Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan (Republic of), independent country in central Asia, bordered on the west and the north by Russia, on the east by China, on the south by Kirghizstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and on the west by the Caspian Sea. The capital is Astana (since 1997, Astana was formerly called Akmola).

Land and people

Two thirds of the country is (semi) arid. The Caspian Sea is a great salt lake (92 ft/28 meters below sea level). Kazakhstan has a continental climate, with considerable differences between different areas. The population is 40% Russian and Ukrainian, 40% Kazakh. One half of the population are Christians, the other half are Muslims. The official language is Kazakh.

Economy

A producer of wheat, cotton, sheep, and cattle, Kazakhstan is also rich in minerals. Amongst other things, it possesses huge oil and gas supplies.

History

Formerly one of the 15 constituent republics of the USSR (Soviet Union), Kazakhstan became independent in 1991. After independence the differences between the north, where most Russians live, and the south became more pronounced. Kazakhstan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States and has close ties with Russia.

See also: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.