Kazakhstan

, Kazakstan

a republic in central Asia: conquered by Mongols in the 13th century; came under Russian control in the 18th and 19th centuries; was a Soviet republic from 1936 until it gained independence in 1991. It has rich mineral deposits and agriculture is important. Official language: Kazakh. Religion: nonreligious, Muslim, and Christian. Official currency: tenge. Capital: Astana (formerly Akmola); capital functions moved from Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) in 1997. Pop.: 15 403 000 (2004 est.). Area: 2 715 100 sq. km (1 048 030 sq. miles)

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

Kazakhstan

Official name: Republic of Kazakhstan

Capital city: Astana

Internet country code: .kz

Flag description: Sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on the hoist side is a national ornamentation in gold

National anthem: “We are a valiant people, sons of honour” (first line in English translation), lyrics by Muzafar Alimbayev, Kadyr Myrzaliyev, Tumanbai Moldagaliyev and Zhadyra Daribayeva, music by Mukan Tulebayev, Eugeny Brusilovsky and Latif Khamidi

Geographical description: Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural River in easternmost Europe

Total area: 1.05 million sq. mi. (2.7 million sq. km.)

Climate: Continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Nationality: noun: Kazakhstani(s); adjective: Kazakhstani

Population: 15,284,929 (July 2007 CIA est.)

Ethnic groups: Kazakh 55.8%, Russian 28.3%, Ukrainian 3.3%, Uzbek 2.6%, German 1.8%, Uyghur 1.5%, other 5.0%

Languages spoken: Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the “language of interethnic communication”) 95%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Legal Holidays:

Constitution Day	Aug 30
Independence Day	Dec 16
International Women's Day	Mar 8
Kazakhstan Peoples Unity Day	May 1
New Year's holiday	Jan 1
Republic Day	Oct 25
Victory Day	May 9

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References in periodicals archive

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