Caspian Sea

views updated May 23 2018

Caspian Sea Shallow salt lake, the world's largest inland body of water. The Caspian Sea is enclosed on three sides by Russia, Kazakstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The s shore forms the n border of Iran. It has been an important trade route for centuries. It is fed mainly by the River Volga; there is no outlet. The chief ports are Baku and Astrakhan. It has important fisheries. Area: c.371,000sq km (143,000sq mi).