The Caspian Sea is the largest lake on Earth. It washes the shores of five states. These are Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran. It is called a lake because the body of water is not connected to the oceans. But according to the composition of water, history of origin and size, the Caspian Sea is a sea.
Baku
The major ports of the Caspian Sea are majestic. One of them, Baku, is the capital of Azerbaijan. It is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The city of Baku has become the largest center for the extraction of black gold and gas since the end of the 19th century. In addition to the oil industry, weaving and tobacco production also developed here. In the middle of the last century, the machine building, metalworking industry, as well as the production of building materials began to increase in the Azerbaijani capital.
Currently, Baku is the largest scientific, technical and industrial center in the entire Transcaucasus. Since the beginning of this century, the military industry and high information technologies began to develop with great success in the capital of Azerbaijan. Besides,that Baku is the largest port of the Caspian Sea, the city is also the main railway junction. Most of the cargo turnover falls on the seaport. There are international flights from the airport every day. Railroads were carried out to Iran, Russia and Georgia. And inside the capital itself, all types of public transport operate.
Iranian ports on the Caspian Sea
In Iran, on the Caspian coast, there is the port city of Chalus, through which the river of the same name flows into the sea. The climate in this region is mostly temperate and humid. Port Chalus is a famous summer resort. There are places for recreation, hotels, as well as a funicular, thanks to which you can see the surroundings from mountain heights - forest parks, waterfalls, forests, the coast. In warm seasons, everything here is covered with flowers, and in autumn - with a yellowed crown of forests. In the winter season, the mountain slopes are shrouded in snow. In addition to the beaches open in summer, Chalus also has a ski resort, which is known for its climbing bases.
Another major Iranian port of the Caspian Sea is Bandar Anzeli. The uniqueness of this city lies in the fact that it is surrounded by the sea from almost all sides. And only one part of it borders on land. The inhabitants of this port are mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture and handicraft industry. Thanks to the warm and humid climate, it is possible to grow rice and sericulture here. Since fishing is developed in the city, weaving nets for catching fish also takes pride of place. Bandar Anzeli is one of the most important shipbuilding centers of Iran. In addition, there are factories for processing rice, tobacco, oil and wood.
Aktau
On the eastern shore of the Caspian is the Kazakh port of the Caspian Sea - Aktau. This city is the only one in the republic that deals with international transportation of black gold and its products. The main economic branch of Aktau is the petrochemical industry. Here is the largest plastics plant in Kazakhstan, as well as nitrogen-fertilizer, sulfuric acid, chemical and hydrometallurgical enterprises.
Besides them, the food industry is also developing in Aktau. On the local territory there is a nuclear power plant. However, uranium mining and the nuclear reactor ceased operations in the 1990s. But the city was able to continue to develop thanks to the oil and gas industry.
Turkmenbashi
Also on the east coast of the Caspian Sea is the city of Turkmenistan - Turkmenbashi. This port of the Caspian Sea is a major center of the republic's oil refining industry. The plants produce polypropylene, diesel and universal oils. In Turkmenbashi, maritime transport is mainly a ferry terminal. A ferry to the city of Baku is constantly working here. In addition, there are railway junctions and an airport.
On the territory of the sea international portshipbuilding and repair plants have been equipped to expand opportunities in the oil industries. Recently, a passenger station has also been opened in this city. Speaking about the seaports of the Caspian Sea, it can be clarified that this one is one of the main ones.
