caspian sea

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, often described as a saltwater lake due to its unique characteristics. It is located in central Eurasia and bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran. The sea has a surface area of about 371,000 square kilometers (143,000 square miles), which is approximately the size of Japan, and it lies about 28 meters below sea level on average. Its depth varies, with the southern part being the deepest at over 1,000 meters, while the northern part is much shallower, averaging only 5-6 meters deep. The Caspian Sea is notable for its significant petroleum and natural gas reserves, making it economically important. It also supports diverse wildlife, including sturgeon species important for caviar production. The sea is an endorheic basin with no natural outlet, receiving freshwater from several rivers, including the Volga, Ural, and Kura. Environmental challenges affect the Caspian Sea, such as pollution from oil extraction, overfishing, fluctuating water levels influenced by climate change, and the shrinking coastline. These issues threaten the ecosystem and the livelihoods of populations depending on the sea, highlighting the need for international cooperation among the bordering countries to manage resources sustainably. Geographically, the Caspian Sea is divided into three regions: the Northern Caspian, which is shallow and makes up less than 1% of the water volume; the Middle Caspian, with moderate depth; and the Southern Caspian, which is the deepest and holds the majority of the water volume. The sea has historical significance as it was located near ancient trade routes like the Silk Road and continues to be a vital waterway for regional transportation and commerce. In summary, the Caspian Sea is a vast, saltwater inland body of water with important ecological, economic, and geopolitical roles in the Eurasian region.