<P> The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area , and second largest by total volume , containing 21 % of the world 's surface fresh water by volume . The total surface is 94,250 square miles ( 244,106 km ) , and the total volume ( measured at the low water datum ) is 5,439 cubic miles ( 22,671 km ) , slightly less than the volume of Lake Baikal ( 23,615 km3 , 22 -- 23 % of the world 's surface fresh water ) . Due to their sea - like characteristics ( rolling waves , sustained winds , strong currents , great depths , and distant horizons ) the five Great Lakes have also long been referred to as inland seas . Lake Superior is the second largest lake in the world by area , and the largest freshwater lake by area . Lake Michigan is the largest lake that is entirely within one country . </P>
<P> The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area , and second largest by total volume , containing 21 % of the world 's surface fresh water by volume . The total surface is 94,250 square miles ( 244,106 km ) , and the total volume ( measured at the low water datum ) is 5,439 cubic miles ( 22,671 km ) , slightly less than the volume of Lake Baikal ( 23,615 km3 , 22 -- 23 % of the world 's surface fresh water ) . Due to their sea - like characteristics ( rolling waves , sustained winds , strong currents , great depths , and distant horizons ) the five Great Lakes have also long been referred to as inland seas . Lake Superior is the second largest lake in the world by area , and the largest freshwater lake by area . Lake Michigan is the largest lake that is entirely within one country . </P>
how many bodies of water make up the great lakes in north america
how many bodies of water make up the great lakes in north america
five
five