Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
2,717,300 |
| Land (km2) |
2,669,800 |
| Water (km2) |
47,500 |
| Population |
15,340,533 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
6 |
| Capital |
Astana |
| Religion (%) |
Muslim 47%
Russian Orthodox 44%
Protestant 2%
Other 7% |
| Time |
GMT +5 to +6 |
| Climate |
Continental: cold winters, hot summers. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, northwest of China.
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan border the south of the country and
Russia sits on the northern border.
Government
The government in Kazakhstan is republic; authoritarian
presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch.
Since the fall of communism Kazakhstan has seen dramatic changes in
privatisation and liberalisation. The government is keen to
structure a plan for increasing profits made from tourism –
infrastructure is being dramatically improved and foreign property
sales are now protected by the government whilst a more
straightforward purchase process is in place.
Language
Kazakh is the main language spoken in Kazakhstan along with
Russian. The Kazakh language originated using the Arabic Script and
was the result of a revolt against the Russian language.
Electricity
22 OV 50Hz
Passports/Visa
A passport and visa are required for most people travelling to
Kazakhstan, however a return ticket is not necessary. Visas can be
issued to nationals of 35 countries without requiring formal
permission from Kazakhstani authorities. A standard tourist visa
costs £20 and lasts for up to three months. A business visa will
cost more but is valid for a longer period of time. Tourist visas
cannot be extended in Kazakhstan. All other varieties of visa may
be extended, including special investor visas.
Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the UK
33 Thurloe Square, London SW7 2SD, UK
Tel. +44 (0)207 5814646
Fax +44 (0)207 5848481
Website: http://www.kazembassy.org.uk/index.html
Airports and Airlines
Almaty International Airport (ALA)
- Location: 18km from the centre of Almaty
- Time: GMT +6
- Contacts: +7 (727) 270-3333
- Transfer between terminals: There is only one
terminal
- Facilities: VIP lounge, hotel next to the
terminal
- Parking: Parking available for 320 cars
- Website: http://en.alaport.com/main.htm
A new terminal is planned for the near future that will greatly
increase passenger capacity and provide facilities for conferences,
shopping cinemas and other leisure activities.
Standard of Living
The standard of living in Kazakhstan is constantly improving.
The government plans to improve infrastructure and lower credit
rating allowing the poorer people of Kazakhstan to afford
homes.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Although a very large country, Kazakhstan's population is spread
unevenly throughout the country with dense settlements of
inhabitants based in or around cities leaving sparse mountainous
landscapes empty and unused.
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Almaty |
1,226,000 |
| Astana |
600,200 |
| Karaganda |
446,200 |
| Pavlodar |
300,200 |
| Shymkent |
539,600 |
Source: CIA World Factbook
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