Country Profile: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, sits in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east. It boasts a diverse population exceeding 20 million, predominantly ethnic Kazakhs, alongside significant Russian and other minority communities. The country's economy, the largest in Central Asia, is heavily reliant on its abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, while simultaneously seeking to diversify its economic base. Kazakhstan operates as a presidential republic with a strong executive branch, enhancing governance stability and fostering foreign investments.

Geography

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, extending into Europe, with a land area of approximately 2,724,900 square kilometers. As the largest landlocked country in the world, it experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with vast steppe terrains and significant natural resources. The terrain features diverse ecosystems, from the flat steppe to mountain ranges and deserts, while major lakes and rivers are critical for the country's water resources.

2.7 million sq km: Total area, making it the largest landlocked country.
13,364 km: Length of land borders with Russia, China, and others.
7,010 m: Highest point is Pik Khan-Tengri.
25.6 billion metric tons: Proven coal reserves (2023).
1.3%: Forest cover of total land area (2022).

People and Society

Kazakhstan has a population of approximately 20.3 million people as of 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition primarily consisting of Kazakhs, Russians, and Uzbeks. The official languages are Kazakh and Russian, reflecting the country's historical ties and cultural influences. The majority of the population practices Islam, with a significant Christian minority. Urbanization is on the rise, with 58.2% of the population living in urban areas.

20.26 million: Estimated population in 2024.
69.3%: Percentage of the population practicing Islam.
31.9 years: Median age in the population.
2.58 children: Total fertility rate (2024).
73.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Kazakhstan's economy is driven by its vast reserves of natural resources, particularly in oil and gas sectors. The country has made significant strides in reforming its economy and attracting foreign investment, though it continues to face challenges such as state control and dependency on Russia. The GDP is projected to grow steadily, reflecting recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

$739.4 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
4.8%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
10.29 million: Labor force as of 2024.
4.8%: Unemployment rate in 2024.
5.2%: Population living below the poverty line (2023).

Government

Kazakhstan is governed as a presidential republic, with a strong executive branch led by President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev since March 2019. The country's political framework includes a bicameral Parliament, comprising a House of Representatives and a Senate. The legal system is based on civil law influenced by Russian law, and the country enjoys a high degree of political stability.

18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
7 years: Presidential term length.
98: Seats in the House of Representatives (Mazhilis).
50: Total seats in the Senate.
16 December 1991: Independence Day from the Soviet Union.

Military and Security

Kazakhstan maintains a significant military presence, including ground, naval, and air forces, supplemented by internal security forces. The military's primary responsibility is territorial defense, while the National Guard handles internal security issues. Military expenditure remains relatively low as a percentage of GDP, but recent years have seen a focus on modernization and regional cooperation.

0.9%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
50,000: Estimated active armed forces personnel.
32: Heliports as of 2025.
1: Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down (2025).
12-24 months: Duration of military conscription.

Energy

Kazakhstan is one of the leading energy producers globally, particularly in oil and gas. The country has a robust electricity generation sector, primarily relying on fossil fuels for energy production. In recent years, diversification into renewable sources has begun, although fossil fuels still dominate the energy landscape.

1.95 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023).
87.7%: Portion of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
120.3 million metric tons: Coal production in 2023.
28.77 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production in 2023.
100%: Electrification rate of total population (2022).

Environment

Kazakhstan faces several environmental challenges, including industrial pollution, desertification, and water resource management. The government is a participant in various international environmental agreements, working towards sustainable development and remediation of contaminated areas.

79.4%: Agricultural land use as of 2022.
26.5 mg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019).
2.9%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2012).
108.41 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020).
9.44 billion kWh: Transmission and distribution losses of electricity (2023).

Transportation

Kazakhstan has an extensive transportation network that includes railways, roads, and air transport, facilitating domestic and international trade. The country's focus is on improving infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic development.

16,636 km: Total railway length (2021).
132: Total airports projected by 2025.
3.59 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
122: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
25.8 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).

Communications

Kazakhstan's communication infrastructure is well-developed, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The state controls most broadcast media, but there is growing access to foreign media through satellite services.

93%: Percentage of population using the internet (2023).
2.57 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
25.8 million: Mobile telephone subscriptions (2023).
3.59 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
130: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,260,006	Estimated for 2024
Area	2,724,900 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$739.385 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	17.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	73.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Military Expenditure	0.9% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	172.936 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Electrification Rate	100%	Total population electrified (2022)
Total Fertility Rate	2.58 children/woman	Estimated for 2024