At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Kazakhstan

Continent: Asia

Area: 1,030,810 square miles (2,669,800 sq km)

Population: 16,733,227

Capital City: Astana

Largest City: Almaty (1,176,000)

Unit of Money: Tenge

Major Languages: Russian (official), Kazakh (state)

Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore

The Place

Kazakhstan, in mid-western Asia, is the second-largest republic of the former Soviet Union. In the west, the country has a 1,176-mile (1,894-km) coastline on the Caspian Sea and a 630-mile (1,015-km) coastline on the Aral Sea.

In western Kazakhstan, dry plains and lowlands border the Caspian Sea and extend to the Aral Sea in the southwest. The country's lowest point, the Karagiye Depression, measures 433 feet (132 m) below sea level. To the east, Kazakhstan is mountainous. The Tian Shan Mountains border China to the east, and Altai Mountains border Kyrgyzstan to the southeast. Mount Tengri, part of the Tian Shan range, is the country's highest point at 20,991 feet (6,398 m) above sea level. The northern part of the country has grassy plains, while vast desert covers the south.

Kazakhstan has hot summers and very cold winters. Temperatures reach around 80° F (27° C) in summer and just above 0° F (20° C) in winter. The average annual rainfall varies between 4 and 16 inches (10 and 40 cm).

The People

Slightly more than half the population lives in urban areas. City dwellers live in modern houses or apartments. Many women are employed outside the home, and may work as teachers, doctors, or sales clerks. About 42% of Kazakhstanis live in rural areas. They usually reside in houses in villages that do not have running water. Many rural dwellers are farmers. A small part of the population are nomadic dwellers. They carry their portable homes, called yurts, from place to place.

Families are very important in Kazakhstan. Extended family members often live together, and one household might include parents and their sons, as well as their wives and families.

Living conditions in Kazakhstan have deteriorated since the break up of the Soviet Union. Crime and unemployment are common, and many families are close to or below the poverty line. Life expectancy is 64 years.

Education

Schooling is free in Kazakhstan, and children between the ages of 7 and 17 are required to attend. Classes are taught in both Kazakh and Russian. Primary school lasts for three years, and about 92% of the children in that age group attend. Secondary school begins at age 11 and lasts for 7 years. About 91% of secondary school-aged children attend. There are more than 50 colleges and universities in the country, and about 8% of students attend. The largest schools include Kazakh State University and Qaraghandy State University.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Kazakhstanis enjoy spending time with family, and hold many gettogethers and celebrations. Singing is also popular throughout the country. Folk songs and legends are especially loved, and they are performed and recited for many occasions. Singing competitions, called aitys, are also held.

Sports are also a popular pastime. Some favorites include soccer, wrestling, horse racing, and skating. Kokpar, a native game, involves horseback riders competing to carry a goat or sheep into a goal.