The Republic of Kazakhstan or Kazakhstan (Kazakh: Қазақстан, Qazaqstan, IPA /qɑzɑqˈstɑn/; Russian: Казахстан, Kazakhstán, IPA /kɐzəxˈstɐn/), also spelled Kazakstan, is a country that stretches over a vast expanse of Asia. A portion of its territory west of the Ural River is located in eastern-most Europe. It has borders with Russia, the People's Republic of China, and the Central Asian countries Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and has a coastline on the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan was a republic of the now extinct Soviet Union and is now a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world by area, but its semi-deserts (steppe) make it only the 57th country in population, with approximately 6 persons per sq km (16/mi²).
With an area of 2.7 million square kilometres (1.56 million mi²), Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest nation in the world. It is equivalent to the size of Western Europe.
Major cities include, Astana (capital since June 1998), Almaty (former capital, once known as Alma-Ata and before 1917 as Verny), Karaganda, Shymkent (Chimkent), Semey (Semipalatinsk) and Turkestan, once known as Yasi.
The terrain extends east to west from the Caspian Sea to the Altay Mountains and north to south from the plains of Western Siberia to the oasis and desert of Central Asia. Almost one-third of the country—804,500 square kilometres—is taken up the Kazakh Steppe, the world's largest dry steppe region. The steppe is characterized by large areas of grasslands and sandy regions.
The climate is continental with cold winters and hot summers; arid and semi-arid.
Kazakh culture began to develop in the 13th century. Kazakh culture is largely influenced by nomadic lifestyle and Islam however, Orthodox Christianity have also contributed. Kazakhs culture was influenced by Turkish and Arabian World. Kazakhs are sunni muslims. Culture and tradition don't vary too much among Central Asia's Muslim nations.
Things you should know when travelling to Kazakhstan
Areas along the border with China (Kulzhat and Kargos), the provinces of Jambyl (Gvardeiskyi village, Rossavel village, Kulzhabasy), Karaganda (Priozyorsk village, Gulshad village), Kyzyl-Orda (Baikonur, Karmakshinsky, and Kazalinsky regions), and western Kazakhstan (Bokeiordinsky and Zhangalinsky regions) are closed to travellers. Government authorization is required prior to travel to these areas. Expect delays in obtaining documents.
Violent crime against foreigners occurs. Robberies occur on public transportation, in parks, shopping areas, open markets, and restaurants, and near major tourist hotels and nightclubs. Foreigners have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached, ask to see police credentials. Do not open your door to strangers under any circumstances. Do not carry large amounts of money or travel alone after dark. Keep a certified copy of your visa and registration (see "ENTRY REQUIREMENTS") with you at all times. Passports and visas should be kept in safe-keeping facilities. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Do not leave food or drinks unattended in bars or restaurants. Cases of drugging followed by robbery have occurred.
Men posing as "meet and greet" airport facilitators lure unsuspecting foreigners into cars and demand money. Canadians should make prior arrangements with their contacts for appropriate identification upon arrival at the airport. Do not leave with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification.
Unannounced delays and cancellations of flights are common in winter, due to poor weather conditions. Reservations on regional airlines are not always respected. Travellers should avoid domestic carriers due to safety concerns.
