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Kazakhstan

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Discover how Kazakhstan is adopting sustainable solutions and innovative technologies to promote economic and environmental development on Innovando.News: Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia, with an area of ​​approximately 2.724.900 km². It borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and is bathed by the Caspian Sea. The capital is Nursultan (formerly Astana), while Almaty is the largest city. The country has a population of approximately 19 million and moderate population growth. The economy is based on oil, natural gas, minerals and agriculture, with Kazakhstan being a major producer of wheat and uranium. The culture is a fusion of Turkish, Mongolian and Russian influences. The country gained independence in 1991 and is aiming to diversify its economy, investing in renewable energy, technology and smart agriculture. Kazakhstan is also known for traditional dishes such as beshbarmak and kumis.  

Summary data on Kazakhstan

  • Total population: Approximately 19 million inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: About 1% per year, with moderate growth thanks to a combination of stable birth rates and immigration.
  • Capital: Nursultan (formerly Astana), with about 1,2 million inhabitants.
  • Main cities: Besides Nursultan, other major cities include Almaty (former capital and largest city), Shymkent, Karaganda and Aktobe.
  • Countries it bordersKazakhstan borders Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It also has a long coastline on the Caspian Sea to the west.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 210 billion.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Approximately USD 10.800.
  • GDP growth rate: Around 3-4% in 2022, supported by energy, mining and agriculture sectors.
  • Inflation: About 8-9%, influenced by global commodity prices and fluctuations in the Russian ruble.
  • Unemployment rate: Around 4,8%, with a relatively stable labor market, although formal employment remains an area for improvement.
  • Trade balance: Positive, with a surplus mainly coming from exports of oil, natural gas, minerals and metals.
  • Major business partners: Russia, China, Italy, Netherlands and Germany.
  • Public debt: Around 20-25% of GDP, kept at sustainable levels by increasing revenues from energy exports.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): About 0,3-0,4% of GDP, with some investment in technology, agriculture and energy development.
  • Main economic sectors: Energy (oil and gas), minerals (uranium, non-ferrous metals), agriculture (wheat, cotton, meat) and manufacturing.
  • Currency: Kazakh tenge (KZT).
  • Interest rate: Approximately 9-10%, set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 30 billion.
  • Main exports: Oil, natural gas, minerals, metals (especially uranium), grain and agricultural products.
  • Main imports: Machinery, chemicals, food, consumer goods and automobiles.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Medium-high, with a score of around 0,818.
  • Literacy rate: About 99%, with an education system that follows Soviet and modernized standards.
  • Life expectancy: About 73 years old.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Low position, but growing thanks to investments in technology and research into natural resources.
  • Corruption Perception Index: Moderate perception of corruption, with a score of around 38 out of 100, due to governance and transparency challenges.

Insights into Kazakhstan

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: Republic of Kazakhstan (Qazaqstan Republic (in Kazakh).
  • Short form and long form: Kazakhstan (short form); Republic of Kazakhstan (long form).

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a landlocked country bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea to the west.
  • Area At approximately 2.724.900 km², it is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest in Central Asia.
  • Description of the landscape: Kazakhstan is characterized by wide steppes, deserts (such as the Kyzylkum Desert), mountains (such as the Tien Shan Mountains in the southeast) and salt lakes. The climate is continental, with hot summers and very cold winters.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 19 million people (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Approximately 1,3% per annum.
  • Major cities and population distribution:
    • Almaty: The largest city and an important economic and cultural center.
    • Nursultan (formerly Astana): Capital of the country, located in the northern part.
    • Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe: Other significant cities.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: Nursultan (formerly Astana).
  • Information on the main cities:
    • Almaty: The historic capital and economic heart of the country, known for its mountainous landscape and vibrant cultural scene.
    • Nursultan: Modern capital, designed to reflect an image of development and prosperity.
    • Shymkent: One of the largest cities, located in the south, an important commercial and cultural center.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Nominal GDP is around USD 200 billion, with a GDP per capita of around USD 10.500.

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

  • Agriculture: Kazakhstan is one of the world's leading grain producers and also produces barley, corn, and livestock.
  • Industry: Key sectors include energy, especially petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore. Metallurgical industry and machinery manufacturing are other important economic resources.
  • Services: The service sector is growing, with a strong concentration in finance and tourism.

GDP growth rate and inflation

Economic growth is strong, with an annual growth rate of around 3-4%. Inflation has been relatively high, around 7% in recent years, but controlled.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is around 5-6%. The country has a positive trade balance thanks to oil and gas exports, but it is highly dependent on imports of technological and industrial goods.

Public debt

Public debt is managed responsibly, with the government maintaining a prudent fiscal policy.

Main exports and imports

  • Main exports: Oil, natural gas, grain, metals (copper, iron, uranium).
  • Main imports: Machinery, vehicles, electronics and food products.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Presidential republic.
  • Political structure: The President is the head of state, with broad executive powers. The Parliament is bicameral, composed of the Majilis (lower house) and the Senate (upper house).
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: The main parties include the New Peace Party, the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, and the Kazakh People's Party. The political system is dominated by the Nur Otan party.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Kazakhstan has an ancient history, influenced by the nomadic culture of the steppes. It was under the rule of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union. It gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. Since then, it has tried to build its own national identity and modernize its economy.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is widely spoken, especially in the cities. The culture is a blend of Turkic, Mongolian and Russian traditions. Traditional food includes dishes such as beshbarmak (meat with pasta) and moustache (fermented mare's milk).

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

  • UNESCO Sites: The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the ancient cities of Sauran and Otrar, and the natural site of Lake Balkhash.
  • Cultural events: Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Almaty Festival are important cultural events.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Not among the first countries, but with a growing commitment to digitalization and technological research.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: About 1,5% of GDP, with investments mainly in mining and technology industries.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: ICT, renewable energy and smart agriculture.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 99%.
  • Structure of the education system: Education is compulsory until the age of 16 and there are high-quality universities, such as the National University of Kazakhstan.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: Health system in development, with some excellence in the public sector, but quality varies between regions.
  • Life expectancy: About 73 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Medium, between 0,8 and 0,9.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Relatively low, but with governance and transparency challenges.
  • Position in global economic indices: Among the major growing economies, but still with internal economic inequalities.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Kazakhstan has begun to invest in renewable energy, but its economy is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: Participation in climate agreements and commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country:
    • Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium.
    • The Kazakh language has a strong Turkic and Mongolian influence.
    • The famous "camel race" is still practiced as a traditional sport.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties:
    • Nowruz: New Year's Eve, which is celebrated with parties and banquets.
    • Local cuisine: Il beshbarmak (meat and pasta dish) and the shashlik (meat skewers) are typical dishes.

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