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The region takes its name from the word "Karas", the Nama word for "Quiver Tree" - southern Namibia's famous plant symbol.

Karas is considered a natural, organic administrative and economic unit and includes the constituencies of Keetmanshoop (Rural and Urban), Karasburg, Berseba, Lüderitz and Oranjemund, with Keetmanshoop the capital and seat of the Regional Government – the Karas Regional Council.

Karas abounds in natural riches – from the marine treasures of the Atlantic coastline to sought-after minerals including the world’s largest reserves of alluvial diamonds. A dry, pest-free climate fed by waters from the Orange and Fish rivers makes the region ideal for crops such as Karas’ sought-after table grapes and dates, and the stock farming of beef, sheep, game and ostrich.

The region is arid, with some lunar-like landscapes, rugged escarpments, desert dunes, vast plains and hills, gorges and shallow, empty riverbeds meteorite-like pieces of rock sprouting out of the ground, with yellow sand blowing from the Atlantic into the Namib desert.