largest lake in northern Finland, lying near the Russian border. At an elevation of 389 ft (119 m), it is approximately 50 mi (80 km) long and 25 mi (40 km) wide at its farthest points, has an area of 425 sq mi (1,102 sq km), and is about 200 ft (61 m) deep. The lake is fed by the Ivalo River from the southwest and drained by the Paats River on the east to the Arctic Ocean. The town of Inari, a Sami trading centre, is on the southwestern shore. The lake's excellent fishing and boating attract many tourists.