Kazakhstan Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Kazakhstan, a state located between the Caspian Sea and the Altai Mountains; 2.7 million km², 18.3 million residents (2019).Kazakhstan borders in the north to the Russian Federation, in the east to China and in the south to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Following a declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990, Kazakhstan proclaimed itself an independent state under the name of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 16, 1991. In the same year, Kazakhstan joined the CIS. The capital is Nur-Sultan (1 million residents, 2018).

Country facts

Qazaqstan Republic / Kazakhstan Republic
Country abbreviation: KZ
Area: 2.7 million km²
Population (2019): 18.3 million residents
Capital: Nur-Sultan
Main languages: Kazakh, Russian
State: Republic
Head of State: Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev (President)
Head of Government: Askar Mamin
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 9,331
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 7,830
Coin unit: 1 tenge = 100 dice
Currency code: KZT
Country number (telephony): 7
Internet domain name: kz
Time difference compared to Sweden: +3 to +5
National Day: October 25 (Republic Day, 1990)
Independence Day: December 16, 1991

Nature

Land use: forest (4%), agricultural land (12%), other (84%)
Highest mountain: Talgar (4,951 m above sea level)
Longest river: Syr-Darja (2,580 km)

Population

Population density (2019): 7 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.6%; birth rate 23 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (25%), 15-64 (68%), 65- (7%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 68 years, women 77 years
Infant mortality (2019): 9 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 25 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.800 (place 58 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 58%
Most populous cities (2018): Alma-Ata (1.8 million residents), Nur-Sultan (1 million), Tjimkent (951,600)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (5%), industry (34%), service (61%)
Exports (2017): US $ 49 290 million
Main export products: oil, metal, chemicals
Main exporting countries: Italy, China, Netherlands
Import (2017). US $ 31 850 million
Main import products: machinery, chemicals, food
Main importing countries: Russian Federation, China, Germany
Railway network (2017): 16,600 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, located in Central Asia. It borders five countries: Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. With an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers (1.04 million square miles), Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world by land area. Its vast expanse spans from the steppes of Siberia in the north to the deserts of Central Asia in the south, and from the Altai Mountains in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west.

Kazakhstan’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of various cultures and regions, historically linking the nomadic peoples of the steppes with the agricultural civilizations of the Middle East and China. Despite its landlocked nature, Kazakhstan’s proximity to major regional powers and the Caspian Sea makes it a crucial player in the politics and trade of Central Asia.

Physical Features

Kazakhstan’s terrain is marked by dramatic contrasts, including expansive steppes, deserts, mountains, and rich agricultural lands. The northern and central regions of the country are dominated by vast steppe landscapes, with grasses and shrubs that extend across the land, providing pastures for the country’s traditional nomadic herders. These steppes have historically served as the heart of the nomadic lifestyle that Kazakhstan’s early inhabitants practiced.

To the east, Kazakhstan is bordered by the Altai Mountains, which form part of the natural boundary between Kazakhstan and Russia. These mountains rise to elevations of over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and are home to snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and dense forests. In contrast, the southern part of the country is marked by vast desert landscapes, such as the Kyzylkum Desert, which stretches into Uzbekistan, and the Betpak-Dala desert. The country’s terrain is dotted with numerous lakes and rivers, the largest of which is the Caspian Sea, although it is a saltwater lake, not an actual sea.

Kazakhstan also contains significant natural resources, including vast mineral deposits, oil fields, and gas reserves, as well as fertile land that supports agriculture. The diversity of its geography contributes to a variety of climates, ecosystems, and human activities within the country.

Climate

Kazakhstan’s climate is continental, with extreme temperature variations between summer and winter. The northern and central parts of the country experience long, cold winters with temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F), while the southern regions enjoy milder winters and hotter summers. In summer, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) in the southern deserts, while the northern areas may experience more moderate summer temperatures.

The country is also subject to significant seasonal changes, with a relatively short spring and autumn and a long, dry summer. Precipitation is generally low, especially in the steppes and deserts, though the mountains and foothills in the east and southeast receive more rainfall. The Caspian Sea region is somewhat more temperate, though still prone to significant temperature extremes.

Kazakhstan’s climate has posed challenges for agriculture and settlement patterns, as regions with extreme temperatures are less suitable for farming. However, the fertile soil in the northern and southern areas supports extensive grain production, and the country’s extensive irrigation infrastructure helps mitigate the effects of limited rainfall.

Natural Resources

Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, which play a central role in the country’s economy. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium, a vital resource for nuclear energy. It also has substantial reserves of oil, coal, natural gas, and metals such as copper, zinc, and lead. Kazakhstan is among the top ten oil-producing countries in the world and has a significant presence in global energy markets.

In addition to its fossil fuel and mineral resources, Kazakhstan has vast tracts of arable land, particularly in the north, where wheat, barley, and other grains are grown. The country’s agriculture also includes livestock farming, especially in the central and southern regions, which are suitable for raising cattle, sheep, and horses.

Kazakhstan’s natural resource wealth has been a key driver of its economic growth, though it remains dependent on the export of raw materials. The government has worked to diversify the economy by focusing on industrialization, infrastructure development, and the growth of the services sector.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Kazakhstan has a population of approximately 19 million people, and it is the most ethnically diverse country in Central Asia. Ethnically, Kazakhstan is home to a wide range of groups, with Kazakhs making up the majority of the population (about 67%). The Kazakhs are a Turkic ethnic group traditionally known for their nomadic herding culture and are closely related to other Turkic peoples in the region, including the Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Kyrgyz.

Russian people comprise about 20% of the population, and their presence is a result of the Soviet Union’s policies of settlement and migration. Smaller ethnic groups in Kazakhstan include Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, and Chechens, as well as a growing number of migrant workers from neighboring countries like China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan’s ethnic diversity is a legacy of the Soviet era, which brought together various peoples from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Kazakhstan’s demographics have been shaped by historical migrations, Soviet policies, and more recent trends in globalization. The country has experienced significant urbanization, with nearly 60% of the population living in cities. The capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), has rapidly grown into a modern political and economic center, attracting people from various regions within Kazakhstan and abroad.

Language

Kazakh is the official state language, and it is widely spoken in rural areas and in government, education, and business. It is a member of the Turkic language family and uses a Cyrillic alphabet, though there have been efforts in recent years to transition to the Latin script. Kazakh is the primary language of instruction in schools and is also the main language used in cultural and governmental life.

Russian is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in urban centers and among ethnic Russians. Russian remains the lingua franca of Kazakhstan, and it is often used in business, media, and daily communication, particularly in the larger cities. Many Kazakhs are bilingual, fluent in both Kazakh and Russian, although the younger generation is increasingly leaning towards Kazakh as the language of national identity.

In addition to Kazakh and Russian, there are several other languages spoken by ethnic minorities, including Uzbek, Ukrainian, Tatar, and Korean, among others. Language policies in Kazakhstan emphasize the importance of promoting Kazakh while maintaining Russian as an important cultural and practical tool for communication.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Kazakhstan, with the majority of the population adhering to Sunni Islam, particularly the Hanafi school of thought. Islam was introduced to the region centuries ago, and it continues to play a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of Kazakhstanis. Although many Kazakhs consider themselves Muslim, religious practice is generally less intense than in other parts of the Muslim world, as many Kazakhs adhere to more secular or traditional cultural practices that blend Islam with pre-Islamic beliefs.

There is also a significant Russian Orthodox Christian community in Kazakhstan, which accounts for around 25% of the population, largely due to the presence of ethnic Russians. Other Christian denominations, such as Catholicism and Protestantism, have smaller communities. Kazakhstan has religious freedom enshrined in its constitution, and people of different faiths coexist relatively peacefully.

Judaism has a long history in Kazakhstan, particularly among the ethnic Jewish population that has lived in the region for centuries. The country’s Jewish community is small but active, with synagogues and cultural organizations maintaining the traditions of their ancestors.

Social Structure

Kazakhstan’s social structure is influenced by both its nomadic traditions and Soviet-era policies. Family is the cornerstone of social life, with multi-generational households common, especially in rural areas. Social respect for elders is deeply ingrained, and family ties are vital in both urban and rural communities.

The country’s rapidly urbanizing population has led to a shift in traditional structures, particularly in cities like Nur-Sultan and Almaty, where younger generations are more integrated into modern, industrial, and technological sectors. However, traditional cultural values rooted in Kazakh nomadic history, such as hospitality, respect for nature, and community solidarity, remain strong.

Economy

Key Industries

Kazakhstan has a diverse economy driven by its natural resource wealth, including oil, gas, coal, and minerals. The oil and gas sector is by far the largest contributor to the country’s economy, with Kazakhstan being one of the top oil producers in the world. The country’s oil reserves are concentrated in the Tengiz and Kashagan fields, which are among the largest in the world.

Other important industries in Kazakhstan include mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The country has vast mineral deposits, including uranium, copper, gold, and iron ore, and Kazakhstan is a leading global producer of uranium. The country’s agricultural sector is significant, with wheat being the primary crop, along with other grains, livestock, and vegetables. Kazakhstan is also one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat.

Manufacturing in Kazakhstan is centered around industries like steel production, chemicals, cement, and machinery. The country’s industrial base has developed over the years, especially in sectors related to energy, mining, and agriculture. The government has been working to diversify the economy by promoting non-extractive industries, such as technology, finance, and tourism.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector is crucial to its economy, with large-scale grain production playing a dominant role. The fertile soil in the northern regions, particularly around the steppe areas, supports wheat cultivation, making Kazakhstan one of the top wheat producers in the world. Other crops grown in the country include barley, oats, and sunflowers.

Livestock farming, particularly sheep, cattle, and horses, is common in rural areas, with Kazakhstan’s vast pasturelands providing ample grazing space. The country also produces dairy products and meat for both domestic consumption and export. Despite its agricultural potential, Kazakhstan faces challenges such as water scarcity, soil erosion, and reliance on climate conditions for crop yields.

Energy Sector

Kazakhstan is rich in energy resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and coal. The country is one of the largest oil producers in the world, with reserves estimated to last for several decades. The energy sector is dominated by state-owned and private companies, with major international companies involved in the extraction and export of oil and gas. The government has worked to increase its capacity to refine and process oil domestically, further boosting its economy.

Kazakhstan is also investing in renewable energy, with projects in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power development to diversify its energy base. The government has set ambitious goals to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase renewable energy generation by 2030.

Economic Challenges

Despite its wealth in natural resources, Kazakhstan faces several economic challenges. The country is highly dependent on the extraction and export of raw materials, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Efforts to diversify the economy have been slow, and there is a need to develop more sustainable industries.

Another challenge is the country’s infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. While major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan are modern and well-connected, much of the rest of the country remains underdeveloped. The government has been working to improve transportation, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure to support economic growth.

Kazakhstan’s social sector also faces challenges, including inequality between urban and rural areas, unemployment, and rising healthcare costs. Additionally, the country has been dealing with environmental issues related to pollution, deforestation, and the degradation of land and water resources.

Government

Political System

Kazakhstan is a republic with a presidential form of government. The President is both the head of state and the head of government, and has considerable power over the country’s political system. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since then, Kazakhstan has been governed by a series of presidents who have held significant control over the political landscape.

Kazakhstan’s political system has been characterized by strong centralized power, with the President having the authority to appoint key ministers, control national security, and oversee major policy decisions. In 2019, Kazakhstan underwent a significant transition with the resignation of long-time President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had been in power since the country’s independence. His successor, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, assumed office following Nazarbayev’s departure.

Legal System

Kazakhstan’s legal system is based on civil law, with a constitution that was adopted in 1995 and amended several times since. The judiciary is independent, but the political system remains tightly controlled, and there have been concerns about the rule of law and the fairness of trials, especially regarding political dissent. The country’s legal system includes a range of courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest judicial authority.

Despite reforms to modernize the legal system and increase access to justice, Kazakhstan still faces challenges related to human rights, freedom of speech, and political opposition. The government has been working to address some of these issues, but international human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the suppression of political freedoms.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Kazakhstan plays an important role in regional and global affairs, particularly within Central Asia. The country maintains strong ties with Russia, China, and other Central Asian nations, as well as with Western countries. Kazakhstan has pursued a multi-vector foreign policy, seeking to balance its relationships with these powerful neighbors while maintaining an independent stance on many global issues.

Kazakhstan is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The country has also been active in promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia, particularly in areas such as trade, energy, and security. Kazakhstan’s foreign policy aims to foster stability and prosperity in the region while seeking to strengthen its global standing.