Kazakhstan

Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 caused many of these newcomers to emigrate. Kazakhstan's economy is larger than those of all the other Central Asian states combined, largely due to the country's vast natural resources and a recent history of political stability. Current issues include: developing a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets; achieving a sustainable economic growth; diversifying the economy outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors; enhancing Kazakhstan's competitiveness; and strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign powers.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 15,284,929 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Kazakhstani(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Kazakhstani

Official Language(s): Kazakh Russian

Major Languages Spoken: Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kirghiz, Russian, Uzbek

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Kazakhstan

Country Name (short form): Kazakhstan

Country Name (local long form): Qazaqstan Respublikasy

Country Name (local short form): Qazaqstan

Name of Capital: Astana

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time); note: Kazakhstan is divided into thre

Countries Near by, and Bordering Kazakhstan: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China

Land Area: 2669800 sq km

Water Area: 47500 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Total Land Boundry: 12,012 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

International Phone Code: 7

Currency Code: tenge (KZT)

Internet Country Code: .kz

US Embassy Location: Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, Building #3, Astana 010010

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address

Services In, and Related to Kazakhstan

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