Kazakhstan is located in 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. Its strategic location has historically made it a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia.

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Geography

Kazakhstan’s geography is characterized by vast steppes, deserts, and mountain ranges, with the Tien Shan and Altai Mountains dominating the landscape.

Climate

The climate of Kazakhstan varies from continental to arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The country experiences extremes in temperature, with temperatures dropping below freezing in the winter and soaring in the summer.

Fauna

Kazakhstan is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including saiga antelopes, snow leopards, wolves, and eagles. The steppes and mountains provide habitats for various species adapted to the harsh environment.

Longest Rivers

The longest river in Kazakhstan is the Irtysh, which flows through the northeastern part of the country. Other major rivers include the Ural, Syr Darya, and Ili rivers.

Highest Mountains

The Tien Shan Mountains, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, are home to some of the country’s highest peaks. Khan Tengri and Jengish Chokusu are among the tallest mountains, reaching heights of over 7,000 meters (22,966 feet).

History

Kazakhstan’s history is shaped by a succession of nomadic tribes, empires, and civilizations that have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

Prehistory

The territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence of early human settlement dating back tens of thousands of years. The region was home to ancient nomadic tribes, such as the Scythians and Saka, who left behind rich archaeological remains.

Ancient Period

The Silk Road, an ancient trade route linking East and West, passed through Kazakhstan, bringing prosperity and cultural exchange to the region. Cities such as Taraz and Turkestan flourished as centers of trade and commerce.

Medieval Era

In the Middle Ages, Kazakhstan was part of various Turkic and Mongol empires, including the Turkic Khaganate and the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan. The region became a crossroads for nomadic tribes and sedentary civilizations, leading to the synthesis of diverse cultures and traditions.

Modern Age

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Kazakhstan came under Russian imperial rule, leading to significant changes in the region’s demographic and political landscape. The territory was incorporated into the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, experiencing rapid industrialization and social transformation.

Independence

Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, following the dissolution of the USSR. Nursultan Nazarbayev became the country’s first president, overseeing a period of economic reform and nation-building.

Demographics

Kazakhstan is a multiethnic and multicultural society, with a population of approximately 19 million people. The majority of the population is ethnic Kazakh, followed by ethnic Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, and other minority groups.

Administrative Divisions

Kazakhstan is divided into 14 regions (oblasts) and 3 cities (Almaty, Nur-Sultan, and Shymkent), each with its own local government and administrative structure.

List of Administrative Divisions with Population

1. Almaty Region – Population: 2,079,236
2. Akmola Region – Population: 807,025
3. Aktobe Region – Population: 896,192
4. Almaty City – Population: 1,963,041
5. Astana City (now Nur-Sultan) – Population: 1,136,008
6. Atyrau Region – Population: 684,793
7. West Kazakhstan Region – Population: 699,768
8. Jambyl Region – Population: 1,141,799
9. Karaganda Region – Population: 1,359,528
10. Kostanay Region – Population: 878,986
11. Kyzylorda Region – Population: 819,824
12. Mangystau Region – Population: 739,764
13. Pavlodar Region – Population: 755,781
14. North Kazakhstan Region – Population: 587,934
15. Nur-Sultan City – Population: 1,136,008
16. Shymkent City – Population: 1,049,632

10 Largest Cities by Population

1. Almaty
2. Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
3. Shymkent
4. Karaganda
5. Aktobe
6. Taraz
7. Pavlodar
8. Oskemen
9. Semey
10. Atyrau

Education Systems

Education in Kazakhstan is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The country has several universities and colleges, with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Nazarbayev University being among the top institutions.

Transportation

Kazakhstan has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with a network of roads, railways, and airports connecting major cities and regions.

Airports

Kazakhstan has several international airports, including Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Nur-Sultan, Almaty International Airport in Almaty, and Aktau International Airport in Aktau.

Railways

Kazakhstan has an extensive railway network, with over 15,000 kilometers of track. The country is part of the Trans-Siberian Railway, connecting it to Russia and China.

Highways

Kazakhstan has a network of modern highways, with major routes connecting urban centers and border crossings. The total length of highways in Kazakhstan is approximately 97,000 kilometers.

Ports

Kazakhstan has several ports on the Caspian Sea, including Aktau Port and Atyrau Port, which serve as vital hubs for trade and commerce in the region.

Country Facts

• Population: 19 million
• Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
• Language: Kazakh (official), Russian
• Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
• Race: Kazakh, Russian, Uzbek, Ukrainian, and others
• Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
• ISO Country Codes: KZ
• International Calling Code: +7
• Top-level Domain: .kz