Country Profile: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia and extending into easternmost Europe. It has a diverse population exceeding 20 million, predominantly ethnic Kazakhs. The country boasts a robust economy driven by its vast natural resources, particularly in energy sectors, and is focused on diversifying its economic base. Governed as a presidential republic, Kazakhstan has seen significant political evolution since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Geography

Kazakhstan is situated in Central Asia, bordered by several countries including Russia and China. The country covers an extensive area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, making it nearly four times the size of Texas. Its landscape features vast steppes, deserts, and mountain ranges, while being characterized by a continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers.

• Area: 2,724,900 sq km (2023)
• Land boundaries: 13,364 km with Russia (7,644 km) as the longest
• Highest point: Pik Khan-Tengri at 7,010 m
• Natural resources: Major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and uranium
• Urban population: 58.2% (2023)

People and Society

Kazakhstan's estimated population of over 20 million is ethnically diverse, with Kazakhs making up around 71% and a significant Russian minority. The official languages are Kazakh and Russian, reflecting the country's historical ties. The population is predominantly Muslim, with a growing number of Christians and other religions present.

• Population (2025): 20,432,662
• Median age: 32.1 years (2025)
• Urbanization rate: 1.19% annual growth (2020-2025)
• Life expectancy: 73.3 years (2024)
• Literacy rate: Approx. 99% (2023 est.)

Economy

Kazakhstan has a strong upper-middle-income economy, primarily driven by its energy sector. The nation has seen steady GDP growth bolstered by oil production, infrastructure investments, and a focus on manufacturing and services. However, inflation remains a significant challenge.

• GDP (2024 est.): $739.4 billion (PPP)
• GDP growth rate: 4.8% (2024 est.)
• Unemployment rate: 4.8% (2024 est.)
• Poverty rate: 5.2% below the national poverty line (2023)
• Public debt: 20.9% of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Kazakhstan operates as a presidential republic, where the president holds significant powers, including appointing key government officials. The legislative framework includes a bicameral parliament, and citizens hold the right to vote at 18. The country has undergone democratic reforms and has a growing political landscape that includes multiple parties.

• Capital: Astana
• Current President: Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev (since 2019)
• Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
• Administrative divisions: 17 provinces and 4 cities
• Independence Day: Celebrated on December 16 (from the Soviet Union, 1991)

Military and Security

Kazakhstan's military includes land, naval, and air forces, with responsibilities for both internal and external security. The country emphasizes regional partnerships and modernization efforts for its military capabilities.

• Active military personnel: Approx. 50,000 (2025 est.)
• Military expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
• Conscription age: Men aged 18-27
• Military alliances: Member of CSTO since 1994
• Defense initiatives: Modernization to reduce reliance on Russian military equipment

Energy

Rich in energy resources, Kazakhstan derives a large portion of its GDP from oil and gas production, alongside coal and renewable energy initiatives. The country is transitioning to diversify its energy portfolio, including investments in renewables.

• Total petroleum production: 1.955 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
• Electricity generation: 87.7% from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
• Natural gas production: 28.769 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
• Coal production: 120.279 million metric tons (2023 est.)
• 100% of the population has electricity access (2022 est.)

Environment

Kazakhstan faces significant environmental challenges, including severe pollution and the impacts of climate change. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• Urban pollution: Severe in certain cities
• Water resources: 108.41 billion cubic meters renewable water (2022 est.)
• Carbon dioxide emissions: 269.83 million metric tons (2023 est.)
• Deforestation rate: 1.3% forest cover (2023 est.)
• Desertification risk: High due to agricultural practices

Transportation

Kazakhstan's transportation network consists of an extensive railway system and numerous airports, facilitating domestic and international connectivity.

• Airports: 132 (2025)
• Railway length: 16,636 km (2021)
• Civil aircraft registration: UP
• Merchant marine: 122 vessels (2023)
• Heliports: 32 (2025)

Communications

The country has a well-developed communication infrastructure with widespread mobile and internet usage.

• Mobile cellular subscriptions: 26.2 million (2024)
• Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.574 million (2023)
• Internet users: 93% of the population (2023)
• Broadband - fixed subscriptions: 3.59 million (2023)
• Broadcast media: State-owned, with a mix of commercial channels available

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,432,662	(2025 est.)
Area	2,724,900 sq km
GDP	$739.385 billion	(PPP, 2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	4.8%	(2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	172.936 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Birth rate	16.83 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life expectancy	73.3 years	(2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	2.57 children/woman	(2025 est.)
Urban population	58.2%	(2023)
Military expenditures	0.9% of GDP	(2024 est.)