Key Facts
2.725 km2
Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world
20 million
Population
Kazakhstan is ethnically and religiously diverse.
There are approximately 130 different ethnic groups and nearly 4,000 religious organizations representing 18 religious denominations. Ethnic Kazakhs account for around 70% of the overall population, while other communities include Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Uighurs, Tatars, Germans, Poles, Greeks, Koreans, and others.
Kazakhstan is a secular country. The majority (about 70%) of the population are Muslims, while 17% are Christians. Kazakhstan cherishes interethnic harmony and tolerance.
Living together is based on mutual respect for the culture, language and traditions of others. Varied landscapes and climates make Kazakhstan an attractive destination in the region. With its high mountain ranges, beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests, as well as cultural monuments, the country has significant tourism potential.
Economy
Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, with a national GDP of more than $225 billion (2022) and the highest GDP per capita in the region.
The country accounts for 58% of trade turnover in Central Asia. Since gaining its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has attracted more than $380 billion in foreign direct investment, making it the largest beneficiary in Central Asia.
The country ranks 12th in the world for oil reserves, 2nd for uranium reserves, 15th for natural gas reserves and 10th for coal reserves.
The resilience of the economy has been noted by leading international financial institutions including the IMF, EBRD and ADB.
Kazakhstan's rating from Moody's has been upgraded to 'Baa2' with a 'stable outlook' in 2022. Fitch and Standard & Poor's also affirmed the sovereign credit ratings at 'BBB-/A-3' with a 'stable' outlook.
To diversify the economy, the country is successfully implementing program of innovative industrial development, which entails modernizing the old and creating new infrastructure.
Kazakhstan is also implementing the large–scale 'New Silk Road' project, to revive its historical role as the largest business and transit hub of the region – a distinctive bridge between Europe and Asia.
Astana
The capital of Kazakhstan is home to 1.35m. Astana, which means 'capital' in Kazakh, is a city of contrasts. It combines the rationality of the West with the sophistication of the East, the grandeur of Europe with the originality of Asia.
Large sections of the city were designed by the famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. British architect Norman Foster also designed some of the city’s iconic buildings, including the Palace of Peace and Concord and the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center.
The weather in Asia’s northernmost capital can range from +40°C in summer to -40°C in winter with low humidity. Known for its hospitality, Astana welcomed millions of visitors in 2017 when the city hosted the EXPO 2017 International Exhibition with the theme “Future Energy.” It was the first international exhibition held in Central Asia, with 115 countries taking part.
