Dead Sea, the World's Saltiest Lake

Despite it's name, Dead Sea is a salty lake between the West Bank/Palestine/Israel and Jordan. The "sea" in it's name is because it is so salty. In fact, it is the world's saltiest lake. It is called "dead" because fish and aquatic plants cannot grow in it because of its high salt and mineral content.

Blue water of the Dead Sea (Source)

The Dead Sea is 420 metres below sea level and its shores are the lowest point on Earth that are on dry land. With 30 percent salinity, it is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. In times of drought, to salinity climb to 35 percent.

Salt deposit in the shores of Dead See (Source)

Because of it's salinity, the Dead Sea is famous among tourists because one can float in it without using a life vest. The famous trick is to float and read a book.

Tourist floating in the Dead Sea (Source)

The Dead Sea's salt content is due to it's location. Being the lowest point on Earth, during wet season, minerals flow to it's basin. This has been happening for millions of year, thus the water became concentrated with minerals including salt.