Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth and the world’s biggest lake. It lies between Europe and Asia and borders five countries: Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran. Its name derives from the ancient Caspi people.

The sea covers approximately 371,000 km², stretches over 1,200 km from north to south, and reaches a maximum width of 435 km. The southern basin is the deepest part (over 1,000 metres), while the northern section is shallow and freezes in winter.

For Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea is of major strategic importance. Its coastline includes Atyrau Region and Mangystau Region. The city of Aktau serves as the country’s primary seaport and a key logistics hub.

The Caspian Sea is extremely rich in natural resources. Its shelf hosts major oil and gas reserves, including the Kashagan Field, one of the largest offshore oil projects in the world. The sea is also famous for sturgeon species and high-quality caviar.

The ecosystem of the Caspian Sea is unique. It is home to the endemic Caspian seal, along with numerous fish species and migratory birds. However, declining water levels, pollution and climate change pose serious environmental challenges.

Historically, the Caspian region played a significant role in trade and cultural exchange, especially during the Silk Road era. Today, the Caspian Sea remains a region of great economic, energy, transport and geopolitical importance.