lake. In 2007 Lake Baikal was declared a special economic zone by the Russian government. The lake front town of Listvyanka is home to a popular 7 story resort called Mayak. Lake Baikal is a spectacular and unique lake, attracting both indigenous people and tourists from all over the world. It is the second largest lake by volume in the world, largest freshwater lake, and home to a vast array of species, yet few people have heard of Lake Baikal. In my opinion this shows how the interesting and unique aspects of Russia are being missed and overshadowed by the corruption and injustices that control the news. It is a shame that some of Russia's most impressive aspects are left unknown.