The area that forms part of present day Kazakhstan was conquered
by Russia in the 18th century. One of largest countries of the world
in terms of area, Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. As
a result of the influx of the Soviets into the land the indigenous
Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes, were outnumbered.
The country is inhabited by the Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol
nomadic tribes. When Kazakhstan was ceded by Soviet Union, many of
these immigrants left the country. The country has recently emerged
as a big economy thanks to its vast mineral resources. Political stability
is also the hallmark of the country.
Kazakhstan has a varied landscape ranging from the mountainous to
the fertile land.
Travel overview
Kazakhstan's landscape is as varied as it is beautiful: amidst the
steep forested foothills of the Kungey Alatau, the Kol-Say Lakes provide
stunning scenery and opportunities for camping and trout fishing.
The 4000m high Zailiysky Alatau, with its glaciated peaks, wild rivers
and steep valleys rises from a natural environment of unmatched beauty.
A hugely rewarding place to travel, it is ideal for hiking.
Almatinsky Nature Reserve is also well worth a visit for its rugged
beauty. Those in search of spiritualism should head towards the Kozha
Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum built in memory of the famous Sufi teacher.
The Tian Shan range at Kazakhstan's northern part makes for some beautiful
scenery.
Capital: Astana
Location: Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of
the Ural River in eastern-most Europe
Climate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid
Total Area: 2,717,300 sq km
Total Population: 15,284,929
Population Growth Rate: 0.352%
Sex Ratio: 0.932 male(s)/female
Literacy: 99.5%
Ethnic Groups: Kazakh (Qazaq), Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, German,
Tatar, Uygur
Irrigated land: 35,560 sq km
Languages: Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) , Russian
Time Zone: UTC+6
Currency: tenge (KZT)
Neighbouring countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia
6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km
Type of govt.: Communist state
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Karim Masimov
Major Political Parties: Adilet (Justice) , Agrarian and Industrial
Union of Workers Block or AIST , Ak Zhol Party , AUL (Village), Communist
Party of Kazakhstan or KPK , Communist People's Party of Kazakhstan
, Nur-Otan , the Agrarian, Asar, and Civic parties merged with Otan,
Patriots' Party, Rukhaniyat
Participation in International Organizations: AsDB, CIS, ECO, FAO,
EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, GCTU, IAEA, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC,
IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ILO, IMF, IMO, IPU, ISO, ITU, NSG, OAS,
MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, WCL, WCO, WIPO, WMO, WTO WFTU, WHO
Major Agricultural Products: grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton,
livestock
Natural Resources & Minerals: major deposits of petroleum, natural
gas, manganese, chrome ore, coal, iron ore, nickel, cobalt, lead,
zinc, bauxite, copper, molybdenum, gold, uranium.
Industry & Transport: oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, titanium,
bauxite, gold, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, silver, phosphates, tractors
sulfur, iron and steel, electric motors, construction materials
Airports: 150
Railways: 13,700 km
Roadways:
90,018 km
Waterways: 4,000 km
Major Trade Partners: Russia, Germany, China, Italy, France, Romania,
US , Russia , China , Germany
Exports: $35.55 billion
Imports: $22 billion
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