Kazakhstan

The Heart of Eurasia

Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country overall. Stretching from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east, it serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia — a nation where ancient nomadic traditions blend with modern economic ambition and cultural diversity.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Kazakhstan’s roots trace back to the great nomadic empires of Central Asia — the Turkic Khaganate, Golden Horde, and Kazakh Khanate. It has long been a vital part of the Silk Road, connecting Eastern and Western civilizations.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 1465: Formation of the Kazakh Khanate under Janibek and Kerei Khans

• 18th–19th Century: Gradual incorporation into the Russian Empire

• 1920: Established as part of the Soviet Union (Kazakh ASSR)

• 1936: Became the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

• 1991 (Dec 16): Declared independence after the dissolution of the USSR

• 1997: Capital moved from Almaty to Astana (now Astana City)

• 2019: Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became President

Kazakhstan’s modern identity focuses on stability, multiethnic harmony, and technological advancement.

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

Kazakhstan’s political system emphasizes centralized leadership, political reform, and a balance between modernization and national identity.

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

Kazakhstan is divided into 17 regions (oblystar) and 3 cities of republican significance (Astana, 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).

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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.

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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”

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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

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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Central Eurasia (bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan)

• Terrain: Vast steppes, deserts, mountains, and semi-arid plains

• Major Rivers: Irtysh, Ural, Syr Darya

• Lakes: Caspian Sea (world’s largest inland sea), Lake Balkhash

• Climate: Continental — hot summers, cold winters

• Natural Resources: Oil, gas, uranium, coal, iron, copper, and rare earth metals

Kazakhstan’s vast landscape holds immense natural wealth, making it one of the world’s leading energy exporters.

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Heritage:

• Nomadic lifestyle and hospitality

• Traditional sports: Kokpar (goat polo), Kazakh wrestling

• Cuisine: Beshbarmak (national dish), kumis (fermented mare’s milk)

• Famous poet-philosopher: Abai Kunanbayev

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Kazakhstan’s economy is the largest in Central Asia, driven by energy exports and modernization.

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a trans-Eurasian trade hub, leveraging the China-Europe Belt and Road Corridor.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Kazakhstan serves as a transit hub for continental logistics between Asia and Europe.

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🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Kazakhstan’s vast and diverse geography offers deserts, mountains, and futuristic cities.

Top Attractions:

• Astana: Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, Hazrat Sultan Mosque

• Almaty: Shymbulak Ski Resort, Big Almaty Lake, Kok-Tobe Hill

• Charyn Canyon: “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”

• Baikonur Cosmodrome: World’s first and largest space launch site

• Turkistan: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO site)

• Kolsai Lakes: Alpine beauty near the Tian Shan mountains

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

Kazakhstan is known for its nuclear disarmament leadership and peaceful regional engagement.

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📝 Summary

Kazakhstan is a nation of vision — from nomadic heritage to space technology, from steppes to skyscrapers. Standing at the crossroads of civilizations, it has emerged as a modern, stable, and energy-rich state, playing a vital role in the global economy and Eurasian connectivity.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Digital Kazakhstan: Building a Smart Future”

• “Astana’s Transformation into a Global Capital”

• “Kazakhstan’s Role in the Belt and Road Initiative”

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🎯 Our Mission

This page aims to present a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan — its people, leadership, culture, and progress — as part of a broader effort to document all nations under the AFP Knowledge Hub project.

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📬 Contact Us

For verified updates or to contribute local insights, reach out to our editorial team to enhance Kazakhstan’s information profile.