Country Guide • Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is bordered by the Russian Federation, the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China.
| Official Name | Republic of Kazakhstan |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,717,300km² (1,049,200mile²) |
| Population | 16,763,000 |
| Continent | Asia |
| Population per mile² | 16 |
| Capital City | Astana (formerly Aqmola) |
| Religions | 40% Russian Orthodox, 38% Sunni Muslims, 2% Protestant |
| Language | Russian is the official language with approx. 98% speaking this there is also Kazakh spoken by approx. 63% |
| Government | Republic |
| Currency | Tenge |
| GDP | $105 billion |
| GDP per Head | $6,300 |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold and uranium |
| Land Use | Arable Land 11% |
| Agriculture | Various grains but mostly wheat, cotton, wool and livestock |
| Industry | Although much of the country's industrial capacity is in need of repair and certainly not running at full strength it does trade in the following:- Chemical Processing, Copper Smelting, Forging and Pressing Machines, Instruments, Iron and Steel, Mineral Processing, Mining, Oil Refining, Rolling Equipment, Sugar Refining and Textiles |
| Tourism | South Kazakhstan is a focus of Central Asian history and there are many famous monuments in the region. It is a scenically diverse region where the snow-capped peaks, lakes and glaciers of the Tian Shan range give way to steppe and desert. Almaty was until fairly recently the former capital of Kazakhstan and it is situated between mountains and plains. It is a city of modern architecture, interesting and unusual fountains, parks and spectacular mountain views |
| Natural Hazards | Earthquakes in the south and mudslides around Almaty |
| Health Risks | Hepatitis A and E, cholera, diphtheria and undulant fever. Tuberculosis is endemic throughout the country. Typhoid is on the increase in Almaty. There are regular, localised, reports of small numbers of people being infected with Anthrax from contaminated meat in the South Kazakhstan Region. Don't drink the water always drink bottled |
| Climate | Kazakhstan has a continental climate. Winters are long and cold with snow cover lasting from 50 to 150 days depending on the region while summers are short hot and dry with an annual rainfall of 9 inches. Average temperature ranges in the north are from -18°C in January to 19°C in July, while in the south it ranges from -3°C in January to 30°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC There are three time zones: + 4, 5 and 6 hours |
| National Days | Republic Day 25 October and Independence Day 16 December |
| Visas | You should obtain a visa before travelling to Kazakhstan. If you plan to stay for three days or more you should obtain registration from the local authorities on arrival. Carry your passport, or an Embassy certified copy at all times. The police can arrest visitors who do not carry identification |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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