# Lake Tana > lake in Ethiopia **Wikidata**: [Q116685](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116685) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tana) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lake-tana ## Summary Lake Tana is a large freshwater lake located in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. It is the largest lake in Ethiopia and serves as the source of the Blue Nile. ## Key Facts - Lake Tana is classified as a **lake [Thing]** — a body of relatively still water localized in a basin. - It is located in **Ethiopia**, a sovereign state in the Horn of Africa. - Specifically, it is situated within the **Amhara Region**, a regional state of Ethiopia established in 1992. - Aliases for Lake Tana include: **Tsana**, **Ṭana Ḥäyq**, **T’ana Hāyk**, and **Lake Dembea**. - Its geographical coordinates are approximately **latitude 12**, **longitude 37.25**. - Lake Tana is the **source of the Blue Nile**, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River. - It has a **sitelink_count** of 72, indicating its presence and relevance across 72 online platforms or language versions. - The lake is culturally and historically significant, particularly in the context of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and ancient history. - Lake Tana is associated with numerous **monasteries and churches** located on its islands and shores. - It plays a key role in **Ethiopia's freshwater ecosystem**, supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. - The lake is part of the **Blue Nile Basin**, which contributes significantly to the Nile River system. ## FAQs ### Where is Lake Tana located? Lake Tana is located in the **Amhara Region** of **Ethiopia**, in the northwestern part of the country. It lies near the Ethiopian Highlands and serves as the source of the Blue Nile. ### What is Lake Tana known for? Lake Tana is known for being the **largest lake in Ethiopia** and the **source of the Blue Nile**. It is also famous for its **island monasteries**, which are central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian heritage. ### What are the aliases of Lake Tana? Lake Tana is also referred to as **Tsana**, **Ṭana Ḥäyq**, **T’ana Hāyk**, and **Lake Dembea**. ### What is the significance of Lake Tana in Ethiopian history? Lake Tana holds historical and religious importance due to its association with **Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity**. Many ancient monasteries and churches, some dating back centuries, are located on its islands and shores. ### What role does Lake Tana play in the Nile River system? Lake Tana is the **source of the Blue Nile**, which contributes a significant portion of the Nile's total flow, especially during the flood season. ### What is the ecosystem around Lake Tana like? The lake supports a rich **freshwater ecosystem**, including endemic fish species such as **Labeobarbus spp.** and **Nile tilapia**. It also sustains local fishing communities and wildlife. ## Why It Matters Lake Tana is of immense ecological, historical, and cultural significance. As the **source of the Blue Nile**, it contributes to the broader Nile River system, which supports agriculture and water resources for millions across East Africa. Historically, the lake has been central to **Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity**, with many ancient monasteries and churches located on its islands and shores. These sites are repositories of religious manuscripts and artifacts, making the lake a key site for understanding Ethiopian cultural heritage. Additionally, the lake supports local economies through **fishing and tourism**, and its waters are vital for **irrigation and hydroelectric power generation** in the region. ## Notable For - Being the **source of the Blue Nile**, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River. - Hosting numerous **ancient monasteries and churches**, particularly on its islands, which are central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian heritage. - Supporting a **diverse freshwater ecosystem**, including endemic fish species. - Being the **largest lake in Ethiopia**, covering a significant portion of the Amhara Region. - Playing a key role in **local livelihoods**, including fishing and tourism. - Being a **cultural and historical landmark** in Ethiopia, with manuscripts and artifacts dating back centuries. ## Body ### Geography and Location Lake Tana is located in the **Amhara Region** of **Ethiopia**, a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa. The lake lies in the northwestern part of Ethiopia, within the Ethiopian Highlands. Its geographical coordinates are approximately **latitude 12** and **longitude 37.25**. It is the **largest lake in Ethiopia** and serves as the **source of the Blue Nile**, which flows northwest into Sudan and eventually merges with the White Nile. ### Physical and Hydrological Features Lake Tana is a **freshwater lake** localized in a natural basin. It is part of the **Blue Nile Basin**, which contributes significantly to the Nile River system. The lake's outflow forms the **Blue Nile River**, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile. The lake's ecosystem supports a variety of **endemic fish species**, including several types of **Labeobarbus** and **Nile tilapia**, which are important for local fisheries. ### Cultural and Historical Significance Lake Tana is historically and culturally significant due to its association with **Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity**. Many **ancient monasteries and churches** are located on its islands and shores. These religious sites, some dating back centuries, house **ancient manuscripts and artifacts**, making the lake a key site for understanding Ethiopian cultural and religious history. Notable among these are monasteries such as **Ura Kidane Mehret** and **Daga Estifanos**, which are pilgrimage sites and centers of learning. ### Ecosystem and Biodiversity The lake supports a **diverse freshwater ecosystem**. It is home to several **endemic fish species**, including multiple species of **Labeobarbus**, which are culturally and economically important. The lake also supports **Nile tilapia**, a key species in local fisheries. The surrounding area sustains a variety of **birdlife and wildlife**, contributing to the biodiversity of the region. ### Economic and Social Importance Lake Tana plays a key role in **local livelihoods**, particularly through **fishing** and **tourism**. The lake's waters are also used for **irrigation** and **hydroelectric power generation**, supporting regional development. Local communities rely on the lake for **fishing**, which provides both **food and income**. Tourism, particularly religious and eco-tourism, is also significant due to the lake's **monasteries and scenic beauty**. ### Related Entities and Context - **Ethiopia**: A sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, known for its rich history and diverse ethnic composition. Ethiopia is a **landlocked country** with a population exceeding 120 million. - **Amhara Region**: The regional state in Ethiopia where Lake Tana is located, established in **1992**. - **Blue Nile**: The river originating from Lake Tana, which contributes significantly to the Nile River system. - **Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity**: The dominant religious tradition associated with the monasteries and churches around Lake Tana. ### Aliases and Alternate Names Lake Tana is known by several names including: - **Tsana** - **Ṭana Ḥäyq** - **T’ana Hāyk** - **Lake Dembea** These names reflect the **linguistic and cultural diversity** of the region and are used interchangeably in historical and contemporary references. ### Online Presence and References Lake Tana has a **sitelink_count** of **72**, indicating its presence and relevance across 72 online platforms or language versions. This reflects its importance in global knowledge repositories such as **Wikipedia** and its recognition in **Wikidata** as a significant geographical and cultural entity. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. GeoNames 5. Source 6. [Source](http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/Details/Lake/AFR-217) 7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File