Kazakhstan was historically inhabited by nomadic tribes and was part of the Mongol and Russian Empires. It became a Soviet republic in 1936 and gained independence in 1991 following the Soviet Union's collapse. Since then, it has developed a strong economy driven by oil and natural gas while maintaining political stability under long-term leadership. Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and plays a key role in Central Asian affairs.
Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a transcontinental country located mainly in Central Asia, with a smaller portion west of the Ural River in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and has a coastline along the Caspian Sea to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 2.724 million square kilometers, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest country overall. It has a population of about 19 million people as of 2023. The capital is Astana, while Almaty is the largest city. The official languages are Kazakh and Russian. Kazakhstan operates as a unitary presidential republic. The economy is the largest in Central Asia, with key sectors including oil, natural gas, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Kazakhstan is known for its vast steppes, diverse cultural heritage, and as a significant player in regional politics. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
