Makran

Makran is a coastal and inland region located in the southeastern part of Iran and the southwestern part of Pakistan. It extends along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and includes Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province and Pakistan's Balochistan Province. The inland Makran Range runs parallel to the coast, and the area comprises arid deserts as well as narrow coastal plains.

The climate is hot and dry overall, with higher humidity along the coastal belt. The regional economy relies on fishing, pastoralism, and limited mineral resources, with growing attention to port development. Key urban centers along the coast include Gwadar in Pakistan and Chabahar in Iran, both of which have been the focus of investment and strategic planning.

The population is predominantly Baloch, with languages such as Balochi and related dialects spoken across the region; Iranian and Pakistani communities also include other groups. Islam is the main religion, and cultural practices reflect Baloch and Makran coast traditions.

Historically, Makran has been a crossroads for trade and empires, linking inland caravan routes with maritime networks. In the modern era the region was divided between Iran and Pakistan, and its ports have attracted geopolitical attention due to their strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Indian Ocean. The region was also affected by the 1945 Makran earthquake and tsunami, underscoring its geological activity.