Country Profile: Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east. With a population of over 20 million, it is a diverse nation consisting mainly of ethnic Kazakhs along with significant Russian and Uzbek communities. The economy is primarily driven by its vast natural resources, particularly oil and gas, but is currently focused on diversification to enhance competitiveness. The governance structure is a presidential republic, with significant powers held by the president.
Geography
Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and extends into eastern Europe, covering an area of approximately 2,724,900 sq km, making it the world's largest landlocked country. Its landscape features vast steppes, mountains, and deserts, with the highest point being Pik Khan-Tengri at 7,010 m. As a landlocked nation, Kazakhstan has no coastline but borders the Caspian Sea to the west.
- 13,364 km of land boundaries with 5 neighboring countries.
- Climate ranges from cold winters to hot summers, characterized as continental and arid.
People and Society
The estimated population of Kazakhstan is 20,432,662 as of 2025, with a median age of 32.1 years. Ethnic Kazakhs constitute about 71% of the populace, with significant Russian and other ethnic groups. The country has a relatively high urbanization rate, with 58.2% of people living in urban areas. The main religions practiced are Islam (69.3%) and Christianity (17.2%).
- 3.9% of GDP spent on health.
- 4.8% unemployment rate projected for 2024.
- Birth rate stands at 16.83 births/1,000 population in 2025.
Economy
Kazakhstan's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, benefiting from high oil production and growth in manufacturing and services. The GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) is forecasted at $739.385 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 4.8% predicted. The economic landscape is shaped by efforts to reduce inflation and poverty rates while attracting foreign investment.
- 58.2% of GDP is derived from the services sector.
- Inflation rate projected at 8.8% for 2024.
- Public debt stands at 20.9% of GDP for 2023.
Government
Kazakhstan operates as a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. The current president is Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev, who has been in office since March 2019. Kazakhstan's Constitution was adopted in 1995, detailing the structure of governance and the rights of citizens.
- 18 years is the minimum voting age.
- The last presidential election occurred on 20 November 2022.
Military and Security
Kazakhstan's military is composed of the Land Forces, Naval Forces, and Air Defense Forces, with about 50,000 active personnel. Military expenditure is about 0.9% of GDP in 2024. The nation is a member of several international security organizations and emphasizes modernizing its military infrastructure and diversifying foreign partnerships.
- The National Guard comprises around 30,000 personnel.
- Men aged 18-27 are subject to conscription.
Energy
Kazakhstan is rich in energy resources, producing around 1.955 million bbl/day of petroleum and 28.769 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The country's energy infrastructure includes 27.624 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity, primarily from fossil fuels.
- 87.7% of electricity comes from fossil fuel sources.
- Proven natural gas reserves total 2.407 trillion cubic meters.
Environment
Environmental challenges in Kazakhstan include severe industrial pollution, desertification, and effects from toxic waste. The total agricultural land usage is 79.4% of the country's area, with significant investments in improving water management and pollution control.
- 4.66 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually.
- Kazakhstan is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.
Transportation
Kazakhstan's transportation network includes 132 airports and extensive railways spanning 16,636 km. As a crucial transit corridor for goods between Europe and Asia, its transportation system consists of rail, road, and air networks that are continually being enhanced.
- 122 vessels in its merchant marine fleet.
- 32 heliports across the country.
Communications
In terms of communications, Kazakhstan boasts a high percentage of internet users, with 93% of the population connected online. The fixed-line telephone subscription is around 2.574 million, while mobile cellular subscriptions exceed 26.2 million.
- 3.59 million fixed broadband subscriptions.
- 127 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,432,662 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 2,724,900 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $739.385 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 16.83 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 73.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditure | 0.9% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Illiteracy Rate | Below 1% | |
| Electrification Rate | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban Population | 58.2% | 2023 estimate |
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