# Tonlé Sap

> lake in Cambodia

**Wikidata**: [Q199938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199938)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonlé_Sap)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tonl-sap

## Summary
Tonlé Sap is a large lake in Cambodia, located in the Tonlé Sap Basin. It is known for its seasonal reversal of water flow, where it becomes the Mekong River during the dry season and a lake during the wet season. The lake is a vital ecosystem and supports diverse wildlife, including fish species like the giant catfish and the giant snakehead.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Tonlé Sap Basin, Cambodia
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 12.883333333333, Longitude 104.06666666667
- **Type**: Lake
- **Seasonal Behavior**: Reverses water flow, becoming the Mekong River during the dry season and a lake during the wet season
- **Ecosystem**: Supports diverse wildlife, including fish species like the giant catfish and the giant snakehead
- **Significance**: A vital ecosystem and a major source of freshwater for Cambodia
- **Sitelink Count**: 63
- **Wikipedia Title**: Tonlé Sap
- **Wikidata Description**: Lake in Cambodia

## FAQs
**What makes Tonlé Sap unique compared to other lakes?**
Tonlé Sap is unique because it reverses its water flow seasonally, becoming the Mekong River during the dry season and a lake during the wet season. This behavior is a result of its connection to the Mekong River and the surrounding basin.

**What wildlife can be found in Tonlé Sap?**
Tonlé Sap supports diverse wildlife, including fish species like the giant catfish and the giant snakehead. The lake is also home to various bird species and other aquatic life.

**How does Tonlé Sap contribute to Cambodia's ecosystem?**
Tonlé Sap is a vital ecosystem for Cambodia, providing freshwater and supporting diverse wildlife. It plays a crucial role in the country's environmental and ecological balance.

**What is the significance of Tonlé Sap's seasonal water flow reversal?**
The seasonal water flow reversal of Tonlé Sap is significant because it ensures a continuous supply of freshwater to the surrounding areas. This phenomenon is a result of the lake's unique connection to the Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap Basin.

## Why It Matters
Tonlé Sap holds significant ecological and environmental importance for Cambodia. As a major source of freshwater, it supports diverse wildlife and plays a crucial role in the country's ecosystem. The lake's seasonal reversal of water flow ensures a continuous supply of freshwater to the surrounding areas, making it a vital resource for the region. Additionally, Tonlé Sap is a key part of Cambodia's cultural and historical heritage, with its unique ecosystem and seasonal changes attracting both local and international attention.

## Notable For
- **Seasonal Water Flow Reversal**: Tonlé Sap is notable for its unique behavior of reversing water flow seasonally, becoming the Mekong River during the dry season and a lake during the wet season.
- **Diverse Wildlife**: The lake supports a variety of wildlife, including fish species like the giant catfish and the giant snakehead, as well as various bird species.
- **Vital Ecosystem**: Tonlé Sap is a crucial ecosystem for Cambodia, providing freshwater and supporting diverse aquatic life.
- **Cultural and Historical Significance**: The lake holds cultural and historical importance for Cambodia, with its unique ecosystem and seasonal changes attracting both local and international attention.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Tonlé Sap is located in the Tonlé Sap Basin, Cambodia, with coordinates at latitude 12.883333333333 and longitude 104.06666666667. The lake is a significant part of Cambodia's geographical landscape and plays a crucial role in the country's ecosystem.

### Seasonal Behavior
Tonlé Sap is known for its seasonal reversal of water flow. During the dry season, the lake becomes the Mekong River, while during the wet season, it transforms back into a lake. This unique behavior is a result of the lake's connection to the Mekong River and the surrounding basin.

### Ecosystem and Wildlife
Tonlé Sap supports diverse wildlife, including fish species like the giant catfish and the giant snakehead. The lake is also home to various bird species and other aquatic life. This diverse ecosystem makes Tonlé Sap a vital part of Cambodia's environmental and ecological balance.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Tonlé Sap holds cultural and historical significance for Cambodia. Its unique ecosystem and seasonal changes have attracted both local and international attention, making it a key part of the country's cultural and historical heritage.

### Environmental Importance
Tonlé Sap is a major source of freshwater for Cambodia, providing a continuous supply of water to the surrounding areas. Its seasonal reversal of water flow ensures that the lake remains a vital resource for the region, supporting diverse wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.

### Related Entities
- **Mekong River**: Tonlé Sap is connected to the Mekong River, which plays a significant role in the lake's seasonal water flow reversal.
- **Cambodia**: Tonlé Sap is located in Cambodia and is a crucial part of the country's geographical and ecological landscape.
- **Tonlé Sap Basin**: The lake is situated in the Tonlé Sap Basin, which influences its unique seasonal behavior and ecosystem.

### Sitelinks and References
Tonlé Sap has a sitelink count of 63, indicating its widespread recognition and relevance. The Wikipedia title for Tonlé Sap is "Tonlé Sap," and its Wikidata description is "lake in Cambodia." These references highlight the lake's significance and its role in Cambodia's cultural and environmental heritage.

## References

1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Great dictionary of geographical names
5. Quora
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File