Facts for Kids

Kazakhstan is a big country located in Central Asia 🌏. It is the ninth largest country in the world! This wonderful place has many beautiful landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and rivers. The capital city is Nur-Sultan (formerly called Astana) 🏙️. The official languages are Kazakh and Russian. The total area of Kazakhstan is about 2.7 million square kilometers! That’s about four times bigger than Texas in the USA! The people of Kazakhstan celebrate their culture and history with fun festivals and traditions like the Nauryz holiday, which marks the start of spring! 🌼

Kazakhstan’s culture is a mix of old traditions and modern life! The people, known as Kazakhstanis, enjoy music, dance, and art 🎶. A popular traditional instrument is the dombra, which looks like a long guitar. The delicious food includes dishes like beshbarmak, made with meat and noodles, and kuyrdak, which is fried organ meat. Festivals, such as Nauryz, showcase songs, games, and delicious food. Kazakh yurts, special tents made of felt, are used by nomadic people and are an important symbol of their hospitality. People often greet guests with the words "Welcome!" or "Kosh keldiniz!" 🎉

Kazakhstan has a strong economy that is growing every year! 🏭

The country is rich in natural resources, especially oil, gas, and minerals. In fact, Kazakhstan is one of the top producers of uranium, which is used for nuclear power! Agriculture also plays a big role, with wheat, barley, and livestock contributing to the economy. Many people work in mining and manufacturing too. The government is trying to make the economy even better by supporting new technology and attracting businesses. Overall, Kazakhstan's economy is diverse and helps improve the lives of its citizens.

Kazakhstan has a rich history that goes back thousands of years! The land was home to ancient groups like the Scythians 🏹, who were famous for riding horses. In the 13th century, the country became part of the mighty Mongol Empire 🌬️, led by Genghis Khan. Fast forward to the 20th century, Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991. Since then, the country has been working hard to build its own identity. Important historical figures include Abai Qunanbaiuly, a famous poet, and Leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first president of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is a fantastic place for tourists! ✈

️ There are many exciting things to see and do. One popular location is Almaty, the largest city, which has beautiful parks and the stunning Shymbulak ski resort 🏔️ for snow lovers. Tourists can explore the ancient city of Turkestan, which has the breathtaking Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Charyn Canyon is another stunning natural wonder that looks like a mini-Grand Canyon! Visitors can also experience nomadic life by staying in yurts or trying traditional food. Kazakhstan’s warm hospitality makes it a delightful place to visit! 🥳

Kazakhstan has a presidential republic system of government. This means the president is in charge of the country 👔. The president works with a parliament made up of two houses: the Senate and the Mazhilis. The current president (as of October 2023) is Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He took over after the long-time president Nursultan Nazarbayev stepped down. Elections are held every few years so the people can choose their leaders. The country is working to promote democracy, which allows citizens to have a say in their government!

Education is very important in Kazakhstan! 📚

Children usually start school at the age of 6 and go until they are about 17 years old. The country has many schools, colleges, and universities. There are famous universities like Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty. Both Kazakh and Russian languages are taught in schools. The government aims to provide good quality education for everyone. Not only do children learn math and science, but they also study arts, music, and sports. Education helps kids grow and become successful adults who contribute to their society! 🌟

Kazakhstan is incredibly diverse when it comes to geography! The country has tall mountains, like the Altai Mountains in the northeast 🏔️, which reach over 4,000 meters high. The steppes are vast grasslands that stretch across the land, making it perfect for grazing cattle. Did you know that the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, lies to the west? 🌊

The great desert, called the Kyzylkum, covers part of Kazakhstan too. Additionally, the country is home to beautiful lakes like Lake Balkhash, which has both fresh and salty water!

Kazakhstan is home to many unique plants and animals 🌿🦙! The country has different climates, which means you can find a variety of ecosystems. In the steppes, you can see grasses and wildflowers, while the mountains have forests with pine and birch trees. Animals like the saiga antelope and snow leopard live in this diverse land. Kazakhstan's unique Caspian seal can be found in the Caspian Sea. Birdwatchers will love the country too, as it is a stopover for migrating birds like cranes. Protecting nature is essential, and many reserves and parks help keep these habitats safe.