Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a vast, landlocked nation in Central Asia that serves as a critical economic and geopolitical bridge between Europe and Asia. Current estimates place the population at approximately 21.1 million people, with a GDP per capita of 15,605 USD.
Where is Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Coordinates
- 48.02°, 66.92°
Population Details
- Population
- 21M
- Area
- 2,724,900 km²
- Density per km²
- 8 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.28%
- Annual growth
- +271K people
- Daily growth
- +742.4 people
- World population share
- 0.26%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Kazakhstan
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Astana
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 2,724,900 km²
- Languages
- Kazakh, Russian
- Currency
- Kazakhstani tenge (₸)
- Timezones
- UTC+05:00, UTC+06:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The nation's economy is heavily supported by its immense natural wealth, specifically in petroleum, natural gas, and uranium. With a steady annual GDP growth of 5.0%, Kazakhstan holds the global GDP rank of 48 of 212 and leads its subregion with a GDP per capita rank of 1 of 5 in Central Asia. Recent data indicates an unemployment rate of 4.77%, positioning the country 106 of 186 globally when ranked from lowest to highest unemployment.
Society
Kazakhstan maintains high standards of human development, featuring an adult literacy rate of 99.7% which ranks 14 of 170 globally. Life expectancy at birth is currently 74.5 years, placing the country 111 of 215 in global rankings. Digital infrastructure is well-developed, with 93.4% of the population classified as internet users, a figure that ranks 43 of 212 worldwide.
Climate & Environment
The country is characterized by an extreme continental climate with significant temperature variations between the seasons. Summers are often hot with temperatures reaching 40 °C (104 °F), while winters on the vast northern steppes can be bitterly cold, frequently dropping to -40 °C (-40 °F).
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1991-12-16 (Soviet Union)
Kazakhstan is a presidential republic where the President serves as the head of state and holds significant executive authority. The President determines the main directions of domestic and foreign policy and appoints the Prime Minister and the cabinet. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Parliament, comprising the Senate and the Mazhilis. While the capital city, Astana, serves as the administrative center, the legal system is based on civil law principles. Notably, the country has integrated elements of English common law within the Astana International Financial Centre to foster a more familiar environment for international investors. The political system has historically focused on maintaining regional stability and a 'multi-vector' foreign policy that balances relationships with major global powers, including Russia, China, and the West. Administrations have recently emphasized gradual political modernization and the decentralization of some powers to local regional authorities.
History
The history of Kazakhstan is deeply rooted in the nomadic cultures of the Great Steppe, which served as a crucial transit point for the Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia. By the 15th century, the Kazakh Khanate was established as a sovereign entity, but by the 18th and 19th centuries, the region was gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, it became the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. The Soviet era brought intensive industrialization and the establishment of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world's first spaceport. However, the period also saw the trauma of forced collectivization and the use of the Semipalatinsk region for extensive nuclear testing. Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union on 16 December 1991, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. Since gaining sovereignty, the nation has undergone a rapid transition to a market-based economy, fueled by its immense oil and mineral wealth. This modern development included the relocation of the capital to Astana and significant investment in urban infrastructure. Today, with a population of approximately 20.59 million, Kazakhstan seeks to position itself as a diplomatic and economic bridge between East and West, balancing its rich nomadic heritage with a focus on technological and industrial advancement.
Notable Facts
- Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, covering an area of 2,724,900 km² (1,052,090 sq mi), which is roughly equivalent to the size of Western Europe.
- The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located on the Kazakh steppe, is the world's oldest and largest operational space launch facility and was the departure point for Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space.
- The country's geography features extreme elevation changes, from the Qauyndy Oyysy depression at -132 m (-433 ft) below sea level to the summit of Pik Khan-Tengri at 7,010 m (22,999 ft).
- Kazakhstan is the world's leading producer of uranium, supplying approximately 40% of the global market for the radioactive metal used in nuclear power.
- The Charyn Canyon, often referred to as a sibling to the Grand Canyon, features unique sedimentary rock formations and spans nearly 90 km (56 mi) in the Almaty region.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Pik Khan-Tengri (7,010 m)
- Lowest Point
- Qauyndy Oyysy (-132 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in KazakhstanExplore weather and climate data for cities in Kazakhstan
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Astana
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -10°C / -17°C | -15°C / -23°C | 6days (22 mm) Good | 4.3h Fair | 81% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| February | -8°C / -15°C | -13°C / -21°C | 6days (22 mm) Good | 5.8h Fair | 81% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | -2°C / -10°C | -7°C / -15°C | 7days (24 mm) Good | 8.2h Good | 81% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| April | 14°C / 1°C | 10°C / -3°C | 5days (29 mm) Good | 11.4h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| May best | 22°C / 8°C | 19°C / 5°C | 6days (33 mm) Good | 12.5h Excellent | 52% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 26°C / 13°C | 24°C / 11°C | 8days (39 mm) Wet | 13.5h Excellent | 53% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 27°C / 15°C | 26°C / 14°C | 8days (49 mm) Wet | 13.1h Excellent | 57% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 24°C / 12°C | 23°C / 11°C | 9days (41 mm) Wet | 11.9h Excellent | 61% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| September | 17°C / 6°C | 14°C / 3°C | 7days (38 mm) Good | 8.9h Good | 65% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| October | 10°C / -1°C | 5°C / -5°C | 6days (22 mm) Good | 6.2h Fair | 71% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| November | -1°C / -8°C | -6°C / -13°C | 10days (44 mm) Wet | 3.7h Poor | 83% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| December | -9°C / -15°C | -14°C / -21°C | 8days (28 mm) Wet | 3.2h Poor | 82% Humid | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: -10°C / -17°C . Feb: -8°C / -15°C . Mar: -2°C / -10°C . Apr: 14°C / 1°C . May: 22°C / 8°C . Jun: 26°C / 13°C . Jul: 27°C / 15°C . Aug: 24°C / 12°C . Sep: 17°C / 6°C . Oct: 10°C / -1°C . Nov: -1°C / -8°C . Dec: -9°C / -15°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 22 mm. Feb: 22 mm. Mar: 24 mm. Apr: 29 mm. May: 33 mm. Jun: 39 mm. Jul: 49 mm. Aug: 41 mm. Sep: 38 mm. Oct: 22 mm. Nov: 44 mm. Dec: 28 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Kazakhstan is approximately 21M (2024).
The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana.
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is $15.6K (2024).
Life expectancy in Kazakhstan is 74.53 years (2024).
Kazakhstan covers 2,724,900 km² (1,052,089 sq mi).
Kazakhstan is very sparsely populated, with about 8 people per km² — well below the global average of 60.
Kazakhstan's population is growing steadily at 1.3% per year, in line with global averages.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Kazakhstan falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $15.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Kazakhstan reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.6 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
Kazakhstan has 2 official languages: Kazakh, Russian.
Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani tenge (₸) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Kazakhstan are May, June, July, August, based on climate data for the capital.
According to the latest estimates, the population of Kazakhstan is approximately 21.1 million people. This reflects a steady annual growth rate of 1.28%, making it the 63rd most populous nation globally and the 2nd largest in the Central Asian subregion.
Kazakhstan has the highest GDP per capita in Central Asia, ranking 1 of 5 in the subregion with a value of 15,605 USD. Globally, the nation's total economy is ranked 48 of 212, supported by an annual GDP growth rate of 5.0% and significant natural resource exports.
The adult literacy rate in Kazakhstan is 99.7%, which ranks 14 of 170 globally. This exceptionally high rate reflects the country's long-term commitment to universal education and a robust school system that provides high levels of accessibility for the majority of the population.
Approximately 93.4% of the population in Kazakhstan are internet users, placing the country 43 of 212 in global rankings for digital connectivity. This high level of access supports the nation's growing digital economy and government initiatives to expand online services across its large territory.
Yes, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, covering an area of approximately 2,724,900 km² (1,052,090 sq mi). Despite having no coastline on the open ocean, it borders several major nations including Russia and China, serving as a vital logistical hub for trans-Eurasian trade routes.
Kazakhstan is currently ranked 63rd in the world by population size. Within its regional context, it holds the 24th position out of 49 countries in Asia and is the 2nd most populous nation in Central Asia, trailing only Uzbekistan. Its large land area makes it a major regional power.
The estimated 2026 population density for Kazakhstan is 7.8 people per km² (20.2 per sq mi). Despite being the ninth-largest country by land area, its density rank is global 204 of 215. Large sections of the territory consist of steppe and desert, leading to highly concentrated populations in specific urban hubs.
Recent data shows an annual population growth rate of 1.3%. This expansion is primarily driven by a crude birth rate of 19.5 per 1,000 people and a crude death rate of 6.7 per 1,000. These factors contribute to a net population increase of approximately 724 people every day.
The latest fertility rate in Kazakhstan is 2.98 births per woman. This rate is significantly above the replacement level of 2.1, placing the country 57th globally for fertility. This trend reflects a demographic resurgence and cultural shifts that encourage larger families to ensure long-term national stability and economic growth.
Approximately 62.1% of the population lives in urban areas, ranking the country 118th globally for urbanization. Major cities such as Almaty and the capital, Astana, serve as primary centers for economic activity and migration. The urban population continues to grow as residents move from rural regions for better opportunities.
All Indicators
Explore Kazakhstan's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
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