Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the country with the most incredible nature and opportunities for adventure holidays along the Great Silk Road. We invite you to visit the ‘sunken forest’, Lake Kayindy in the Almaty region, see the alien landscapes of Boszhira, Tuzbair, Torysh, Airakty in the Mangistau region, go to a piece of Mars on Earth – the Kiin-Kerish area, and also visit a truly historical place – the Baikonur cosmodrome, where the first time a manned space-flight was completed from!

We are waiting for you in our country! Discover amazing and fascinating Kazakhstan!

Language: Kazakh, Russian
Currency: Tenge
Capital City: Astana
Population: 19.6 million

History

The history of Kazakhstan is a tapestry woven with the threads of ancient civilizations, nomadic empires, and a complex interplay of cultures. The region’s history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating as far back as the Paleolithic era. Early inhabitants engaged in hunting, gathering, and herding, establishing the foundations of a nomadic lifestyle that would persist for millennia.

One of the most significant early civilizations in Kazakhstan was the Scythians, a nomadic people known for their prowess in horsemanship and archery. The Scythians dominated the Central Asian steppes from around the 9th century BC to the 3rd century AD, leaving behind rich archaeological remnants, such as kurgans (burial mounds) and golden artefacts. Their legacy played a crucial role in shaping the nomadic traditions that would define the region.

In the centuries that followed, this region played a significant role in the development of world economic and trade cooperation. The Great Silk Road, a vast trade network connecting the East and West, passed through the region, contributing to its cultural diversity and economic importance. However, the true nomadic spirit of the region remained intact, with various steppe confederations and tribal groups holding sway.

Perhaps the most renowned nomadic empire in Kazakhstan’s history was the Mongol Empire, established by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. The Mongols swept across the steppes, unifying the tribes and leaving a lasting mark on the region’s political and cultural landscape. Following the disintegration of the Mongol Empire, the territory of the modern Kazakhstan was divided into several khanates and tribal territories.

The 18th century saw the rise of the Kazakh Khanate – a centralized state formed by the Kazakh tribes, which endured for several decades until it eventually joined the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Kazakhstan became a part of the Russian Empire, leading to significant demographic changes, economic development, and the introduction of new cultural elements.

In the early 20th century, Kazakhstan experienced political turmoil and played a role in the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Soviet era. It became the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936. Throughout the Soviet period, the region underwent industrialization, but also the consequences of policies that altered its traditional way of life.

Kazakhstan finally gained independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. Since then, it has striven to forge its identity as a sovereign nation, embracing a diverse culture that includes influences from its nomadic past, Turkic heritage, and various ethnic groups. The nation has made significant economic progress and played an important role in Central Asia’s geopolitics, establishing itself as a vital player on the world stage.

Geography and Nature

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, bordered by Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. As the ninth-largest country on Earth, Kazakhstan has a varied topography, including boundless steppes, arid deserts and one of the highest mountain peaks on the planet.

The country is home to several iconic species such as the Siberian ibex, saiga antelope, wild horses, snow leopards, lynx, wolves, and bears. Birdlife is also abundant, with species like golden eagles, steppe eagles, northern lapwings and Demoiselle cranes.

The steppes are dominated by grasses such as feather grass, fescue, and wheatgrass. Forests of coniferous and deciduous trees cover the mountainous regions, including spruce, pine, birch, and poplar.

Kazakhstan is home to several nature reserves and national parks that aim to protect the country’s unique biodiversity. These include Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Altyn-Emel National Park, Kolsai Lakes, and Ile-Alatau National Park.

Economy

Kazakhstan has a diverse and rapidly growing economy driven by several key sectors.

1. Natural Resources: Kazakhstan is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of oil, natural gas, and uranium. It also has significant reserves of minerals such as copper, gold, and zinc.
2. Industrial Development: Kazakhstan has made substantial progress in industrial development, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, machinery, and chemicals. The government has implemented initiatives to attract foreign investment and promote domestic industries, contributing to economic growth and diversification.
3. Agriculture: Agriculture plays a vital role in the Kazakh economy, especially in rural areas. The country has fertile lands suitable for cultivating crops like wheat, barley, corn, and potatoes. Livestock farming is also significant.
4. Transport and Logistics: Kazakhstan serves as a crucial transport and logistics hub in Central Asia and beyond, connecting China to European markets over land. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including road networks, railways, and air transport.

People and Culture

Kazakhstan is home to more than 100 ethnic groups, a consequence of migration policies during the Soviet Union era. Kazakhs are the largest ethnic group, followed by Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, and Tatars.

The nomadic heritage of the Kazakh people has greatly influenced their way of life and cultural traditions. Traditional practices such as horsemanship, yurt dwelling, and falconry are celebrated and preserved, offering insights into the nomadic lifestyle.

Kazakh is the official language of the country, while Russian is widely spoken. The diverse ethnic groups also speak their respective native languages, reflecting the multilingual nature of Kazakhstan.

The names of some Kazakhstanis are known all over the world, they conquered the world of fashion, sports and music with their talent. Performers Dimash Kudaibergen, Daneliya Tuleshova, boxer Gennady Golovkin, film director Timur Bekmambetov, clip maker Aisultan Seitov among them.

Important Dates

• January 1-2 – New Year Holiday
• January 7 – Orthodox Christmas Holiday
• 8 March – International Women’s Day
• March 21 – 23 – Nauryz Meiramy (Muslim New Year)
• May 1 – People’s Unity Day
• May 7 – Defender of the Fatherland Day
• May 9 – Victory Day
• July 6 – Capital City Day
• August 30 – Constitution Day
• October 25 – Republic Day
• December 16 – 17 – Independence Day
• Qurban Ait (date changes every year)