What is balkash?

Lake Balkhash is a large, saline lake located in southeastern Kazakhstan, near the border with China. It is the 13th largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest in Central Asia, covering an area of approximately 16,400 km². The lake is divided into two distinct parts by a narrow strait, with the western part being fresh water while the eastern part is slightly salty. The lake is an important source of water for the region and supports a variety of fish species, including sturgeon, carp, and catfish. However, the lake is under threat from pollution and overfishing, and efforts are being made to protect its ecological integrity.