Kazakhstan - Useful information for your trip

Kazakhstan is a country situated between Europe and Asia and is a former republic of the USSR. It borders east the Caspian Sea for a tract, but still remains the biggest landlocked country in the world since the Caspian Sea is considered a lake.

From a geographic and morphological point of view, the territory is traversed by the Ural mountains. It has a large extension, almost equal to that of Western Europe. The country is mainly flat. In the south-eastern part lies Tian Shan, with its highest peak, Khan Tengri (7010 m), while further to the west lie Küngey Alatau, Zailijski Alatau, Kirghiz Alatau and Talassky Alatau, minor ranges of Tian Shan.

The northern part is mainly characterized by steppe, becoming more arid in the south, until it becomes desert. Significant rivers are Syr-Darya, flowing into the Aral Sea, Ural, flowing south of Ural mountains and into the Caspian Sea, Illi, coming from China, and Irtyš, flowing towards Siberia. Lake Balkash is peculiar: it's situated in the east-central part of the country, it's the fourth largest in Asia and is half salt water and half freshwater.

As for climate, Kazakhstan has hot summers and very cold winters. Its population is mainly made up of ethnic groups of Russian and Kazakh origins, but Uzbek, Ukrainian, Uighur, Tatarin, and German minorities are also present, along with Koreans, Turks, Azeris, Belarusians and several others. The capital city, Astana, is located in central Kazakistan, on Ishim river.

The country owns around 60% of the mineral resources of the ex USSR, main extractions are those of iron, coal, oil and methane. Furthermore, Kazakhstan is also home to 20% of ex USSR's cropland. The northern part is mainly made up of wheat plantations, while the south produces fruit, vegetables, tobacco, cotton, rice and hemp. The driest areas are used for the seasonal grazing of cows, horses, sheep and camels. Marijuana and opium plantations are also widespread, especially in Chu Valley.

As for tourism, Kazakh contemporary art is particularly interesting: it shows elements of the Islamic art, but with some features of the Western culture. After the indipendence and the collapse of the USSR, the bonds with the Islamic world have become stronger. Unmissable spots during a holiday are Bayterek Tower, Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana, the Ascension Cathedral, the Central Museum of Kazakhtan, Medeu stadium in Almaty.