Balkhash

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Balkhash (Balqash) Lake in se Kazakstan extending from the Kazak Hills (ne) to the desert steppes (sw). It has no outlet. The chief inlet is the freshwater River Ili, therefore the w half of the lake is freshwater, with salinity increasing towards the e. Area: 18,428sq km (7115sq mi). Max. depth: 26m (85ft).