The body of water that separates Europe from Asia is the Ural River and the Ural Mountains, alongside the Caspian Sea. This region is often considered the geographic boundary between the two continents. The traditional demarcation point recognizes the Ural Mountains, running north to south, as the important feature defining the separation. The Caspian Sea, though technically a lake, also plays a role in this continental divide. This classification has historical and cultural significance, influencing how the two continents have evolved over the centuries in terms of trade, culture, and politics, illustrating the complexity of geographical boundaries.