Country guide - Kazakhstan  

 
 

Introduction: Kazakhstan is bordered by the Russian Federation, the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China.

Official Name: Republic of Kazakhstan
Area: 2,717,300 Sq Km (1,049,200 Sq Miles)
Population: 16,763,000
Continent: Asia
Density per square mile: 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 & uranium.
Land Use: Arable Land 11%
Agriculture: Various grains but mostly wheat, cotton, wool & 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 & 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 & E, cholera, diptheria & 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 degrees Celsius in January to 19 degrees Celsius in July, while in the south it ranges from -3 degrees Celsius in January to 30 degrees Celsius 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 Details

 

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