Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in both Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik Province, at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level. The total surface area of its basin is about 5,000 km2, which makes up 1⁄6 of Armenia's territory. The lake itself is 1,242 km2, and the volume is 32.8 km3. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Only 10% of the incoming water is drained by the Hrazdan River, while the remaining 90% evaporates.

Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value. Its sole major island is home to a medieval monastery. The lake provides some 90% of the fish and 80% of the crayfish catch of Armenia.Sevan was heavily exploited for irrigation of the Ararat plain and hydroelectric power generation during the Soviet period.