There are five Great Lakes in North America: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These lakes form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and hold approximately 20% of the world’s surface fresh water. They are located primarily along the Canada-United States border and are vital for transport, fishing, recreation, and tourism. The Great Lakes also support diverse ecosystems and influence local climates, making them a crucial resource for millions of people in both countries.