The Central Asian PLAIN is a vast area of flat land that stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. It is also known as the STEPPE, a term derived from the Russian word for 'PLAIN'. The STEPPE is characterized by its dry climate and grassy vegetation, making it an ideal habitat for nomadic herders and their livestock. It is home to many different ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, and Turkmen. The Central Asian PLAIN is an important region for trade and commerce, as well as for its cultural and historical significance.