Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a landlocked country mostly in Central Asia, with a part in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the southeast, Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest, with a coastline along the Caspian Sea. Its capital is Astana, while the largest city and leading cultural and commercial hub is Almaty. Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by land area and the largest landlocked country. It has a population of 20 million and one of the lowest population densities in the world, at fewer than 6 people per square kilometre. Ethnic Kazakhs constitute a majority, while ethnic Russians form a significant minority. Officially secular, Kazakhstan is a Muslim-majority country with a sizeable Christian community.
kazakhstan

Some of the key events about Kazakhstan

  • 1931
    A severe famine caused by Soviet collectivization policies resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Kazakhs
  • 1949
    The first Soviet nuclear test was conducted at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan
  • 1954
    The Virgin Lands Campaign led to widespread ecological damage and soil erosion in Kazakhstan
  • 1986
    Protests in Almaty against Soviet leadership were violently suppressed
  • 1991
    Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union
  • 1991
    The Semipalatinsk Test Site was officially closed after decades of nuclear testing
  • 1993
    The national currency, the tenge, was introduced
  • 1995
    A new constitution was adopted, establishing Kazakhstan as a presidential republic
  • 1997
    The capital was moved from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan)
  • 1997
    The capital was moved from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan), causing economic difficulties for many residents
  • 2000
    Oil was discovered in the Kashagan Field, one of the world's largest oil fields
  • 2006
    Kazakhstan launched its first communications satellite, KazSat-1
  • 2010
    Kazakhstan chaired the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
  • 2011
    Oil workers' strikes in Zhanaozen ended in violent clashes with police, resulting in at least 14 deaths
  • 2012
    The Baiterek monument in Astana became a national symbol and tourist attraction
  • 2013
    A major bank collapse led to significant financial losses for many Kazakhs
  • 2017
    Astana hosted the International Exposition (EXPO 2017) focused on "Future Energy"
  • 2019
    The capital city Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan
  • 2019
    The first president's resignation led to protests and calls for political reform
  • 2022
    Widespread protests over fuel price hikes resulted in violent clashes and a state of emergency declaration

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Kazakhstan Latest news

Kazakhstan Votes on Nuclear Power Plant Amid Historical Concerns

Kazakhstan Votes on Nuclear Power Plant Amid Historical Concerns

Kazakhstan holds referendum on first nuclear power plant, balancing energy needs with Soviet-era testing legacy. Concerns arise over costs, Russian involvement, and voting irregularities.

Politics, Science • October 6 2024 , 03:35 PM  •  995 views
Kazakhstan's Nuclear Power Referendum: A Step Towards Energy Independence?

Kazakhstan's Nuclear Power Referendum: A Step Towards Energy Independence?

Kazakhstan holds referendum on building its first nuclear power plant. The government promotes it as a solution to phase out coal, while critics raise concerns over safety and Russian involvement.

Economics, Politics, Science • October 6 2024 , 03:17 AM  •  2910 views
Kazakhstan Votes on Nuclear Power Amid Energy Transition Debate

Kazakhstan Votes on Nuclear Power Amid Energy Transition Debate

Kazakhstan holds referendum on first nuclear plant, balancing energy needs with Soviet legacy concerns. Government promotes clean energy transition, while critics question safety and alternatives.

Economics, Politics, Science • October 6 2024 , 03:11 AM  •  3137 views
DOJ Backs Workers in Antitrust Suit Against Healthcare Giant UPMC

DOJ Backs Workers in Antitrust Suit Against Healthcare Giant UPMC

U. S. Justice Department supports lawsuit alleging wage suppression and job mobility restrictions by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. UPMC, Pennsylvania's largest private employer, denies all claims.

Business, Politics • October 1 2024 , 10:14 PM  •  117 views
Israel Prepares for Limited Lebanon Incursion Amid Regional Tensions

Israel Prepares for Limited Lebanon Incursion Amid Regional Tensions

Israel plans a targeted operation in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah vows continued resistance. International community responds with aid and diplomatic efforts amid escalating conflict.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024 , 10:19 PM  •  160 views
Saudi Arabia Considers Boosting Oil Output Amid Middle East Tensions

Saudi Arabia Considers Boosting Oil Output Amid Middle East Tensions

Saudi Arabia signals potential increase in oil production, potentially impacting global markets. This move comes as Israel confirms killing of Hezbollah leader, raising concerns about regional stability.

Economics, Politics • September 30 2024 , 12:55 PM  •  2476 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is set to participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia. The meeting will focus on economic cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, a group of former Soviet states.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024 , 09:38 PM  •  1145 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin plans consecutive diplomatic engagements in Iran and Armenia. The Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia will focus on regional cooperation and development strategies.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024 , 09:35 PM  •  1161 views
Record-Breaking Space Mission Ends with Safe Return to Earth

Record-Breaking Space Mission Ends with Safe Return to Earth

Three astronauts, including two record-breakers, safely landed in Kazakhstan after an extended stay on the International Space Station. The mission highlights ongoing challenges in space exploration.

Society, Science • September 23 2024 , 08:45 PM  •  1716 views
Russia Pledges Nuclear Test Restraint, Echoing Cold War Tensions

Russia Pledges Nuclear Test Restraint, Echoing Cold War Tensions

Russia vows to abstain from nuclear testing if the US reciprocates, amidst modernized test sites and global tensions. The pledge revives Cold War-era nuclear concerns in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Politics, Science • September 23 2024 , 02:16 PM  •  451 views
Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

Kremlin refuses to comment on a fatal shootout at Wildberries' Moscow office, linked to a disputed merger. The incident, resulting in two deaths, is under investigation by law enforcement.

Business, Politics • September 23 2024 , 10:46 AM  •  5040 views
Russian Cosmonauts Break ISS Continuous Stay Record

Russian Cosmonauts Break ISS Continuous Stay Record

Two Russian cosmonauts set a new record for the longest continuous stay on the International Space Station. Their achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2023, adding to Russia's space milestones.

Society, Science • September 20 2024 , 02:02 PM  •  638 views
EU Explores New Sanctions to Curb Russia's War Supply Chain

EU Explores New Sanctions to Curb Russia's War Supply Chain

EU sanctions envoy outlines potential measures against financial institutions and Western subsidiaries in Southeast Asia supporting Russia's war effort. Challenges in curbing circumvention and harmonizing implementation across member states highlighted.

Economics, Politics • September 18 2024 , 10:44 AM  •  662 views
German Chancellor and Kazakh President Clash Over Ukraine Conflict Approach

German Chancellor and Kazakh President Clash Over Ukraine Conflict Approach

During a visit to Kazakhstan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev disagreed on the approach to the Ukraine conflict. Tokayev urged support for China's peace plan, while Scholz reaffirmed Germany's backing of Ukraine.

Economics, Politics • September 16 2024 , 05:45 PM  •  829 views
Germany Seeks Enhanced Trade with Kazakhstan Amid Sanctions Concerns

Germany Seeks Enhanced Trade with Kazakhstan Amid Sanctions Concerns

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Kazakhstan to boost trade relations while addressing EU sanctions on Russia. The focus is on raw materials and economic diversification in Central Asia.

Economics, Politics • September 16 2024 , 03:50 PM  •  356 views
Russia Rejects Turkey's Stance on Crimea, Citing US Pressure

Russia Rejects Turkey's Stance on Crimea, Citing US Pressure

Russia disagrees with Turkey's call for Crimea's return to Ukraine, highlighting diplomatic tensions. Kremlin suggests US pressure influences Turkey's position, while potential Putin-Erdogan talks loom.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024 , 11:50 AM  •  622 views
Xi Jinping to Attend BRICS Summit in Russia Amid Growing Alliance

Xi Jinping to Attend BRICS Summit in Russia Amid Growing Alliance

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Russia for the BRICS summit in October, strengthening ties between the two nations. The expanding alliance aims to counterbalance Western influence in global affairs.

Economics, Politics • September 12 2024 , 12:05 PM  •  644 views
Drone Debris Damages Homes in Russian Cities of Saratov and Engels

Drone Debris Damages Homes in Russian Cities of Saratov and Engels

Ukrainian drone attack on Saratov region results in damage to residential buildings. Russian air defense systems intercepted the drones, but falling debris affected homes in Saratov and Engels.

Politics • August 26 2024 , 04:09 AM  •  1543 views
Drone Strike Ignites Fire at Russian Military Facility in Volgograd

Drone Strike Ignites Fire at Russian Military Facility in Volgograd

A drone attack on a defense ministry facility in Russia's Volgograd region caused a fire, with no reported casualties. The incident follows increased Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

Politics • August 22 2024 , 08:02 AM  •  733 views
Swiss Boeing 777 Makes Emergency Stop in Kazakhstan, Faces Ground Snag

Swiss Boeing 777 Makes Emergency Stop in Kazakhstan, Faces Ground Snag

A Swiss Air Lines Boeing 777 en route from Tokyo to Zurich made an unscheduled landing in Kazakhstan due to a medical emergency. Post-landing, the aircraft's nose wheel became stuck in grass, prompting an investigation.

Business, Science • August 17 2024 , 04:20 PM  •  1299 views
Japan on High Alert: PM Cancels Trip Amid Megaquake Warning

Japan on High Alert: PM Cancels Trip Amid Megaquake Warning

Japan issues first-ever "megaquake advisory" after a 7. 1 magnitude quake. PM Kishida cancels Central Asia visit to lead response, as nation braces for potential major seismic event.

Politics, Science • August 9 2024 , 01:12 PM  •  519 views
Japan's PM Cancels Trip Amid Unprecedented Earthquake Risk Advisory

Japan's PM Cancels Trip Amid Unprecedented Earthquake Risk Advisory

Japan issues first-ever major earthquake risk advisory, prompting PM Kishida to cancel Central Asia visit. Public anxiety rises as authorities warn of increased seismic activity in the Nankai Trough.

Society, Politics • August 9 2024 , 09:14 AM  •  356 views
Japan's PM May Cancel Central Asia Trip Amid Earthquake Concerns

Japan's PM May Cancel Central Asia Trip Amid Earthquake Concerns

Japan's Prime Minister considers cancelling Central Asian visit due to heightened earthquake risk. Meteorological agency warns of increased seismic activity following recent major quake off Kyushu.

Politics, Science • August 9 2024 , 03:15 AM  •  3378 views