Geography and Natural Features
Kazakhstan, with an area of over 2,745,000 square kilometers, is the ninth-largest country in the world and the largest landlocked country globally. The country shares borders with Russia to the north and west (7,591 km), China to the east (1,783 km), and Kyrgyzstan (1,212 km), Uzbekistan (2,356 km), and Turkmenistan (458 km) to the south. The total length of Kazakhstan's borders with other countries is 13,200 kilometers. In terms of administrative divisions, the country consists of 17 regions and 3 major cities (Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent), with a total of 86 cities and towns scattered across its territory.
Due to its distance from oceans, Kazakhstan has a continental climate, exhibiting a unique climatic diversity across its vast expanse; the northern part is covered with forests and steppes, the central and eastern parts are mountainous, and the southwest consists mainly of desert (44%) and semi-desert (14%) areas. Furthermore, the land possesses abundant water resources, including 8,500 rivers and 48,000 lakes, the most significant of which are the Caspian Sea in the west and Lakes Balkhash and Aral.
Economy and National Resources
Kazakhstan's economy is based on rich mineral and agricultural resources. The country ranks first in zinc and tungsten reserves and second in uranium globally, while also possessing vast oil and gas resources. In the agricultural sector, Kazakhstan is one of the top 10 exporters of wheat and flour in the world. Since independence, the country has successfully attracted over $200 billion in foreign investment and, through projects such as "Nurly Zhol," is striving to become a regional transit hub and modernize its industrial infrastructure.
Culture, Population, and Media
· Population and Ethnic Diversity
With a population of nearly 20 million, Kazakhstan is a blend of 130 different ethnicities. Kazakhs form the majority (over 70%), followed by Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, and Uyghurs. This racial diversity led to the establishment of the "Assembly of People of Kazakhstan" as a strategic institution, playing a key role in maintaining national harmony and solidarity.
· Festivals and Traditions
Kazakhstan's traditions are inextricably linked to the nomadic lifestyle and noble human values. Based on the symbolism of the flag and national emblem, concepts such as loyalty, generosity, and the "Shanyrak" (symbol of a shared home and the roof of a yurt) lie at the heart of the people's rituals. One of the most important national and ancient festivals is "Nauryz," symbolizing the rebirth of nature and solidarity. In these traditions, respect for elders, hospitality, and traditional horse racing competitions hold a special place.
· Traditional Foods
Kazakhstan's culinary culture is based on livestock products and grains, particularly wheat and flour (of which Kazakhstan is a leading exporter). Traditional dishes such as "Beshbarmak" (a combination of meat and flat dough) and the use of various dairy products are rooted in the country's pastoral history. Additionally, given Kazakhstan's reputation for producing melons and orchard products, these items are an inseparable part of traditional tables and hospitality.
· Media and Cultural Space
In the media sector, Kazakhstan's culture is reflected through 127 radio and television channels and more than 1,800 publications in Kazakh and Russian languages. Channels such as "Bilim zhane Madeniyet" and "Kazakhstan" play an important role in promoting national arts and traditional rituals. The "Kaz Media" center in Astana serves as the heart of cultural production, explaining national identity and showcasing the cultural diversity of Kazakhstan's various ethnicities through modern programming.
Generalities and Political Structure
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a unitary country with a presidential system that declared independence on December 16, 1991. The capital is "Astana," and the political system is built on democratic, secular principles and the rule of law. In this structure, the President is the highest-ranking official and the guarantor of national unity, determining the general lines of domestic and foreign policy. The legislature or Parliament consists of two chambers: the Senate (with 50 representatives) and the Mazhilis (with 98 representatives), where parties such as "Amanat" and "Ak Zhol" are active. The identity of this political system and national sovereignty is manifested in the country's official flag.
· Introduction to the Flag of Kazakhstan
The national flag of Kazakhstan, designed in 1992, features a sky-blue background symbolizing peace, unity, and loyalty. In its center is a golden sun with 32 rays (shaped like grain stalks), signifying energy and prosperity. Below the sun, a soaring golden eagle is depicted, symbolizing independence, freedom, and the flight toward a sustainable future. Additionally, on the left margin, a vertical traditional Kazakh pattern represents the cultural authenticity and civilization of the nation.
Regional and International Cultural Links
As a strategic country in the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan plays a key role as a guarantor of stability and sustainability in the region. Through active membership in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the country has strengthened its historical, cultural, and economic ties with neighboring countries, utilizing this platform for trade development and goods transit. Furthermore, through participation in the Eurasian Economic Union and initiatives such as "CICA," Kazakhstan has solidified its position as a bridge between East and West. On the global stage, hosting major summits like the OSCE Summit and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana reflects the country's active diplomacy toward promoting peace, nuclear disarmament, and multilateral cooperation.
· Comprehensive Information Table of the Republic of Kazakhstan
|
Topic
|
Details and
Specifications
|
|
Official Name
|
Republic of
Kazakhstan
|
|
Capital
|
Astana
|
|
Government
Type
|
Unitary
Presidential Republic
|
|
President
|
Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev
|
|
Population
|
Approx. 19.9
million (2023 statistics)
|
|
Area
|
2,745,000 sq
km (9th largest in the world)
|
|
Official Language
|
Kazakh
|
|
Common
Languages
|
Russian
(Common language for inter-ethnic communication)
|
|
Currency
|
Tenge
|
|
Coastline
Area
|
1,894 km
(along the Caspian Sea)
|
|
Highest Point
|
Khan Tengri
Peak (7,010 m)
|
|
Lowest Point
|
Karagiye
Depression (-132 m below sea level)
|
|
Major Cities
|
Almaty,
Astana, Shymkent
|
|
Natural
Resources
|
Oil, Gas,
Uranium, Zinc, Tungsten, Gold, and Coal
|
|
Climate
|
Continental
(hot summers and very cold winters)
|
|
Independence
|
December 16,
1991 (from the Soviet Union)
|
|
Independence
Day
|
December 16
|
|
Internet
Domain
|
.kz
|
|
Intl. Calling
Code
|
+7
|
To follow daily news and gain deeper insight, you can visit the
Kazinform news agency or websites with the .kz domain.