General Information
- Official Name: Republic of Kazakhstan
- Capital: Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan)
- Largest City: Almaty
- Official Languages: Kazakh (state language) and Russian (used as an official language)
- Population: Approximately 19.8 million (2024 estimate)
- Area: 2,724,900 square kilometers (1,052,100 square miles)
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Geography
- Location: Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west.
- Landscape:
- Diverse geography includes steppes, deserts, mountains, and lakes.
- Major mountain ranges: Tian Shan and Altai Mountains.
- Notable bodies of water: Caspian Sea, Aral Sea (partially), and Balkhash Lake.
- Climate: Continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
History and Politics
Historical Background:
- Historically part of the Silk Road trade route.
- Inhabited by nomadic tribes and later part of the Mongol Empire.
- Incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 18th century and later became part of the Soviet Union.
- Gained independence on December 16, 1991, following the dissolution of the USSR.
Government:
- System: Unitary presidential republic.
- President: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (as of 2024).
- Parliament: Bicameral (Senate and Mazhilis).
Economy
Overview:
- Largest economy in Central Asia, driven by natural resources, agriculture, and industry.
- Member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and WTO.
Key Industries:
- Energy: Oil, natural gas, and uranium (Kazakhstan is the world’s largest uranium producer).
- Mining: Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, and gold.
- Agriculture: Wheat, barley, and livestock.
Major Trading Partners: Russia, China, EU, and Central Asian countries.
Culture
Ethnic Diversity:
- Majority: Kazakh (approximately 70%).
- Minorities: Russian, Uzbek, Ukrainian, and others.
Traditions:
- Influenced by nomadic heritage and Islamic culture.
- Popular practices include horse-riding games like kokpar and celebrations like Nauryz (Persian New Year).
Religion:
- Predominantly Islam (Sunni).
- Significant Orthodox Christian minority.
Tourism
Highlights:
- Almaty: Former capital, known for its vibrant culture and mountain backdrop.
- Astana: Modern capital with futuristic architecture.
- Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes: Stunning alpine lakes.
- Charyn Canyon: Miniature version of the Grand Canyon.
- Baikonur Cosmodrome: Historic space launch site.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October).
Interesting Facts
- 9th largest country in the world and the largest landlocked country.
- Home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility.
- Almaty was the birthplace of the apple, with its name deriving from the Kazakh word for apple (alma).
Kazakhstan is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, diverse landscapes, and modern development, making it a unique destination in Central Asia.
