Introduction to Kazakhstan

Quick Overview

Located in northern Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the largest country in this part of the world.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location:

• Latitude/longitude: 51°10' N, 71°30' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12808

• Capital: Astana (officially Nur-Sultan).

• Nature of the state: republic

• "Official" languages: Kazakh (state language) and Russian (official language).

• Currency: tenge.

• Population: 18,744,548 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 2,724,900 km².

• Density: 7 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Khan Tengri (6,995 m).

• Lowest point: Karagiye (-132 m).

• Coastline: 0 km on "external" seas, but nearly 3,000 km of coastline on the Aral Sea and the Caspian Sea, which are "inland" seas.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

This land of nomads is a country of steppes, but also forests, canyons, lakes, and even deserts and high mountains, perfect for trekking and outdoor activities. Here in Kazakhstan, nature dominates in all its splendor!

More "peaceful" than most of its neighbors, Kazakhstan is the "stan" that welcomes the most visitors, with rising numbers—7.7 million tourists in 2017. While Russia and neighboring countries (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.) still make up the vast majority of visitors, the policy of simplifying entry requirements for many nationalities (including EU citizens) should eventually attract a new audience, particularly from Europe.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Almaty.

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily budget for budget travelers:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/holidays ⊘/ ★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 58/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $26,300 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +7.4% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 5% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 2.6% (2016)

• Life expectancy: 71.4 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +0.4 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.98% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 99.8% (2016)

• Urban population: 57.4% (2018)

• Press freedom: 158/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: authoritarian regime (144/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook