Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country that is the world's ninth-largest country by land area. It is bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. The country has a rich history dating back to the ancient Silk Road and has seen influences from various cultures and empires such as the Mongols, Persians, and Russians.

Kazakhstan gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since then, the country has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in its oil and gas industry. The country's capital and largest city is Nur-Sultan, and its official language is Kazakh. However, Russian is widely spoken and considered a second official language.

Kazakhstan is home to diverse landscapes, including the vast steppes, mountain ranges such as the Altai Mountains and Tian Shan, and the Caspian Sea coastline. Popular tourist destinations include the cosmopolitan city of Almaty, the cultural city of Shymkent, the ancient Silk Road city of Turkestan, and the stunning Charyn Canyon.

Some popular activities in Kazakhstan include trekking and mountaineering, exploring the country's rich history and culture, and enjoying the delicious Kazakh cuisine, which includes dishes such as beshbarmak (boiled meat served over noodles) and plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables).

Visitors to Kazakhstan must obtain a visa prior to arrival, although citizens of some countries may be eligible for visa-free entry. The country has a diverse climate, with hot summers and cold winters, so visitors should pack accordingly. It is also important to note that Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly in religious sites.

Telephone Code
7

Local Emergency Phone
3

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.


Climate
Continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Currency (Code)
Tenge (KZT)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Kazakh, trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English), Russian (used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication")

Major Religions
Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve; Ruins of Sauran; Taraz (Talas); Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi; Petroglyphs of Tamgaly

Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, ice hockey, speed skating, weightlifting

Cultural Practices
Flowers, quality alcohol, or chocolates are good choices for gifts if invited into a household.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary since a service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills. There is also a fixed charge on taxi and railway transport, so many taxi drivers will refuse tips unless travelers insist repeatedly.

Souvenirs
Stringed instruments; wool rugs, coats, vests, and hats; batik and silk scarves, mats, and wall hangings; traditional dresses; leather water flasks and other goods; gold and silver items; camel- and yurt-themed items

Traditional Cuisine
Beshbarmak — horse or lamb meat with flat noodles and onion sauce

Geography
Area
total: 2,724,900 sq km
land: 2,699,700 sq km
water: 25,200 sq km

Climate
continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Natural resources
major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

People and Society
Population
19,543,464 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kazakh (Qazaq) 68%, Russian 19.3%, Uzbek 3.2%, Ukrainian 1.5%, Uighur 1.5%, Tatar 1.1%, German 1%, other 4.4% (2019 est.)

Languages
Kazakh (official, Qazaq) 83.1% (understand spoken language) and trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English) 22.3% (2017 est.); Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 94.4% (understand spoken language) (2009 est.)

Religions
Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate
0.73% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Astana

Economy
Economic overview
oil and gas giant, with growing international investment; domestic economy hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; reforming civil society and improving business confidence; legacy state controls and Russian influence inhibit growth and autonomy

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$496.126 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$26,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
wheat, milk, potatoes, barley, watermelons, melons, linseed, onions, maize, sunflower seed

Industries
oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, uranium, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials

Exports
$66.132 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 13%, Italy 12%, Russia 10%, Netherlands 7%, France 6%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, copper, iron alloys, radioactive chemicals (2019)

Imports
$49.196 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Russia 34%, China 24% (2019)

Imports - commodities
packaged medicines, natural gas, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft (2019)