Introduction to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan,, a country in Central Asia that was once a part of the Soviet Union. It is bounded on the west and north by Russia; on the east by the Chinese province of Xinjiang; and on the south by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Facts in brief about KazakhstanCapital: Astana.Official language: Kazakh.Area: 1,052,090 mi2 (2,724,900 km2). Greatest distances—north-south, 1,000 mi (1,600 km); east-west, 1,800 mi (2,900 km).Elevation:Highest—Mount Tengri, 20,991 ft (6,398 m) above sea level. Lowest—Karagiye Depression, 433 ft (132 m) below sea level.Population:Current estimate—15,367,000; density, 15 per mi2 (6 per km2); distribution, 57 percent urban, 43 percent rural. 1999 census—14,953,126.Chief products:Agriculture—grain, meat, wool. Manufacturing—chemicals, food products, heavy machinery. Mining—coal, copper, lead, natural gas, petroleum.Flag: Kazakhstan's flag has a yellow sun and eagle centered on a blue background. A vertical yellow stripe of national ornamentation is to the left.Money:Basic unit—tenge.Physical Geography
Kazakhstan is a country that lies largely in west-central Asia.Nearly half of Kazakhstan is made up of hills and plateaus. In the west, especially along the shore of the Caspian Sea, are lowlands. Mountains lie in the east and southeast. The country's highest point, 22,949 feet (6,995 m), lies in the extreme southeast, near the Kyrgyz border. Deserts prevail in the south-central part of the country. Kazakhstan's climate is continental and very dry, with great variations in temperature. The main rivers include the Ural, Irtysh. Syr Darya, Ili, and Ishim. Bodies of water include Lake Balkhash and, on the borders, the Caspian and Aral seas.
Economy
AgricultureAbout two-fifths of the value of the country’s economic production is provided by agriculture. Crop production has increased since the late 20th century owing to the growth of cultivable land and irrigation of arid lands. Cereals, especially wheat, are the most important agricultural products. Wheat is grown mainly in the north and northeast. Other crops include sugar beets, rice, barley, cotton, potatoes, and fruits and vegetables. Kazakhstan has long been noted for raising livestock, especially Karakul sheep, from which high-quality wool is obtained. Cattle, hogs, and goats are also raised. Livestock products like dairy goods, leather, meat, and wool are produced on a large scale.
MiningKazakhstan is very rich in mineral resources. A variety of metals, including copper, manganese, lead, and chromium, are mined in the east. Coal is produced mainly near Qaraghandy and Ekibastuz. In the west are major oil and natural gas fields. Much of oil and gas is carried across the Russian region to the Black Sea by the pipelines. Especially important is the Tengiz Field, southeast of Atyrau, on the Caspian coast. Other minerals produced include bauxite, borax, silver, tin, tungsten, uranium, copper, zinc, iron ore, lead, nickel, and gold.
ManufacturingMuch of Kazakhstan's industry is based on the processing of its mineral wealth. The metallurgical industry is of great importance. Petroleum refining and the manufacturing of machines, chemicals, fertilizers, processed foods, and textiles are also important. Around one-third of the country’s economic production is provided by industry. The major industrial centers are Almaty, Pavlodar, Qaraghandy, and Shymkent. Russia and Ukraine are the main trading partners of Kazakhstan. Russia uses its main space-launch facility called the Baykonur Cosmodrome near Baygongyr under a lease agreement with Kazakhstan.
TransportationKazakhstan does not have an extensive road system. About two-thirds of the country's roads are paved. Buses and trains are the common modes of transportation. The railways link the cities to urban regions of Russia, China, and other neighboring countries. The main rail hub and site of Kazakhstan's main airport is Almaty. Kazakhstan has two ports on the Caspian Sea, Aqtau and Atyrau. Cities within Kazakhstan are linked by airlines, and there are many airports that handle international flights.
CommunicationNewspapers in various languages are published, including Kazakh and Russian. Some of the cities have radio broadcasting stations. The national television station broadcasts from Almaty and Astana.
The People
About 50 per cent of the people are Kazakh, a Turkic-speaking people. Russians and Ukrainians make up most of the rest of the population. Kazakh is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. Islam and Orthodox Christianity are the main religions.
Institutions of higher learning include the Kazakh Academy of Sciences, the Kazakh State University, and the Kazakh Polytechnical Institute, all in Almaty. The Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan is also in Almaty.
Horseback riding is a popular pastime in Kazakhstan. Winter sports and mountain climbing are also popular, especially at Medeo, a sports complex high in the mountains near Almaty.
Government
Under the constitution of 1995, Kazakhstan is a republic. The president, who is popularly elected, is the head of state. The president wields significant power, including the power to dissolve the legislature and to rule by decree. The President serves a term of seven years. The legislature is made up of two houses: an upper house, the Senate and a lower house, Mazhilis. All citizens above 18 years are eligible to vote. The prime minister, who is appointed by the president with the approval of the legislature, is the head of government. A cabinet is also appointed by the president.
There are 14 oblasts (provinces) and 3 cities, Almaty, Astana, and Bayqongyr, in the country. Each province is governed by a governor appointed by the President.
Other than the Communist Party which dominated until 1990 some other parties also exist in Kazakhstan. The political parties however do not control government affairs. There is a law which states that parties must have at least 50,000 members to be officially recognized by the government.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. The Supreme Court judges are chosen by the parliament to ten-year terms. Regional and local courts also hear appeals.
There are two types of military units in Kazakhstan— the Kazakh armed forces and the Kazakhstan National Guard.