Kazakhstan

Central Asia

Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia, home to 20.6 million people, with an area of 2,724,900 km². Its capital is Astana.

Capital: Astana
Population: 20.6 million
Area: 2,724,900 km²
Region: Central Asia
Density: 7.6 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Kazakhstan · Central Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Kazakhstan is known for

Kazakhstan is best known for Charyn Canyon, Baikonur Cosmodrome and Big Almaty Lake.

Kazakhstan is a country located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It is the world’s largest landlocked country, bordered by Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the southwest.

Kazakhstan at a glance

Language: Kazakh and Russian are the official languages, with Kazakh being the state language
Currency: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Kazakhstan, with a significant minority of Christians and followers of other religions
National dish: Beshbarmak (a dish made of boiled meat, usually lamb or beef, and served with noodles and broth)
Climate: Kazakhstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The country is prone to extremes in temperature and weather conditions, with frequent dust and sandstorms
Main industries: Oil and gas production, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, including the production of steel, aluminum, and chemicals
GDP: $186.2 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Kazakhstan is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 76 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Kazakhstan

Some of the main tourist attractions in Kazakhstan include:

Charyn Canyon a natural wonder located in the eastern part of the country, known for its colorful rock formations.
Baikonur Cosmodrome a space launch facility that has been used by both the Soviet Union and Russia, and is currently leased to Kazakhstan.
Big Almaty Lake a picturesque lake located in the mountains near the city of Almaty.
Medeu Skating Rink a world-renowned ice skating rink located in the mountains near Almaty.
Astana Opera a state-of-the-art opera house located in the capital city of Nur-Sultan.
Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve: a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including snow leopards and rare bird species.
Bayterek Tower a futuristic tower in Nur-Sultan that is considered a symbol of the city.
Kolsai Lakes a chain of three lakes located in the mountains near the border with Kyrgyzstan.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Turkestan, known for its stunning architecture and intricate mosaics.
Aktau Mountains a mountain range located in western Kazakhstan, known for its unique rock formations and otherworldly landscapes.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Kazakhstan has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance, as well as its vibrant modern cities and bustling markets.

Kazakhstan in pictures

Kazakhstan on video

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Kazakhstan compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Kazakhstan	20.6 million	2,724,900 km²	Astana
Tajikistan	10.6 million	143,100 km²	Dushanbe
Turkmenistan	7.5 million	488,100 km²	Ashgabat
Kyrgyzstan	7.2 million	199,951 km²	Bishkek