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Balochistan (region) facts for kids

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Major ethnic groups of Pakistan in 1980
Major ethnic groups in Pakistan and surrounding areas, in 1980. The Baloch are shown in pink.

Balochistan (also spelled Baluchistan) is a large, dry region in Asia. It's located on a high flat area called the Iranian plateau. This area is found where Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan meet.

The region gets its name from the many Baloch tribes who live there. These tribes are made up of people from different backgrounds who moved into the area around the year 1000 AD. Even if people living in Balochistan don't speak the Balochi language, they are still considered Baloch. Other languages spoken in the region include Pashto, Persian, Hazaragi, and Brahui. The southern part of Balochistan is known as Makran. Today, the UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization) recognizes Balochistan as a nation that doesn't have its own country.

The Land of Balochistan

Balochistan's landscape is a mix of dry, rough mountains and some fertile (good for growing things) land. During the summer, some parts of Balochistan can get extremely hot. Most of the land is very dry and empty, especially on the side that is in Iran and Afghanistan. Because of this, not many people live there.

In the southern part of the region, called Makran, there is a large desert. The famous ancient Greek leader Alexander the Great once traveled through this desert. It was a very difficult journey for his army.

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