Kazakhstan Travel

 

Kazakhstan travel and tourism is still in its infancy. The largest of the Central Asian Republics, Kazakhstan is a country full of contrast and mystery. From the endless steppes and proud semi-nomadic inhabitants to Almaty’s cosmopolitan flare and the majestic mountains which rise like a wall along it's southern fringe, Kazakhstan offers a broad range of tourist destinations yet to be discovered by many foreign visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kazakhstan Travel - Facts and Resources

 

 

Official Name: Republic of Kazakhstan

 

Area: 2,717,300 sq km (1,049,155 sq miles) Central Asia’s largest nation

 

Kazakhstan Topography:

 

Although high mountain ranges fringe Kazakhstan’s eastern and southeastern boarders, the terrain of Kazakhstan consists mostly of deserts, steppes (vast, semiarid grassy plains), and hilly upland areas. Deserts and semi deserts cover more than two-thirds of Kazakhstan’s surface area.

 

 

Kazakhstan Time Zones:

 

Kazakhstan has three time zones, GMT +4, +5 and +6 hours

 

Kazakhstan Weather:

 

Kazakhstan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures can vary greatly between mountain and dessert regions. Average daily temperatures in January can range from -19°C to -4°C (-2°F to 25°F), while daily temperatures in July range from 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F). Extreme summer temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F), and extreme winter temperatures can fall below -45°C (-49°F).

 

Kazakhstan Population:

 

15,185,844 people (July 2005 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.3% (2005 est.)
Life Expectancy at birth: (2005 est.)
1. Female: 72.2 years
2. Male: 61.21 years
3. Total Population: 66.55 years
Sex ratio in Kazakhstan: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

 

Kazakhstan Ethnic Groups:

 

Among the total population of Kazakhstan, 53.4% are Kazakh/Qazaq, 30% Russian, 3.7% Ukrainian, 2.5% Uzbek, 2.4% German, 1.7% Tatar and 4.9% other. (1999 census)

 

Kazakhstan Languages:

 

Kazakh/Qazaq (official language - spoken by 64.4% of the population), Russian (official language and language of interethnic communication in Kazakhstan – spoken by 95% of the population).

 

Kazakhstan Religions:

 

Muslim (47%), Russian Orthodox (44%), Protestant (2%), other (7%)

 

Government type: Republic

 

Capital: Astana

 

 

Anthem: follow link to listen to the Kazakhstan national anthem

 

Country Dialing Code: 7

 

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, European socket (2-pins)

 

Information Resources for Kazakhstan travel:

 

For current Kazakhstan information and statistics visit CIA-World Factbook.
For a thorough encyclopedia article, visit MSN Encarta's info on Kazakhstan.
For a complete journal of essays ranging from Kazakhstan History and Politics to the Kazakhstan Economy and Judicial System, visit the Library of Congress’s Country Study: Kazakhstan.