Definition: Inland waters

Category: Regional statistics

Inland waters area comprised of lakes and rivers. Inland waters are included in total area, but excluded from land area.

The definition of lakes should, in case of doubt, include permanent water surfaces. Bogs, marshes, mires and other wetlands constitute a separate category which is classified as land area. The inland water might be salt or not depending on the existence of an outflow. In coastal areas special cases may occur. There should normally be a difference in elevation between the sea and any waters classified as inland waters.

It is not always clear whether rivers are part of the inland water or not.