The Great Lakes are a group of five large freshwater lakes located in North America, specifically on the border between the United States and Canada. The lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Together, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area. These lakes are vital for the region's ecosystem and economy, providing drinking water, transportation routes, and recreational opportunities. They support diverse wildlife and are surrounded by numerous cities, including Chicago and Toronto, making them important for both tourism and industry.