Ural (river)

The Ural River, also known as the Yaik before 1775, is a river that flows through Russia and Kazakhstan. It rises in the Ural Mountains near Mount Kruglaya and discharges into the Caspian Sea. Its total length is 2,428 kilometers (1,509 miles), making it the third-longest river in Europe after the Volga and the Danube.

The Ural River is generally considered part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. The river flows south through the Russian cities of Magnitogorsk, Orsk, and Orenburg, and then through Kazakhstan, where it passes through Atyrau before reaching the Caspian Sea.

The river's drainage basin covers an area of 231,000 square kilometers (89,000 sq mi). The Ural River is primarily fed by snowmelt and experiences its highest water levels during the spring floods. It freezes over in winter, typically from late November to April.

The river is an important source of water for industry and agriculture in the region. It is also used for fishing, and sturgeon, salmon, and carp are among the species found in its waters. However, the Ural River is facing increasing environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff, as well as declining water levels due to water extraction and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the river and its ecosystem.