Kazakhstan, officially known as the Republic of Kazakhstan, is the world’s largest landlocked country, and the ninth largest in the world. It is located in Central Asia, with a small portion in Eastern Europe. The country shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and also adjoins a large part of the Caspian Sea. The capital of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana.
Kazakhstan has a rich history that dates back to the Stone Age. It was a part of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century and later became a part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. In 1936, it became a Soviet Republic. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Kazakhstan is known for its diverse geography, which includes flatlands, steppes, taigas, rock-canyons, hills, deltas, snow-capped mountains, and deserts. The country has an extreme continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. It has well over 200 mammal species and 500 bird species.
Kazakhstan has the largest and strongest performing economy in Central Asia. It is rich in natural resources including oil, gas, and minerals. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on its oil and gas sector, followed by mining and manufacturing. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
Kazakhstan has a diverse culture due to its complex historical background. The Kazakh culture is influenced by the Turkic nomadic lifestyle. The official language is Kazakh, and Russian is also widely spoken. The majority of the population practices Islam, followed by Christianity. The country is known for its hospitality and respect for elders. Traditional Kazakh music, literature, and dance are integral parts of their culture.
Education in Kazakhstan is universal and mandatory up to the secondary level, and the adult literacy rate is over 99%. The country has made significant investments in education, resulting in a well-educated population. There are numerous universities and institutions for higher education, with some of the top universities located in Almaty and Nur-Sultan.
