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An introduction
to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan remains one of the fastest-developing post-Soviet states, strategically positioned between East and West, with increasing global relevance in energy, rare earths, and Eurasian connectivity. In late 2025 it markedly deepens ties with the United States and opens new economic sectors like cryptocurrency.
Kazakhstan at a glance
01
Introduction
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a transcontinental landlocked country primarily in Central Asia, with a population of close to 21 million. It is the world's ninth-largest country by land area and the largest landlocked nation. Kazakhstan features vast steppes, mountains, deserts, and lakes, including part of the Eurasian Steppe historically dominated by nomads. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, balancing ties with Russia, China, the US, and others.
02
Geography
Kazakhstan spans 2,724,900 km² and borders Russia (north), China (east), Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan (south), and the Caspian Sea (west). The terrain includes vast flat steppes, the Kazakh Stepniz, deserts (Kyzylkum, Betpak-Dala), mountains (Altai, Tian Shan), and lakes (Caspian Sea — world's largest inland body — Balkhash, Zaysan). The climate is strongly continental with hot summers and very cold winters. The lowest point is the Karagiye Depression (-132 m); the highest is Khan Tengri (7,010 m). Kazakhstan holds rich natural resources: oil, gas, uranium (world's largest producer), rare earths, and minerals.
03
Government and Politics
Kazakhstan is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a dominant-party system (Amanat party).
- President: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (since 2019, re-elected 2022 for a single 7-year term).
- Prime Minister: Olzhas Bektenov (since February 2024).
The country has 17 regions plus 3 cities of national significance (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent). Recent reforms (2022 referendum) reduced presidential powers, strengthened parliament, and introduced direct elections for regional leaders. Kazakhstan belongs to the UN, OSCE, SCO, CSTO, Eurasian Economic Union, Turkic States Organization, and (non-aligned) CICA.
04
Economy
Kazakhstan is an upper-middle-income economy reliant on hydrocarbons (oil accounts for ~60% of exports). It holds the world's 12th-largest proven oil reserves and is a top-10 uranium producer.
- GDP (2024/2025 estimates): ~$260–280 billion nominal; real growth ~4.5–5% in 2025.
- GDP per capita: ~$13,000–14,000.
Key industries include oil/gas, mining, metallurgy, agriculture (wheat exporter), machinery. Major projects involve Tengiz oil field expansion and Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure. The government pushes diversification via "Nurly Zhol" and attracts FDI through Astana International Financial Centre (English common law jurisdiction).
Recent developments: New crypto law (2025) allows nationwide digital asset circulation.