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 in terms of water composition, history of origin and size, the Caspian is a sea.
Baku
The large ports of the Caspian Sea are magnificent. One of them, Baku, is the capital of Azerbaijan. It is located on the western coast of the Caspian. 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 engineering capital, 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 whole of Transcaucasia. Since the beginning of this century, the military industry and high information technologies have begun to develop with great success in the capital of Azerbaijan . Besides the fact that Baku is the largest port of the Caspian Sea, the city is also the main railway junction. Most cargo turnover is at the seaport. Every day, international flights are made from the airport. Railways led to Iran, Russia and Georgia. And inside the capital itself there are all types of urban transport.
Iranian ports on the Caspian Sea
In Iran, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the port city of Chalus is located, through which the eponymous river flows into the sea. The climate in this region is mostly temperate and humid. Port Chalus is a famous summer resort. It has 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 the 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 working in the summer, in Chalus there is also a ski resort, which is known for its climbing bases.
Another major Iranian port of the Caspian Sea is Bender Anzeli. The uniqueness of this city lies in the fact that from almost all sides it is surrounded by the sea. And only one part of it borders with land. Most of the inhabitants of this port are engaged in fishing, agriculture and artisanal industry. Due to the warm and humid climate, here you can engage in rice cultivation and sericulture. Since the city has developed fishing, the weaving of nets for fishing also occupies an honorable place. Bender Anzeli is one of the most important shipbuilding centers in Iran. In addition, there are enterprises for the processing of rice, tobacco, oil and wood.
Aktau
On the eastern coast of the Caspian is the Kazakhstan port of the Caspian Sea - Aktau. This city is the only one in the republic in which it is engaged in the international transportation of black gold and products from it. The main economic sector of Aktau is the petrochemical industry. Here is the largest plastic plant in Kazakhstan, as well as nitrogen fertilizer, sulfuric acid, chemical and hydrometallurgical enterprises.
In addition to them, the food industry is developing in Aktau. There is a nuclear power plant in the area. However, uranium mining and the nuclear reactor ceased operation in the 90s. But the city was able to continue development thanks to the oil and gas industry.
Turkmenbashi
Also on the eastern coast of the Caspian is the city of Turkmenistan - Turkmenbashi. This port of the Caspian Sea is a major center of the country's oil refining industry. The plants produce polypropylene, diesel and universal oils. In Turkmenbashi, maritime transport is basically a ferry terminal. A ferry service to the city of Baku is constantly working here. In addition, there are railway junctions and the airport.
Shipbuilding and repair plants have been equipped on the territory of the international sea port in order to expand opportunities in the oil industries. Recently, the passenger station began to work in this city. Speaking about the seaports of the Caspian Sea, it can be clarified that this is one of the main ones.