Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. The capital city is Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, which is known for its futuristic architecture. The country’s largest city, Almaty, remains the major commercial and cultural center.
Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan has significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals, making it a key player in the global energy market. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has undergone significant economic and political transformations, shifting from a centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented one. It has also played an increasingly important role in international affairs, particularly in energy security and regional diplomacy.
The cultural fabric of Kazakhstan is diverse, with ethnic Kazakhs making up the majority of the population, alongside significant Russian and smaller Uzbek, Ukrainian, and Uighur minorities. The country is predominantly Muslim, with a substantial Orthodox Christian minority. Kazakhstan’s culture blends traditions of the nomadic past with modern influences, evident in its music, literature, and arts. Despite its vast size, Kazakhstan’s population is relatively sparse, concentrated mainly in the urban centers. The nation continues to navigate its path towards further economic development and global integration.
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