West Kazakhstan region is one of the 17 regions of Kazakhstan and occupies 5.6 percent of the total area of the country. It borders with two regions of Kazakhstan – Aktobe and Atyrau, as well as the five regions of Russia. There are about 200 rivers and streams in the region, among which the Ural, Chagan, Derkul, Kushum, Bolshoy and Maly Uzen rivers stand out. Also, a significant number of lakes are located on the territory of the region, including Shalkar, Fish Sakryl and the system of Kamysh-Samara lakes. The major cities in the region are Oral and Aksai.