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Kazakhstan

Capital:Astana
Population:19.9M
Currency:Tennge (KZT)
Language:Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95%
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Hospitality is an important part of Kazak culture. A traveler will be put up for the night in any Kazak's home. Kazaks traditionally have large birthday parties. The traditional wedding is called the toi and is an important event for honoring the married couple and assembling extended family.

Astana

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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

Holidays

  • Republic Day

    12/12

    Independence

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Kazakhstan is a country whose religion is predominantly Islamic in nature. However, the presence of a large number of Russian Orthodox Christians has led the nation to celebrate Christmas. Although Christmas may be celebrated by the Kazakhs, the New Year holiday is a festival and celebration that is more grand and festive.

    The traditional greeting of the people is S Rozhdestvom which is Russian, a language that is still commonly used in the country. The New Year greeting S novym godom is more common as the locals are more excited about the New Year Celebrations than Christmas celebrations.

    Santa Claus is known as Grandfather Frost and is called Dyed Moroz pronounced “Dead Morose.” by the local Kazakhs. Traditions say that he is accompanied by his granddaughter named Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). The description for Santa Claus is not of the fat and huggable figure that has been known for centuries. Instead he is of slender build and wears long lavish robes and a long white beard. Traditions for the country state that Santa does not give gifts during Christmas Eve but rather during New Year’s Eve. Customs say that he brings gifts and places them under the Christmas tree.

    Christmas is usually on the January the 7th as the country still observes the Julian calendar which is 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar. Kazakhstan New Years day is not only on December 31st but usually is January 14th which is considered the Old New Year’s Day Celebration.

    The New Year’s Day celebration is more vibrant and festive with gifts like clothes, jewelry and native products exchanged on this day. The little children expect their gifts on this day rather than Christmas. It has also been a tradition that Santa places gifts under their pillows during New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas Eve. The Christmas festivities usually end on the Old New Year’s Day Celebrations.

    On Christmas Day and Eve, traditions set that midnight masses and ceremonies are to be held in churches and cathedrals and are attended by the Christian community. Masses are held in honor of the solemnity of the occasion. A tradition of some families is to also prepare a feast for the midnight dinner. Roast turkey, cakes and salads are prepared to meet the advent of the savior Jesus Christ. Dishes like Lamb dumplings, lemon chicken and Kazakh rice are served during dinner. The Lemon Chicken dish has ingredients like Olive oil, whole chicken, ground ginger, Paprika, cloves of garlic, onions, saffron, salt, black pepper, chicken stock, green olives and lemon rinds. Traditions during dinner also state that the family says the Troparion chant or prayer in honor of the child Jesus who was born that night.

Dates of Interest

  • December 25th

    Kazakhstan is a country whose people are predominantly Islamic. However, the presence of a large number of Russian Orthodox Christians has led the nation to celebrate Christmas. Although Christmas may be celebrated by the Kazakhs, the New Year holiday is a festival and celebration that is more grand and festive. The traditional greeting of the people is S Rozhdestvom. The New Year greeting S novym godom is more common as the locals are more excited about the New Year Celebrations than Christmas celebrations. Santa Claus is known as Grandfather Frost and is called Dyed Moroz pronounced “Dead Morose.” by the local Kazakhs. Traditions say that he is accompanied by his granddaughter named Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). The description for Santa Claus is not of the fat and huggable figure that has been known for centuries.

How do people greet each other in Kazakhstan?

Friends usually embrace when meeting and then talk about the well-being of each other's livestock.

Do

  • Embrace friends when you meet them
  • Ask about the health of their livestock

What are dining customs like in Kazakhstan?

Meals often begin with tea (chai) served alongside breads, nuts and sweets, followed by a main dish that may be boiled mutton, and the oldest family member has the honor of serving.

Do

  • Accept offers of refreshments, as a host is offended if you refuse
  • Try traditional dishes like besbarmak, kuyrdak, pulau and qazy
  • Enjoy milky drinks such as koumyss (fermented mare's milk) and shubat (fermented camel milk)

Don’t

  • Don't decline offers of food or drink from your host

Good to know

  • At a dastarkhan feast an entire sheep may be slaughtered, with parts given to family members as symbols of desired traits (e.g., the tongue for better speaking)
  • Guests may be given fermented mare's milk to drink

What etiquette should visitors know in Kazakhstan?

Hospitality is central to Kazak culture; guests are welcomed warmly, made comfortable, and even a traveler will be put up for the night in any Kazak's home.

Do

  • Accept invitations such as "Come to my dastarkhan"
  • Allow yourself to rest as a guest

Don’t

  • Don't ask your host questions, as it is considered bad manners
  • Don't take off your shoes in someone's home

How do people dress in Kazakhstan?

Urban Kazaks wear Western-style clothes, while traditionally Kazaks liked to wear boots with a pair of felt stockings in winter.

Are there gestures to avoid in Kazakhstan?

Pointing and taking off one's shoes are considered impolite.

Don’t

  • Don't point
  • Don't take off your shoes

What is family life like in Kazakhstan?

Just over half of Kazakhstanis live in cities, mostly in apartments, and due to a housing shortage many families live in small spaces or with relatives.

Good to know

  • By tradition, the youngest son looks after his parents in old age and lives with or near them
  • Women who marry into a Kazakh family are expected to show special respect for their husband's parents
  • Some traditional herders live in felt tents called yurtas that can be packed up in an hour

What sports and games are popular in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhs created many games played on horseback, sometimes at wild speeds, along with other traditional pastimes.

Good to know

  • Kokpar is like polo, with horseback teams competing to drag a headless goat carcass into the opponent's goal
  • Kumis alu ("pick up the coin") involves galloping riders bending to grab a coin or handkerchief
  • Kyz kuu ("overtake the girl") is a galloping chase game between a girl and a male rider
  • Boys play assyk, tossing a small sheep bone toward a pile of bones

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Kazakhstan

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
tenge (KZT)
Time Difference
UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kazakhstan has two time zones
Climate
The climate throughout Kazakhstan is continental and dry, and there are four distinct seasons. The weather in Almaty is very moderate, and consecutive rainy days are rare. Winter temperatures and snowfall are rarely extreme (i.e., rarely below 0°F), and the wind is light. During the 4-5-month summer average high temperatures are usually in the low to mid-80's F. "Golden Fall," is perhaps the most pleasant season, particularly in Almaty, with brilliantly clear, dry days, colorful autumn leaves, and pleasant temperatures. In Astana strong winds, long winters, and December-January temperatures periodically fall below 0°F. The summers are generally dry and sunny, but the weather changes rapidly and it is not uncommon to have a rainy morning followed by a sunny afternoon. Average summer highs in Astana are in the low 80's.
Airports
392
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Recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Nomadic Steppe

    100 BCE – 1219

    Nomadic tribes inhabited the vast Kazakh steppe from at least the first century BC, with successive confederations — including the Huns, Göktürks, and Kipchaks — dominating the region through the early 13th century. Major Silk Road cities such as Taraz and Turkestan flourished along northern trade routes, blending sedentary and nomadic cultures. This era established the pastoral, livestock-based way of life that would define Kazakh identity for centuries.

  2. Mongol Rule & Kazakh Khanate

    1219 – 1600

    Genghis Khan's forces swept through the region between 1219 and 1224, incorporating it into the Mongol Empire and its successor Chagatai and White Horde khanates. From this Mongol substrate, a distinct Kazakh people crystallized by the 15th century, formally establishing the Kazakh Khanate around 1465. By the mid-16th century, the Kazakhs had consolidated a shared language, culture, and economy, reaching the zenith of their unified political power by the early 18th century.

  3. Three Hordes Era

    1600 – 1731

    In the early 17th century, the Kazakh Khanate fractured into three tribal confederations — the Great, Middle, and Little Hordes — each governing distinct territories through extended kin networks. Political disunion and devastating raids by the Dzungar (Oirat) confederation from the east gravely weakened Kazakh resistance, culminating in the catastrophic 'Great Disaster' of the 1720s. The inability to mount a unified defense ultimately pushed the Little Horde to seek Russian protection in 1731.

  4. Russian Imperial Rule

    1731 – 1920

    The Little Horde's 1731 treaty with Russia began a gradual absorption of Kazakh lands; by the 1860s, tsarist forces had seized territories belonging to all three hordes and imposed a formal administrative system. Mass settlement of Russian and Ukrainian peasants from the 1860s onward disrupted traditional nomadic pastures and provoked sustained resistance, culminating in the major uprising of 1916. A brief experiment in Kazakh autonomy under the Alash Orda movement collapsed with Bolshevik victory in the ensuing civil war.

  5. Soviet Kazakhstan

    1920 – 1991

    Kazakhstan became an autonomous Soviet republic in 1920 and a full union republic in 1936; forced collectivization in the late 1920s and early 1930s triggered a catastrophic famine that killed an estimated 1.5 million Kazakhs. Stalin's deportations swelled the population with exiled Koreans, Volga Germans, Chechens, and others, while Khrushchev's Virgin Lands campaign of the 1950s–60s brought further Slavic settlers, reducing ethnic Kazakhs to a minority. The republic also hosted the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the Baikonur Cosmodrome, from which Yuri Gagarin launched in 1961.

  6. Independent Kazakhstan

    1991 – present

    Kazakhstan declared independence on December 16, 1991, and was admitted to the United Nations in 1992; Nursultan Nazarbayev dominated politics as president until 2019, overseeing a resource-driven economic transformation anchored by vast oil, gas, and mineral wealth. Major pipeline agreements with China in 1997 and the opening of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium in 2001 integrated Kazakhstan into global energy markets, while the capital was relocated to Astana in 1997 to anchor development of the steppe interior. The country continues to navigate nation-building, governance reform, and economic diversification beyond the extractive sector.

Overview

The majority of Kazakhstanis are ethnic Kazakh; other ethnic groups include Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, German, and Uyghur. Religions are Sunni Muslim, Russian Orthodox, Protestant, and other. Kazakhstan is a bilingual country. The Kazakh language has the status of the "state" language, while Russian is declared the "official" language. Russian is used routinely in business; 64.4% of the population speaks the Kazakh language. Education is universal and mandatory through the secondary level, and the literacy rate is 98.8%.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1219 – 1224

    Mongol tribes led by Genghis Khan invade Kazakhstan.

    Mongol tribes led by Genghis Khan invade Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Later they become assimilated by Turkic tribes that make up the majority in their empire.

  2. 1601 – 1700

    Kazakhs split into three tribal unions.

    Kazakhs split into three tribal unions, the Elder, Middle and Lesser Zhuzes, or Hordes, which were led by Khans.

  3. 1868 – 1916

    Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian peasants are brought in to settle Kazakh lands.

    Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian peasants are brought in to settle Kazakh lands; first industrial enterprises set up.

  4. 1917

    Civil war breaks out following the Bolshevik revolution in Russia.

    Civil war breaks out following the Bolshevik revolution in Russia.

  5. 1920

    Kazakhstan becomes an autonomous republic of the USSR.

    Kazakhstan becomes an autonomous republic of the USSR. Until 1925 it is called the Kyrgyz Autonomous Province to distinguish its people from the Cossacks.

  6. 1932 – 1933

    Stalin imposed terror and famine on the Ukraine, Kuban and Kazakhstan.

    Stalin imposed terror and famine on the Ukraine, Kuban and Kazakhstan that was carried out by Lazar Kaganovich.

  7. 1936

    Kazakhstan becomes a full union republic of the USSR.

    Kazakhstan becomes a full union republic of the USSR.

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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they drop their tooth under the bathtub and say “Mouse, mouse, bring me a new tooth, please.”

  • For many years, the capital of Kazakhstan was Almaty, the largest city in the country. In 1998, the capital was moved to Astana. Almaty remains an important business centre.

  • Lake Balkash in eastern Kazakhstan contains two kinds of water: salt water in the east and fresh water in the west.

  • Almaty was once a stop on the Silk Road - an overland trade route between China and Europe from the 1st century to the 16th century. Caravans regularly travelled the route across Asia until the Dutch, Portuguese and English established sea routes to the East.

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Geography and Environment

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, covering three time zones, 1,900 miles from East to West, and more than 1,000 miles from North to South. One-fifth of the territory is mountainous, with mountains over 6,000 feet accounting for one-tenth of the country. In contrast, the oil-rich land in the Caspian Sea basin is approximately 400 feet below sea level.
Terrain
extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia
Climate
The climate throughout Kazakhstan is continental and dry, and there are four distinct seasons. The weather in Almaty is very moderate, and consecutive rainy days are rare. Winter temperatures and snowfall are rarely extreme (i.e., rarely below 0°F), and the wind is light. During the 4-5-month summer average high temperatures are usually in the low to mid-80's F. "Golden Fall," is perhaps the most pleasant season, particularly in Almaty, with brilliantly clear, dry days, colorful autumn leaves, and pleasant temperatures. In Astana strong winds, long winters, and December-January temperatures periodically fall below 0°F. The summers are generally dry and sunny, but the weather changes rapidly and it is not uncommon to have a rainy morning followed by a sunny afternoon. Average summer highs in Astana are in the low 80's.
Natural Hazards
earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty
Current Environmental Issues
radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95%

  • Kazakh
  • Russian

Population

Population
19,900,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
Almaty 1.426 million; ASTANA (capital) 664,000
Nationality Noun
Kazakhstani(s)
Ethnic Groups
Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%, German 2.4%, Uygur 1.4%, other 6.6% (1999 census)
Language Note
Kazakhstan is in the process of changing the alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Kazakhstan has shown notable improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards across the country. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth in Kazakhstan stands at approximately 74 years, with women living significantly longer than men. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 78 years, while male life expectancy lags behind at roughly 70 years — a gap that is common across Central Asian and post-Soviet nations but remains a point of focus for health policymakers. This gender disparity is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease among men, greater alcohol consumption, occupational hazards, and lower rates of preventive healthcare utilization among the male population. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Kazakhstan overall, accounting for a substantial share of mortality across all age groups. During the Soviet era, life expectancy in the region experienced both growth and setbacks, and the economic turmoil following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 contributed to a temporary decline in health outcomes. However, Kazakhstan's oil-driven economic growth in the 2000s helped fund significant investments in hospitals, medical training, and health promotion programs. The government has also pursued national health programs aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases, improving maternal and child health, and expanding access to primary care in rural and remote areas. Infant and child mortality rates have declined considerably, contributing positively to overall life expectancy figures. Maternal health services have also improved, with higher rates of skilled birth attendance and prenatal care compared to earlier decades. Despite these gains, Kazakhstan still faces challenges including environmental health concerns — particularly in regions affected by the legacy of Soviet-era industrial and nuclear activity — as well as high rates of smoking and alcohol use that continue to suppress life expectancy, especially among men. Continued investment in preventive medicine and lifestyle health education is considered essential to closing remaining gaps with higher-income nations.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Kazakhstan has shown notable improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards across the country. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth in Kazakhstan stands at approximately 74 years, with women living significantly longer than men. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 78 years, while male life expectancy lags behind at roughly 70 years — a gap that is common across Central Asian and post-Soviet nations but remains a point of focus for health policymakers. This gender disparity is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease among men, greater alcohol consumption, occupational hazards, and lower rates of preventive healthcare utilization among the male population. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Kazakhstan overall, accounting for a substantial share of mortality across all age groups. During the Soviet era, life expectancy in the region experienced both growth and setbacks, and the economic turmoil following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 contributed to a temporary decline in health outcomes. However, Kazakhstan's oil-driven economic growth in the 2000s helped fund significant investments in hospitals, medical training, and health promotion programs. The government has also pursued national health programs aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases, improving maternal and child health, and expanding access to primary care in rural and remote areas. Infant and child mortality rates have declined considerably, contributing positively to overall life expectancy figures. Maternal health services have also improved, with higher rates of skilled birth attendance and prenatal care compared to earlier decades. Despite these gains, Kazakhstan still faces challenges including environmental health concerns — particularly in regions affected by the legacy of Soviet-era industrial and nuclear activity — as well as high rates of smoking and alcohol use that continue to suppress life expectancy, especially among men. Continued investment in preventive medicine and lifestyle health education is considered essential to closing remaining gaps with higher-income nations.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Kazakhstan
Full Country Name
Republic of Kazakhstan
Local - Long
Qazaqstan Respublikasy
Former Name
Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on civil law system
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV (since 20 March 2019); note: Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, who ruled Kazakhstan from independence in 1991 until his resignation on 19 March 2019, retains significant influence as the former head of state and longtime chairman of the ruling Nur Otan party; TOKAYEV won a snap presidential election held on 9 June 2019 and was reelected on 20 November 2022 with approximately 81.3% of the vote head of government: Prime Minister Olzhas BEKTENOV (since 6 February 2024); First Deputy Prime Minister Roman SKLYAR (since 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term, with a two-term limit introduced under constitutional reforms adopted in 2022; election last held on 20 November 2022 (next to be held in 2029); prime minister appointed by the president with approval of the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) election results: Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV 81.3%, Zhiguli DAYRABAEV 3.4%, Nurlan AUHANOV 2.3%, other candidates received the remainder note: Following widespread protests in January 2022, President TOKAYEV initiated a series of constitutional and political reforms aimed at reducing the concentration of executive power. A constitutional referendum held in June 2022 introduced significant changes, including presidential term limits, the re-legalization of opposition parties, and adjustments to the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. These reforms were widely seen as an effort to distance the government from the NAZARBAYEV era and shift Kazakhstan toward a more pluralistic political model, though critics note that meaningful independent oversight remains limited.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (50 seats; 10 senators are appointed by the president; 40 members are indirectly elected by regional representative bodies — 2 from each of the 17 regions, the capital Astana, and the cities of Almaty and Shymkent — to serve six-year terms, with half of the elected members up for election every three years) and the Mazhilis (98 seats; 98 members elected to five-year terms, with 69 elected from single-member constituencies and 29 elected from party lists by proportional representation). Elections: Senate — last indirect elections held in January 2023; Mazhilis — last held on 19 March 2023, following the dissolution of parliament and early elections called by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as part of broader political reforms. Election results: Senate — seats held by regional representatives and presidential appointees; party affiliation largely reflects pro-government alignment. Mazhilis — percent of vote by party: Amanat (formerly Nur Otan) approximately 53.9%, Auyl 10.9%, Respublica 8.6%, Ak Zhol 8.4%, QHP (People's Party of Kazakhstan) 6.8%; seats by party: Amanat 62, Auyl 8, Respublica 6, Ak Zhol 6, QHP 5, independents and others 11; note — the 2023 elections were the first under reformed electoral rules intended to broaden political competition and reduce single-party dominance.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (7 members)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993
Independence
16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
National Holiday
Republic Day, 25 October (1990)

Capital City

Capital Name
Astana
Capital - geographic coordinate
51 10 N, 71 25 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kazakhstan has two time zones

the name means "capital city" in Kazakh

note: on 17 September 2022, Kazakhstan changed the name of its capital city from Nur-Sultan back to Astana; this was not the first time the city had its name changed; founded in 1830 as Akmoly, it became Akmolinsk in 1832, Tselinograd in 1961, Akmola (Aqmola) in 1992, Astana in 1998, and Nur-Sultan in 2019; the latest name change occurred just three and a half years after the city was renamed to honor a long-serving (28-year) former president, who subsequently fell out of favor

Military

Branches: Kazakhstan Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Mobile Forces, Air Defense Forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Astana

Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3.

Astana, Kazakhstan, 010010

Telephone: 7-7172-70-21-00

Facsimile: 7-7172-70-22-80

Emergency after-hours telephone: 8-7172-70-22-00

E-mail: USAKZ@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Almaty

97 Zholdasbekov Street

Samal-2

Almaty, Kazakhstan 050059

Telephone: 7-727-250-76-12/17

Emergency after-hours telephone: 7-727-250-76-12/17

Facsimile: 7-727-250-48-84

E-mail: USAKZ@state.gov

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Economy

Kazakhstan, the largest of the former Soviet republics in territory excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves as well as plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It is also a major agricultural producer, with significant livestock and grain output.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Tennge (KZT)
GDP — official exchange rate
$47,390,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
3.9%
Gini Index
31.5

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

The climate throughout Kazakhstan is continental and dry, and there are four distinct seasons. The weather in Almaty is very moderate, and consecutive rainy days are rare. Winter temperatures and snowfall are rarely extreme (i.e., rarely below 0°F), and the wind is light. During the 4-5-month summer average high temperatures are usually in the low to mid-80's F. "Golden Fall," is perhaps the most pleasant season, particularly in Almaty, with brilliantly clear, dry days, colorful autumn leaves, and pleasant temperatures.

In Astana strong winds, long winters, and December-January temperatures periodically fall below 0°F. The summers are generally dry and sunny, but the weather changes rapidly and it is not uncommon to have a rainy morning followed by a sunny afternoon. Average summer highs in Astana are in the low 80's.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Kazakhstan?
The population of Kazakhstan is approximately 19.9M.
How do people greet each other in Kazakhstan?
Friends usually embrace when meeting and then talk about the well-being of each other's livestock. Do: Embrace friends when you meet them Ask about the health of their livestock
What are dining customs like in Kazakhstan?
Meals often begin with tea (chai) served alongside breads, nuts and sweets, followed by a main dish that may be boiled mutton, and the oldest family member has the honor of serving. Do: Accept offers of refreshments, as a host is offended if you refuse Try traditional dishes like besbarmak, kuyrdak, pulau and qazy Enjoy milky drinks such as koumyss (fermented mare's milk) and shubat (fermented camel milk) Don't: Don't decline offers of food or drink from your host At a dastarkhan feast an entire sheep may be slaughtered, with parts given to family members as symbols of desired traits (e.g., the tongue for better speaking) Guests may be given fermented mare's milk to drink
What etiquette should visitors know in Kazakhstan?
Hospitality is central to Kazak culture; guests are welcomed warmly, made comfortable, and even a traveler will be put up for the night in any Kazak's home. Do: Accept invitations such as "Come to my dastarkhan" Allow yourself to rest as a guest Don't: Don't ask your host questions, as it is considered bad manners Don't take off your shoes in someone's home
How do people dress in Kazakhstan?
Urban Kazaks wear Western-style clothes, while traditionally Kazaks liked to wear boots with a pair of felt stockings in winter.
Are there gestures to avoid in Kazakhstan?
Pointing and taking off one's shoes are considered impolite. Don't: Don't point Don't take off your shoes
What is family life like in Kazakhstan?
Just over half of Kazakhstanis live in cities, mostly in apartments, and due to a housing shortage many families live in small spaces or with relatives. By tradition, the youngest son looks after his parents in old age and lives with or near them Women who marry into a Kazakh family are expected to show special respect for their husband's parents Some traditional herders live in felt tents called yurtas that can be packed up in an hour
What sports and games are popular in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhs created many games played on horseback, sometimes at wild speeds, along with other traditional pastimes. Kokpar is like polo, with horseback teams competing to drag a headless goat carcass into the opponent's goal Kumis alu ("pick up the coin") involves galloping riders bending to grab a coin or handkerchief Kyz kuu ("overtake the girl") is a galloping chase game between a girl and a male rider Boys play assyk, tossing a small sheep bone toward a pile of bones
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan. The city was designated the national capital in 1998, replacing Almaty, the country's largest city, which had served in that role since independence. Almaty remains Kazakhstan's primary commercial and financial hub. Astana was developed with ambitious modern architecture and serves as a symbol of the country's post-Soviet national identity and ambitions on the world stage.
Where is Kazakhstan located?
Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, straddling the vast interior of the Eurasian landmass. It occupies a largely flat, semi-arid expanse stretching from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. As one of the world's largest landlocked countries, it sits at a geographic crossroads between Europe, Russia, and the Asian heartland, a position that has shaped its history and its role in regional trade and energy markets.
What countries border Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan shares borders with five countries. To the north and west lies Russia, its longest border; to the east are China and a brief frontier with Mongolia; and to the south are Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The country's western edge is bounded by the Caspian Sea. This network of borders reflects Kazakhstan's historic role as a passage zone between Eurasian civilizations and its ongoing importance as a regional transit corridor.
What is the main religion practiced in Kazakhstan?
Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Kazakhstan, observed by approximately 47 percent of the population, predominantly among ethnic Kazakhs and other Turkic communities who follow the Sunni tradition. Russian Orthodox Christianity is the second major faith, adhered to by roughly 44 percent of the population, reflecting the significant Slavic communities that settled during the Soviet era. The country maintains a secular constitution, and religious practice tends to be moderate across both traditions.
What is the currency of Kazakhstan?
The currency of Kazakhstan is the Tenge, with the ISO code KZT. The tenge was introduced in November 1993, replacing the Soviet ruble following Kazakhstan's independence in 1991. As the country developed its substantial oil and natural gas sector, the tenge became closely linked to global energy prices. The National Bank of Kazakhstan manages monetary policy and has periodically adjusted the exchange rate in response to fluctuations in commodity markets.
What languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?
Kazakh (also written Qazaq) is the state language, spoken by approximately 64 percent of the population, and has been promoted actively since independence as a cornerstone of national identity. Russian holds official status as the language of interethnic communication and is understood or spoken by around 95 percent of residents, reflecting the legacy of Soviet rule. Both languages appear on government signage and in public life, and Russian remains dominant in business, higher education, and urban settings.
What is Kazakhstan known for?
Kazakhstan is known above all for its enormous reserves of oil and natural gas, which have made it one of the most economically significant countries in Central Asia since independence. The country is also recognized for Lake Balkhash in the east, a natural curiosity that contains fresh water in its western half and salt water in its eastern half. Traditional Kazakh culture is celebrated through the toi, an elaborate wedding gathering that unites extended families, and through a deep custom of hospitality that historically obliged any household to shelter a passing traveler for the night.
What is the geography of Kazakhstan like?
Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world by land area, encompassing a vast and varied terrain across Central Asia. The landscape is dominated by expansive steppes, semi-desert, and desert in the south and center, with the fertile, cultivated plains of the north — historically targeted by the Soviet-era Virgin Lands agricultural program in the 1950s and 1960s. Mountain ranges, including the Altai and Tian Shan, rise along the eastern and southeastern borders, while the western edge of the country meets the Caspian Sea.

Last reviewed 2026