kazakhstan

The land of great scenic views and great culture.

Kazakhstan is a land of contrasts, the largest of the world’s landlocked countries. With wide-open steppes, impressive mountain chains, numerous rich nomadic traditions and contemporary economic development, Kazakhstan is a country that cannot dwell on the past only and whose new life is much more challenging and fast-paced than the previous one. The country is found in the Central Asia region; it is a very important cultural and historical beacon in the region besides being one of the most strategically significant countries in the region. Kazakhstan is an interesting country to know and discover because of its natural beauty plus the fact that it is gaining political and economic power.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for Kazakhstan

Geographical Location

The size of Kazakhstan is about 2.7 million square kilometers and the nation has got the ninth biggest size in the world. It is surrounded by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. This geographical position has made Kazakhstan a key point of contact between East and West, especially because this country lies in the very center of the Eurasian continent.

Natural features and Landforms

The country of Kazakhstan is extremely varied. Northern territories of the country are occupied with huge and plain steppes bringing their lands beyond the horizons. On the east, the soaring Altai Mountains provide the area with a natural border with Russia and China which are just amazing to view, and present the possibility of hiking and winter sports. The south is dominated by the Tien Shan Mountains which offer fantastic panoramas and where city dwellers are able to encounter the tallest point of Kazakhstan, the Khan Tengri (7,010 meters). The nation also boasts of large deserts like the Kyzylkum and the Mangystau which are large and vast deserts and the number of large lakes in the country to include Lake Balkhash and Lake Caspian which is the largest inland waters in the world.

Explore the stunning landscapes and rivers of Kazakhstan through National Geographic’s detailed coverage.

Ancient and Medieval history

Kazakhstan has been around for thousands of years and it is on the huge steppes of the country that it has made the dwelling place of the nomadic tribes. Ancient warrior nomads known as the Scythians resided in the area possibly as early as the year 800 BCE. Its region also had the Turkic Khaganate as well as the Mongol Empire, among numerous other nomadic empires. Today, one can also see the remnants of these cultures in Kazakhstan, in the way of horsemanship, music and special yurt.

Kazakhstan has an important strategic position, as one of the largest ancient trade routes, a Silk Road, went through the country, and its merchants participated in the trade between China, Central Asia, Middle East, and Europe. This cultural interaction enabled the country to develop a rich cultural and linguistic heritage in Kazakhstan.

Soviet Union and Russian Empire

Kazakhstan was a part of the Russian Empire and then Soviet Union in the 19th century. Essentially in this period the nomad culture of the majority of the Kazakh tribes was drastically interfered with as laws of the Soviet government directed her to settle the people. With cotton and grain cultivation, especially, Kazakhstan turned into a significant agricultural and industrial hub during the Soviet regime. Another onset was that the country was also a hub to Soviet space exploration, with the Baikonur Cosmodrome coming up on the southern side of the Kazakhstan region. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in the independence of Kazakhstan.

Contemporary History and Renewed Autonomy

The state of Kazakhstan proclaimed independence on the 16 th of December 1991 after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Its first president Nursultan Nazarbayev brought the country out of the economic transformation and political stability process. The nation has adopted free-market reforms, development of natural resources (particularly oil and gas) and the nation has achieved much success in infrastructural development, education and economic diversification. Kazakhstan is still preoccupied with its political stability as it acts between the nations of Russia, China and the west.

Diversity in Ethnicity and Religion

Kazakhstan is a multilingual and multinational state, over 130 ethnicities can be represented in this country. The largest ethnic group is Kazakhs, but there are numerous minorities such as Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians and Germans. Such diversity has resulted in a thick cultural environment, as different cultures, languages and Maldives Festivals have been cohabiting.

Most of the population in Kazakhstan is Muslim and most of them are Sunni Muslims, whereas Russian Orthodox Christians form a higher proportion especially among Russians. This nation is famous because of its policy of religious tolerance and most cities of the country have a number of types of places of worship which are subordinate to various religions.

Cultural activities and heritage.

The culture of Kazakh has been defined by the nomadic culture. The cultural traditions of Kazakhstan of horsemanship, falconry and storytelling are still a very important part of the culture. The best-known Kazakh cultural symbol is the so-called beshbarmak dish, which is a traditional meal (boiled meat and pasta) and is regarded as a sign of hospitality. Another tradition that speaks about the strong attachment of the country to the nomadic past is the so-called game on horseback, called the kokpar.

And Kazakhstan is rich with music and arts to boot and most of the traditional music was made up of the dombra, a two-string musical instrument that takes center stage. The oral tradition of epic tales is performed by poets and singers called “akyns”. During the last several years, the country of Kazakhstan renewed old and disappeared art crafts like felt-making and carpet weaving, which are nowadays presented on the international arena.

Religious Festivals

Most significant religious holidays in Kazakhstan are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is a festival that celebrates the finish of Ramadan and is celebrated in the form of family reunions, specific foods and donations. The other important holiday is Eid al-Adha, celebrating the readiness of Ibrahim to slaughter his son; prayers are offered followed by a meal which is shared with family members and the poor.

Special days and National Holidays

Kazakhstan Independence Day, which is observed on the 16 th of December, is marked to celebrate the time when this country liberated itself of the Soviet Union in the year 1991. It is a day that is marked with parades, concerts as well as cultural shows. Another important celebration in Kazakhstan that is especially popular among Kazakh and other central Asian people is the Persian New Year called Nowruz. It is the celebration of the coming of spring or a period when families get together, when there are feasts and when the exchanging of gifts takes place.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Kazakhstan boasts an immense agricultural reserve and the nation is also among the biggest producers of grain, especially wheat as well as livestock products, including beef and mutton. The nation is a major producer in the world of oil, gas, coal and mineral hence plays a major role in the world energy industry. The economy of Kazakhstan has been well established on its natural treasure yet the country is striving to build its economy in all other areas except natural resource exploitation.

Economic Diversification

Kazakhstan is concentrating on diversifying the economy, especially in the manufacture, agriculture, and technological sectors. The government has also put in reforms that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and foreign investment. Its development efforts to enhance regional connection and promote trade through the innovative creation of roads, railways, and airports are numerous and large-scale infrastructure programs of the country.

Finance and Banking

With Almaty as the financial capital of Kazakhstan, the banking industry of the country has expanded at a very high rate. The financial system of the country is more advanced than the rest of the Central Asian neighbours and Kazakhstan is moving to develop a regional financial centre. The country equally seeks to invite foreign investments, and enhance its business environment, in spite of the challenges that include bureaucratic barriers and corruption.

Historical and cultural land marks

A number of beautiful historical and cultural monuments are present in Kazakhstan. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkistan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important pilgrimage place among the Muslims. Almaty, the former capital city, houses beautiful parks and the Medeu Ice Skating Rink that lies in the foothills of Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains. Its capital city, Nur-Sultan (ex-city Astana) is a demonstration of modern architecture, with such major attractions as the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Natural Beauty

Kazakhstan has some of the finest natural sceneries in Central Asia. The Altai Mountains (which are situated in the northeastern side of the country) are famous when it comes to their scenic sceneries, whereas the Charyn Canyon (which is situated in the south of the country) has often been referred to as the Grand Canyon per se in the United States. The lakes that the country has like lake Balkhash and lake Zaysan are very beautiful places to perform outdoors activities such as fishing and boating. Its boundless steppes and desert attract special possibilities of eco-tourism and cultural touring.

Healthcare System

Kazakhstan has over the last couple of years spent a lot on healthcare, and its healthcare system is getting better. Nevertheless, there is a certain problem, especially in small towns, where medical care is not always available. Kazakhstan possesses an emerging privatized healthcare industry, where policymakers manage hospitals that provide various services to the population. The government is also targeting to enhance health conditions in the country and increase the delivery of healthcare specifically in the underserved areas.

Education System

Kazakhstan emphasizes a lot on education and has gone a great mile to bring near literacy rates and access to schooling. The education system in the country is well-developed and there are a lot of schools where students study Kazakh, Russian and even English. Several high-level universities can be also found in Kazakhstan, including Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, holding programs in engineering, natural sciences, and humanities.

Transportation Network

A highly developed transportation system such as a wide network of roads, railways, and airports are available in Kazakhstan. The rail system of this country is one of the biggest in the world and is also majorly involved in transportation of goods within the region of Central Asia. Kazakhstan is also engaging in investments to redevelop its roads and highways that will allow improving connectivity to the regions.

Urban Development

Lately the cities in Kazakhstan have been rapidly urbanized, especially Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Sustainable development in urban areas is taken so much seriously by the government and infrastructure, housing and green spaces are much emphasized. Other ways through which the country is advancing are the methods of transporting the people through the regular transport arrangements in big cities.

Ideal Seasons

Visiting Kazakhstan during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) is the most appropriate time as the weather is mild, and it is ideal to spend time outside. Summers may be hot particularly in the south of the country and winters may be cold especially in the north.

Special events and festivals.

Nowruz and Independence Day represent the major festivals in Kazakhstan and are the most interesting events to get to know the Kazakh culture and traditions. What is particularly outstanding about the Nowruz celebrations is the colorful festivals and family affairs.

Conclusion: Kazakhstan Future

Kazakhstan is a country in the center of history and modernity. The country has immense resources, a strategic position and has a lot of cultural heritage which is set to grow as one of the major players in Central Asia. It does not mean that there are no challenges, but Kazakhstan turns toward the bright future rightfully taking its place on the world arena due to its intentions on diversification, economic progress, and cultural maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should one come to Kazakhstan?

The most suitable months to visit are spring (April-June) or fall (September-October), the weather is moderate during these periods, and ideal to observe sights of the country.

Which are the main attractions of Kazakhstan?

The most famous ones are Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Almaty and Nur-Sultan, Charyn Canyon and the Altai Mountains.

What languages can be spoken in Kazakhstan?

The major language is Kazakh although Russian exists rather widely especially in urban centers.

Which are the industries that place Kazakhstan in the forefront of the economy?

The major factors that should form the economy of Kazakhstan are oil, gas, mining, agriculture, and manufacture.

Is Kazakhstan tourist friendly?

Yes, Kazakhstan is not dangerous as a tourist destination with the exception of the tourists ought to be perceptive of the local customs and laws.

Which cultural festivals do I have to attend in Kazakhstan?

These cultural traditions of Kazakhstan should be seen through Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Independence Day celebrations.

Kazakhstan is a country of huge nature, deep history and cultural variety. Kazakhstan provides travelers with such a unique experience of blending the ancient cultures and modern efforts since it is strategically located in Central Asia with people who have incorporated its strategies into their highly growing economy. Kazakhstan is an amazing country with surprises and opportunities. Either you are going to explore its natural beauty, historical sites, or colorful cities.