About the Caspian Sea

The Map is shows the Caspian Sea, a large inland sea at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea is considered by many to be the largest lake in the world. Lake or sea; it is the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth with an area of 371,000 km² (without the Garabogazköl Bay). Compared, the Caspian Sea is somewhat larger than Germany or somewhat smaller than the US state of Montana.

More about the Caspian Sea.


The Caspian Sea is situated about 500 km east of the Black Sea. The vast lake lies between southeastern Europe and Western Asia, east of the Caucasus Mountains and south of the vast Eurasian Steppe. To the east the Karakum Desert reaches close to the eastern shores of the sea.



How many countries border the Caspian Sea?
Five countries border the Caspian Sea, Iran, Russia, and three former Soviet republics (until 1991), Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.



Geology of the Caspian Sea region.
The Caspian Sea lies within a vast land depression, a remnant of the prehistoric Paratethys Sea, which once covered large parts of Eurasia. It is the largest enclosed inland body of water in the world and is often classified as both a sea and a lake due to its unique characteristics. The Caspian is the lowest natural point in Eurasia, with its surface lying approximately 21 meters (69 feet) below mean sea level. Geologically, the Caspian Sea is completely isolated, with no direct connection to the world's oceans. Its primary inflow comes from the Volga River. The longest river Europe's contributes about 80% of its total water volume. Other significant rivers that flow into the sea are the Ural, the Kura, the Terek and the Atrek rivers.
The Caspian Sea is an endorheic basin; it has no outflowing rivers; water leaves the basin solely through evaporation, making its water balance highly sensitive to climatic fluctuations.



What is the Caspian Sea known for?

Energy Resources
The Caspian Sea is one of the world's richest regions for oil and natural gas, with vast reserves located both offshore and onshore along its coastlines. All five littoral states (Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan) exploit these resources in cooperation with international oil companies.

However, a significant portion of the Caspian's offshore oil and gas remains untapped due to ongoing disputes over maritime borders and resource distribution among the bordering nations. These conflicts have historically slowed exploration and development efforts, despite the region's strategic importance in global energy markets. ^[ERI]

Oil and gas fields
The Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field in Azerbaijan and the Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan are two of the largest in the region.
The Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan is one of the world's biggest natural gas fields.


Beluga
The Caspian Sea is known as the source for Beluga Caviar, which comes from the critically endangered beluga sturgeon. Russian and Iranian caviar are renowned for their quality and flavor.
Overfishing and pollution have put the sturgeon populations in danger, leading to strict regulations and conservation efforts.


Legal Status and Division of Resources
The legal status of the Caspian Sea has been a subject of prolonged dispute, particularly regarding its characterization as a 'lake' or 'sea,' which affects how resources are divided among the littoral states. ^[thri]



Major ports along the Caspian Sea

• Port of Baku, Azerbaijan
  The Port of Baku is the port of Azerbaijan's capital city; it is the largest and oldest port on the Caspian Sea. It serves as a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic, connecting Europe and Asia. The port has undergone significant modernization to enhance its capacity and efficiency.
  
  
• Aktau Port, Kazakhstan
  Situated on Kazakhstan's eastern shore, Aktau Port is the country's primary maritime gateway. It handles a variety of cargo, including oil, metals, and consumer goods, playing a crucial role in Kazakhstan's economy.
  
  
• Turkmenbashi International Seaport, Turkmenistan
  This port is Turkmenistan's main maritime outlet, facilitating cargo and passenger services. It has been modernized to increase capacity and now serves as a key transit hub between Central Asia and Europe.
  
  
• Astrakhan Port, Russia
  Located near the Volga River delta, Astrakhan Port is a vital Russian port on the Caspian Sea. It handles a diverse range of cargo, including grain, which is significant for Russia's seaborne exports.
  
  
• Amirabad Port, Iran
  As Iran's largest port on the Caspian Sea, Amirabad handles various types of cargo and is connected to the national railway network, enhancing its role in regional trade.
  
  
• Makhachkala Port, Russia
  This is Russia's only ice-free port on the Caspian Sea, making it strategically important for year-round operations. It handles oil, grain, and other cargoes, contributing to the regional economy.
  
  
• Bandar Anzali Port, Iran
  Located in northern Iran, Bandar Anzali is a significant port facilitating trade with neighboring countries and handling various cargo types, including bulk and containerized goods.

The Declining Caspian
The Caspian Sea is shrinking rapidly. Due to climate change and reduced river inflow (mainly the Volga River), its levels are dropping by up to 7 cm per year. Scientists predict that by 2100, the Caspian could shrink by more than 9 meters, drastically altering the coastline.