Kazakhstan
About Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is probably best known for the antics of the pseudo-Kazakh Borat. It’s economy is the largest in the Central Asian states, mainly due to the country’s vast natural resources, including oil.
Ethnically the former Soviet republic is as diverse with around 130 nationalities populating Kazakhstan: 66% are Kazakhs, 21% are Russians and the remaining 13% constitutes of Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Germans, Uighurs and Tartars.
Since independence, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, major investment in the oil sector has brought rapid economic growth making Kazakhstan the wealthiest country in Central Asia.
Landscape 2,724,900 km2
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, covering approximately 1.8% of the Earth’s total land area. It is not only the largest country in Central Asia but also stands out as a vast and diverse landscape, ranging from expansive steppes to towering mountains.Â
This immense size gives Kazakhstan a significant geopolitical and economic presence in the region. Its land area is larger than that of many countries, including most in Europe, highlighting its central role in Asia and its importance in global affairs.
Currency Tenge KZT
The Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) is the official currency of Kazakhstan, introduced in 1993 after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. The currency’s name, “tenge,” comes from the ancient
Turkic word for “a balance or scale,” symbolizing the country’s desire for stability and balance in the post-Soviet economic era. Check the latest course here: xe.com
Population 20,600,000
As of 2024, Kazakhstan has a population of approximately 20.6 million people. Kazakhstan is vast, with a low population density of fewer than six people per square kilometer. This makes it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.Â
The country’s expansive territory—spanning steppes, mountains, and deserts—gives it a wide-open, almost untapped feel in many areas. Despite its size, much of the population is concentrated in the urban centers, particularly in cities like Almaty and the capital, Astana. Outside of these areas, much of the land remains sparsely populated, contributing to the country’s unique blend of rural and urban landscapes.
Additionally, Kazakhstan is the most ethnically diverse country in Central Asia and one of the most ethnically diverse states that emerged from the former Soviet Union. The population consists of a variety of ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, and many others.Â
This diversity stems from Kazakhstan’s history as a crossroad of cultures and its experience as part of the Soviet Union, where people from different ethnic backgrounds were encouraged to settle in various regions. The country’s cultural mosaic is reflected in its rich traditions, languages, and festivals, making Kazakhstan a fascinating place to explore both culturally and historically.
Kazakh, Russian​
Kazakhstan has two official languages: Kazakh and Russian. Both are used in everyday life, government, and education. Kazakh, a Turkic language, is the state language and holds cultural significance as a symbol of national identity.Â
While it is widely spoken, particularly in rural areas, Russian remains the dominant language in urban centers, business, and official settings. This bilingualism reflects Kazakhstan’s history as part of the Soviet Union, where Russian was the lingua franca across the region.
After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, the government emphasized the promotion of the Kazakh language to strengthen national unity and cultural pride. However, Russian continues to be extensively used, with many Kazakhs being fluent in both languages, which allows for easier communication across the ethnically diverse population.Â
As a result, Kazakhstan remains one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the post-Soviet space, with languages like other Central Asian countries also spoken by minority groups. The coexistence of Kazakh and Russian is a defining feature of the country’s multilingual society
Popular Kazakhstan tourist destinations
Kazakhstan quick tips
Drinking water
In general, tap water is not safe to drink in Kazakhstan. Some locals do, or have filters attached to their taps, or they buy bottled water with the cost being around 0.5$
Safety
Kazakhstan is a safe country, however avoid walking alone in the nights in certain areas. Stay aware of your belongings and surroundings in the crowded places like bazaars.
Best time to go
From middle April to early June or from late August to early October is the best time to visit. Summer time is good, as long as you don’t visit the hottest regions of Kazakhstan.
Currency exchange
Currency exchanges in Kazakhstan are quite well developed, so it is easy to exchange US dollars, euros, and Russian rubles in banks, exchange offices, and airports. Banks in Kazakhstan are open from 9 until 18 Monday to Friday and half day in Saturday’s.
Travel budget
As the wealthiest country among other central Asian countries, consequently, price is higher. Accommodation in the hostel might be about 20 – 25$, meal 10$. You can get a bed for 20$ – 25$ and have lunch for 5$. In general, Kazakhstan is still very affordable but probably the most expensive of the Central Asian countries.
Credit card
VISA and MasterCard are accepted in many places, and there are ATMs in cities and in airports.
Kaspi cashback is one of the popular payment ways in big cities. If you plan going to the regions, it is better to bring cash with you.
Kazakh SIM Card
A local sim card can be purchased in any shop and the vendors will even install it on your phone. You will find it is affordable and it gives you the freedom of staying connected and being able to get around easily in the country.
WIFI
There are points with free WiFi in public places, transports, cafes, restaurants and shopping centers in Almaty, Astana and other big cities. Most of the hotels and hostels provide free WIFI as well.
Religion
Islam is the most popular religion making up to 70 % of the population, followed by Christianity 20 % and other religions in the minority.
Today there are more than 3000 religious centers like churches, mosques and other houses of worship in Kazakhstan. Alcohol is freely available in Kazakhstan.
Must Visit Cities in Kazakhstan
Interesting Facts about Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan also has vast oil reserves and is the world’s ninth-largest crude oil exporter.
- Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources. More than 99 elements of Mendeleyeev’s periodic table can be found in the country.
- Kazakhstan renamed its capital city Astana as Nur-Sultan in honour of Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev, after he finally stepped down at the age of 78, in 2019. The city was again renamed back to Astana in 2022.
- It is believed that apples originated in Kazakhstan. The city of Almaty, which means ‘father of apples’ in Kazakh, has long-claimed the honour of being the birthplace of the apple which was recently confirmed by DNA tests.
- Kazakhstan is home to part of the Eurasian Steppe (sometimes called The Steppe), the largest grassland in the world. It extends from Hungary to China and reaches almost one-fifth of the way around the Earth.
Check the official Kazakhan statistics for more information here.
Page updated 5.3.2024
