Balochistan (or Baluchistan) is an arid region of south Asia, presently split between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The area is named after the numerous Baloch (or Baluch, Balouch) tribes who moved in to the area from the west some time around 1000. The southern part of Balochistan is known as Makran.

Before the arrival of the Baloch, the region was populated by Pashtuns and Brahuis. The Pashtuns are now concentrated in Sibi, Bolan, Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Zhob, Ziarat and Harnai. Many Brahuis live in Kalat. Languages spoken in the region include Balochi, Pashto and Brahui.

Baluchistan was conquered by the British Empire on October 1, 1887.

See also Balochistan, Pakistan and Iranian Balochistan.

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