Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes, known for being the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second-deepest after Lake Baikal in Siberia. It is an ancient rift lake, formed millions of years ago within the Albertine Rift, part of the larger East African Rift system. The lake spans four countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia, with Tanzania and the DRC possessing the largest portions.
Key Facts about Lake Tanganyika:
Location: Coordinates are 6°06′S 29°30′E.
Type: Ancient Rift Valley lake.
Basin Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia.
Surface Area: 32,900 km² (12,700 mi²).
Max Length: 673 km (418 mi).
Max Width: 72 km (45 mi).
Maximum Depth: 1,470 m (4,820 ft), making it the second-deepest lake in the world.
Average Depth: 570 m (1,870 ft).
Water Volume: Approximately 18,750 km³ (4,500 cu mi), holding around 16% of the world's available freshwater.
Catchment Area: 231,000 km² (89,000 mi²).
Primary Inflows: Ruzizi River, Malagarasi River, Kalambo River.
Primary Outflow: Lukuga River, which eventually drains into the Congo River system.
Residence Time: 5,500 years, meaning it takes this long for all the water in the lake to be replaced.
Surface Elevation: 773 m (2,536 ft) above sea level.
Ramsar Wetland Status: Designated on February 2, 2007, as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Significant Settlements: Kigoma (Tanzania), Kalemie (DRC), Bujumbura (Burundi), Mpulungu (Zambia).