Kazakhstan

The Heartland of Eurasia and Gateway of the Silk Road

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest by area. Strategically located between Europe and Asia, it is a key player in Eurasian geopolitics, energy exports, and cultural diversity. With vast steppe landscapes, modern cities, and rich nomadic heritage, Kazakhstan is emerging as a major economic and infrastructural hub in Central Asia.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Historically inhabited by Turkic and nomadic tribes like the Scythians and Kazakhs.

  • Part of various empires: Mongol Empire, Russian Empire, and Soviet Union.

  • Gained independence from the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991.

  • First President Nursultan Nazarbayev led from 1991 to 2019.

  • Adopted a unitary presidential republic, now transitioning toward balanced governance.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Kazakhstan (Қазақстан Республикасы)
Capital Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan)
Largest City Almaty
Continent Asia (Central Asia)
Official Languages Kazakh (official), Russian (widely used)
Currency Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Area Approx. 2.72 million sq. km
Population Approx. 19.9 million (2024 est.)
Time Zones UTC+5 to UTC+6
ISO Code KZ
Internet TLD .kz
Calling Code +7

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov
Government Type Unitary Presidential Republic
Legislature Bicameral – Senate (Upper House) & Mazhilis (Lower House)
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Council

Administrative Divisions

Kazakhstan is divided into:

  • 17 Regions (Oblys/Oblast)

  • 3 Cities of Republican Significance:

    • Astana (Capital)

    • Almaty

    • Shymkent

List of 17 Regions:

  1. Abai Region

  2. Akmola Region

  3. Aktobe Region

  4. Almaty Region

  5. Atyrau Region

  6. East Kazakhstan Region

  7. Jetisu Region

  8. Karaganda Region

  9. Kostanay Region

  10. Kyzylorda Region

  11. Mangystau Region

  12. North Kazakhstan Region

  13. Pavlodar Region

  14. Turkistan Region

  15. Ulytau Region

  16. West Kazakhstan Region

  17. Zhambyl Region

Each region is subdivided into districts (audany) and cities/towns, managed by local akimats (administrations).

Local Government Structure

  • Akim (Governor) heads each region, appointed by the president.

  • Local maslikhats (councils) are elected and advise on development.

  • Decentralization reforms aim to empower municipalities and local governance.

Leadership & Governance

  • Strong executive presidency with growing parliamentary reforms

  • Key reforms:

    • Anti-corruption initiatives

    • Judicial modernization

    • Regional integration (Eurasian Economic Union)

  • National development plan: “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees:

    • Police

    • National Guard

    • Border Service

  • Intelligence: KNB (Committee for National Security)

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 102 – Police

    • 103 – Ambulance

    • 101 – Fire

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 237 billion

  • Major sectors:

    • Oil, gas, and uranium – key exports

    • Agriculture – grain, meat, cotton

    • Mining – copper, zinc, rare earths

    • Finance, transport, logistics

  • Investment hubs: Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)

  • Trade partners: China, Russia, EU, USA

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education from 6–16 years

  • Notable universities:

    • Nazarbayev University (Astana)

    • Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty)

    • KIMEP, Satbayev University

  • Multilingual education: Kazakh, Russian, English

  • Priorities: STEM, vocational training, international scholarships (Bolashak)

Healthcare

  • Universal basic healthcare; modernized post-Soviet system

  • Major hospitals in Astana, Almaty, Karaganda

  • Focus areas: maternal health, NCDs, cancer care, rural access

  • Digital health services expanding

Transport & Connectivity

  • Rail: Core network linking China, Russia, Central Asia, Caspian region

  • Roads: Major highways under the Nurly Zhol infrastructure program

  • Airports: Astana, Almaty, Shymkent – regional hubs

  • Caspian Sea port at Aktau

  • Key transit in China–Europe Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)

Tourism & Attractions

  • Nature: Altai Mountains, Caspian Sea, Charyn Canyon, Burabay National Park

  • Cultural: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO), Baikonur Cosmodrome

  • Heritage: Nomadic lifestyle, yurt camps, eagle hunting

  • Adventure: Skiing, trekking, horse riding

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic mix: Kazakh majority; Russian, Uzbek, Uyghur, Ukrainian minorities

  • Religion: Islam (Sunni majority), Christianity (Orthodox minority)

  • Language: Bilingual – Kazakh and Russian

  • Cuisine: Beshbarmak, Kazy, Baursak, fermented horse milk (kumis)

  • Celebrations: Nauryz (spring equinox), Independence Day, Kurban Ait

Summary

Kazakhstan stands at the confluence of cultures, commerce, and continents. With its vast land, rich resources, and visionary leadership, Kazakhstan is not only the engine of Central Asia but a bridge between Europe and Asia, modernity and tradition, energy and innovation. Its strategic positioning and forward-looking reforms are positioning it as a key global player in the 21st century.