KAZAKHSTAN

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Republic of Kazakhstan

Astana

2,717,300,000 sq km - 1,049,200 sq mi

Almaty, Qaraghandy, Cimkent, Semey, Oskemen, Taraz, Astana, Aktobe

Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is bordered on the north by Russia; on the east by China; on the south by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan; and on the west by the Caspian Sea and Russia. Although Kazakhstan has high mountains along the southeastern and eastern borders, basically most parts are covered by deserts, steppes. Deserts and semi-deserts cover roughly two-thirds of the country's surface. Tien Shan mountain has the highest point in the country reaching an elevation of 6,400 meters ( 21,000 ft. ) which lies in the southeast where Kazakhstan borders China and Kyrgyzstan together. Kazakhstan contains some large lakes and rivers. Syr Derya river enters the country from south and flows up north and drains into Aral lake. Ural river flows down south entering from Russia and goes into the Caspian Sea. Another large river, the Ili, enters Kazakhstan from China and drains into Lake Balqash, a large lake in the eastern part of the country. Caspian Sea has borders with five countries including Kazakhstan.

The climate of Kazakhstan is typical continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures vary greatly from region to region, with the big differences between the deserts and mountains. The southern regions, in comparison to the northern, have milder winters and hotter summers than the northern and central regions. The steppes experience especially harsh winters due to strong, cold winds from the north. Depending on the region, the average daily temperature in January runs from -19° to -4°C (-2° to 25°F), while in July it may range from 19° to 26°C (66° to 79°F). Extreme summer temperatures can easily reach 45°C (113°F), and extreme winter temperatures can fall below -45°C (-49°F). Annual precipitation levels are generally low, ranging from less than 100 mm (4 in) in the deserts to 350 mm (14 in) on the steppes, where summer thunderstorms often produce flash floods. During winter, most of the country is covered in snow.

A valid passport is required from all nationalities.

A visa is required from almost all nationalities. Kazakhstan has tightened visa issuing policies, and now you are required to send your documents to the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate available in your area. For more information, please go to their web site at : http://www.kazakhembus.com/VisaRequirements.html

17,000,000

6 persons per sq km - 16 per sq mi

Total : 99,6 Male : 99,7 Female : 99,5

Kazakh, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Uzbek, Tatar

Kazakh ( Official ), Russian, Other

Muslim, Russian Orthodox, Protestant

Republic

Nursultan Abish-uly Nazarbayev

16 December 1991 ( from USSR )

Universal at age 18

Country Code : 7 (same as Russia) - Area Codes : Astana : 3172, Almaty : 3272, Taraz : 3262, Cimkent : 3252, Aktobe : 3132, Qaraghandy : 3212, Semey : 3222, Oskemen : 3232

GSM mobile phones can be used by obtaining a local  K-Mobile card.

Internet services are available. Internet cafes can be found in most cities and towns.

In addition to the local Post Office, major international couriers are available in major cities.

118,600 million USD

7,750 USD

Kazakhstani Tenge ( 1 Tenge = 100 Tiyn )

Oil, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery, chemicals, grain, wool, meat, coal

machinery and equipment, metal and metal products, foodstuffs.