Country Profile: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is characterized by its vast landscapes ranging from flat steppes to mountainous regions. With a population of over 20 million, the nation has experienced significant demographic changes, especially after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Its economy is the largest in Central Asia, bolstered by extensive natural resources and industrial growth, while it is governed as a presidential republic. The country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and improving regional relations.

Geography

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, bordering China to the east and extending into Eastern Europe with its westernmost regions. As the world's largest landlocked country, it covers an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, which is slightly less than four times the size of Texas. The terrain is predominantly flat with vast steppes, and it experiences a continental climate marked by cold winters and hot summers.

2,724,900 sq km - total area, making it the world's largest landlocked country.
13,364 km - total length of land borders, including extensive boundaries with Russia (7,644 km).
7,010 m - highest point, Pik Khan-Tengri, the northernmost peak above 7,000 meters.
25.605 billion metric tons - proven coal reserves (2023).
79.4% of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate).

People and Society

Kazakhstan has a diverse ethnic composition, with Kazakhs making up approximately 71% of the population. The total population is estimated at 20.4 million (2025), with a median age of 32.1 years. The country practices a mix of religions, with a majority identifying as Muslim, while urbanization is on the rise, with 58.2% of the population living in cities.

20,432,662 - projected population in 2025.
69.3% - percentage of the population identifying as Muslim (2021).
4.9% - share of the population representing other ethnicities.
16.83 births/1,000 - birth rate (2025 estimate).
73.3 years - life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).

Economy

Kazakhstan's upper-middle-income economy is largely driven by its abundant natural resources, particularly in oil and minerals. The nation is experiencing robust growth, yet is challenged by high inflation and the need for economic diversification. The services sector represents the largest portion of GDP, while agricultural production focuses mostly on staples like wheat.

$739.385 billion - real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
4.8% - unemployment rate projected for 2024.
58.2% - share of services in GDP (2024 estimate).
5.2% - estimated poverty rate in 2023.
0.9% - military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2024.

Government

Kazakhstan operates as a presidential republic with power centralized in the executive branch. The country has a bicameral legislature and a legal system influenced by civil law traditions. The capital city, Astana, has undergone several name changes since its founding and is crucial for governance and administration.

President Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV - in office since March 2019.
17 provinces and 4 cities - main administrative divisions.
Universal suffrage - for citizens aged 18 and above.
Constitution - last amended on September 5, 1995.
Independence declared - on December 16, 1991.

Military and Security

Kazakhstan maintains a structured military that includes land, naval, and air forces supported by a national police and security committee. The military is primarily focused on territorial defense while also engaging in international peacekeeping efforts. Military expenditure remains stable, reflecting priorities in internal security and defense modernization.

50,000 - estimated active members of the Armed Forces.
0.9% - military spending as a percentage of GDP in 2024.
12-24 months - length of conscription service for men aged 18-27.
Russian and Soviet-era equipment - dominant in military inventory.
Member of the CSTO - a regional security alliance.

Energy

Kazakhstan is rich in energy resources with significant production of coal, oil, and natural gas. The country aims to enhance its energy autonomy while its electricity generation predominantly relies on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources are being explored to diversify energy production.

1.955 million bbl/day - total petroleum production (2023).
87.7% - percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
120.279 million metric tons - coal production (2023).
2.407 trillion cubic meters - proven natural gas reserves (2021).
100% - electrification rate for the total population (2022).

Environment

Kazakhstan faces various environmental issues including toxicity from past industrial activities and pollution from agriculture. The country is involved in several international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating these challenges.

269.83 million metric tonnes - total CO2 emissions (2023).
79.4% of land is agricultural, leading to challenges like desertification.
4.66 million tons - municipal waste generated annually (2024).
3.8% - percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
108.41 billion cubic meters - total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

Kazakhstan has an extensive transportation network, including a significant railway system and a growing number of airports. The civil aviation sector is well-developed, supporting both domestic and international connectivity.

16,636 km - total railway length (2021).
132 - number of airports projected by 2025.
122 - total ships in the merchant marine (2023).
3.59 million - fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
26.2 million - mobile cellular subscriptions projected (2024).

Communications

Kazakhstan has a robust telecommunications infrastructure with high internet penetration. The country’s media landscape is largely state-controlled, yet access to foreign media is available through satellite dishes.

93% - percentage of internet users among the population (2023).
2.574 million - total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
13 subscriptions - fixed phones per 100 inhabitants (2023).
3.694 billion kWh - electricity imports (2023).
18 subscriptions - broadband fixed lines per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,432,662 (2025 est.)
Area	2,724,900 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$739.385 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.8% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	16.83 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.3 years (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate	5.2% (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption Per Capita	172.936 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	269.83 million metric tonnes (2023)
Agricultural Land Share	79.4% (2023 est.)