Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Kazakhstan
CapitalAstana
Population20.4 million
Area2,724,900 km² (1052089 sq mi)
LanguagesKazakh, Russian
CurrencyKazakhstani tenge (₸)
TimezoneUTC+05:00, UTC+06:00
RegionAsia / Central Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Notable Achievements
| Category | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Baikonur Cosmodrome | Kazakhstan is home to the world's oldest and largest operational space launch facility, Baikonur Cosmodrome, which has been the launch site for many historic space missions, including the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin |
| Sports | Olympic Medals | Kazakh athletes have won a total of 71 Olympic medals, including 25 gold medals, in sports such as wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting |
| Arts | Traditional Music | Kazakhstan has a rich cultural heritage of traditional music, with instruments such as the dombra and kobyz being an integral part of its folk music |
| Development | Economic Growth | Kazakhstan has experienced rapid economic growth, with its GDP growing from $1.7 billion in 1991 to over $170 billion in 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world |
| Innovation | IT Sector | Kazakhstan has a growing IT sector, with many international companies, such as Microsoft and IBM, having offices in the country, and the government investing heavily in the development of the sector |
| Global Contributions | Peacekeeping Missions | Kazakhstan has contributed troops to several international peacekeeping missions, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, and has also hosted several international conferences on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation |
| Education | University Rankings | Several Kazakh universities, such as Nazarbayev University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, have been ranked among the top universities in the world, with Nazarbayev University being ranked as one of the top 200 universities globally |
| Environmental Conservation | Protected Areas | Kazakhstan has a large network of protected areas, including 10 national parks and 13 wildlife reserves, which provide a habitat for many endangered species, such as the snow leopard and the Saiga antelope |
Cultural Treasures
- The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a major pilgrimage site in Kazakhstan.
- The Traditional Kazakh Instrument Making craft has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with many artisans still making traditional instruments such as the dombra and kobyz.
- The Kazakh Epic Poetry, such as the Korkyt-Ata and the Alpamys**, are an important part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage, with many epic poems still being recited and performed today.
- The Kazakh Felt Making** craft is a traditional craft that has been passed down for generations, with many artisans still making traditional felt products such as hats, bags, and clothing.
- The Astana Opera is a world-class opera house that hosts a wide range of performances, including ballet, opera, and classical music concerts.
People & Global Impact
- Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first president of Kazakhstan, played a key role in the country's transition to independence and has been recognized for his efforts to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
- The Kazakh diaspora has made significant contributions to the cultural and economic development of many countries, with many Kazakhs living and working abroad, particularly in countries such as Russia, China, and the United States.
- Abay Kunanbayev, a famous Kazakh poet and philosopher, is considered one of the most important figures in Kazakh literature and culture, with his works still being widely read and studied today.
- The Kazakh values of hospitality, respect for elders, and community solidarity are highly valued and still practiced today, with many Kazakhs placing a strong emphasis on family and social relationships.
What Visitors Love
- The hospitality of the Kazakh people is often cited as one of the highlights of visiting Kazakhstan, with many visitors commenting on the warm and welcoming nature of the locals.
- The traditional Kazakh cuisine, which includes dishes such as beshbarmak and shashlik, is a popular aspect of Kazakh culture, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to try traditional foods and drinks.
- The natural scenery of Kazakhstan, which includes the Tien Shan and Altai mountains, the Caspian Sea, and the Kazakh Steppe, is a major draw for tourists, with many visitors coming to hike, ski, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
- The modern architecture of Astana, the capital city, is a popular attraction, with many visitors drawn to the city's futuristic skyline and modern landmarks such as the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr shopping center.
- The traditional festivals and celebrations, such as the Nauryz spring festival and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, are an important part of Kazakh culture, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to experience these events firsthand.
- The Kazakh markets, such as the Green Market** in Almaty, are a great place to try traditional foods, buy local handicrafts, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a Kazakh market.
Hidden Gems
- The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is a protected area that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard and the Saiga antelope, and offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
- The Turkestan city, which is located in the south of Kazakhstan, is a historic city that is home to many ancient monuments and landmarks, including the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
- The Kazakh nomadic culture** is still practiced by some families in rural areas, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to experience this traditional way of life firsthand.
- The Lake Balkhash is a large lake that is located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, with many visitors drawn to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.