GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

Its territory is as large as 2,724,900 sq km (i.e. 1,049,150 sq miles). In terms of the area it is the second largest among the CIS states. In fact the territory of Kazakhstan exceeds that occupied by twelve countries of the European Union. Kazakhstan borders upon the following states: China- 1.460 km - long border; Kyrgyzstan - 980 km; Turkmenistan - 380 km; Uzbekistan - 2.300 km; the Russian Federation - 6.467 km. Total length of borders amounts to 12.187 km.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Independence and sovereignty was proclaimed in 1991. Kazakhstan is a constitutional republic with strong presidency. The head of state is the President Nursultan Nazarbayev, first elected in 1991, then re-elected in 1995 and 1999. The head of the Government is Prime Minister Danial Akhmetov. The bicameral Parliament comprises the upper house (Senate) and the lower house (Majilis). The higher judicial bodies are the Supreme Court and Constitutional Council.

CAPITAL

Astana became the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 10, 1997. International presentation of Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, was held on June 10, 1998. The transfer of the capital from Almaty to Astana was prompted by economic, ecological and geographic expediency. The first ever capital of Kazakhstan since 1920 was the city of Orenburg (now on the territory of the Russian Federation). In 1925, the capital of Kazakhstan was transferred to Kzyl-Orda. Construction of the Turksib railway served as the basic reason for transferring the capital to Alma-Ata (now Almaty) in April 1927. Almaty remains the countrys cultural and business center.

Official Name Republic of Kazakhstan

Capital Astana (old name - Akmola)

Area 2,717,300 sq km

Population 14.9 million (January 1999). 52% Kazakhs, 34% Russians, 100 other nationalities including 5.1% Ukrainian, 300000 German

Language The state language is Kazakh. In everyday life Russian is also in use.

Religion Islam, Russian Orthodox Church, Catholic and Evangelic Churches, Judaism

Republic Day October 25

Independence December 16, 1991 (Declaration of Independence)

Form of Government Presidential democracy with a two chamber Parliament, dominant position of the President is, limited local government

Head of State President Nursultan Nazarbaev (since April 24, 1994)

Head of Government Prime Minister Danial Akhmetov

Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokaev

Parliament Two chamber Parliament :
Senate (Upper house): 47 members
Majilis (Lower house) 67 members

Trade Unions Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 19 regional Trade Unions

Administrative Structure 14 oblasts, cities of Almaty and Astana, Central Government. The most important regional centers: Karaganda (614000 inhabitants), Shymkent (390000 inhabitants), Pavlodar (331000 inhabitants), Ust-Kamenogorsk (324000 inhabitants), Taraz (307000 inhabitants)

National Holidays
1-2 January – New Year
8 March – International Women's Day
22 March - Nauryz Meiramy (the holiday of Nauryz) 9 May – Victory Day
30 August – the Day of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan
25 October – Republic Day
16 December – Independence Day