The various Baluch groups speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. Their history is just as mysterious. But while some things are uncertain, we do know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. According to historians, this high and arid region was once a thickly populated area watered by many perennial rivers. Today, it is a desolate, infertile area of rocky mountains, dry river valleys, and semi-desert plains.
Rainfall is low, unreliable, and the hills have few trees.
The Baluch traditionally earn their living by a combination of farming and semi-nomadic shepherding. They usually raise sheep, cattle, or goats. The chief crop is wheat. To aid in the household economy, some farmers raise chickens. They also depend on wild fruits and vegetables.