Executive Summary
Kazakhstan stands as the world's largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest nation globally, representing a significant economic and geopolitical force in Central Asia. With a population of approximately 20.6 million people spread across 2.7 million square kilometers, Kazakhstan maintains one of the world's lowest population densities at 7.4 people per square kilometer.
Population
20.6M
Million people
GDP
$288.1B
Billion USD (2024)
Area
2.7M
Million km²
GDP Growth
4.8%
2024 Growth Rate
Geography & Location
Strategic Position
Kazakhstan occupies a strategic position in Central Asia, sharing extensive borders with Russia (7,644 km), China (1,765 km), Kyrgyzstan (1,212 km), Uzbekistan (2,330 km), and Turkmenistan (413 km). The country also has a 1,894 km coastline along the Caspian Sea.
Physical Features
- Vast flat steppe from Volga to Altai Mountains
- Large central desert region
- Elevation: -132m to 6,995m
- Continental climate with extreme temperatures
Natural Resources
Demographics & Society
Population Structure
- Median Age: 32.3 years
- Growth Rate: 0.89%
- Birth Rate: 16.4 per 1,000
- Life Expectancy: 74.4 years
- Urbanization: 58.2%
Major Cities
- Almaty: 2.1 million (commercial center)
- Astana: 1.4 million (capital)
- Shymkent: 1.0 million
- Aktobe: 500,000+
Ethnic Composition
Languages & Religion
Official Languages: Kazakh (state), Russian (official)
Religion: Muslim 70.2%, Russian Orthodox 26.2%, Other 3.6%
Political System
Government Structure
System: Presidential Republic
Executive Branch
- President: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
- Prime Minister: Alikhan Smailov
- Council of Ministers
Legislative Branch
- Senate: 49 seats
- Assembly (Mazhilis): 98 seats
Administrative Divisions
14 regions (oblyslar) plus 3 cities with special status: Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent
Recent Political Developments
- Continued political reforms under President Tokayev
- Strengthening ties with Russia in 2024
- Potential selection of Russia's Rosatom for nuclear power plant
- Focus on maintaining political stability
Economic Overview
2024 Economic Performance
Kazakhstan's economy demonstrated strong resilience in 2024, with GDP growing by 4.8%, driven by robust consumer spending and investment.
GDP per Capita
$13,991
USD (2024)
Inflation
8.6%
End of 2024
Unemployment
4.6%
Stable rate
Current Account
-1.5%
% of GDP
Economic Structure by Sector
Key Industries
- Oil and gas extraction and refining
- Mining (uranium, copper, zinc, gold)
- Agricultural processing
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and logistics
Major Trading Partners
Exports: China, Italy, Russia, Netherlands, Turkey
Imports: Russia, China, Germany, Turkey, United States
Energy Sector
Oil & Gas
- Proven Reserves: ~30 billion barrels
- Production: ~1.8 million barrels/day
- Major Fields: Tengiz, Karachaganak, Kashagan
- Export Routes: CPC Pipeline, various alternatives
Renewable Energy Goals
Target: 15% of electricity from renewables by 2030
Focus on solar and wind energy development
Uranium Leadership
World's Largest Producer
40% of global uranium production
1.5 million tonnes in reserves
Energy Infrastructure
- Extensive pipeline networks
- Power generation facilities
- Cross-border energy connections
- Strategic energy storage facilities
Current Affairs (2024-2025)
Economic Developments
- Strong 4.8% GDP growth in 2024
- Rising inflation concerns (8.6% to 9.4%)
- Policy rate increased to 16.5%
- Focus on economic diversification
Infrastructure Projects
- Middle Corridor trade route development
- Transportation network modernization
- Energy sector investments
- Digital infrastructure expansion
International Relations
- Strengthening ties with Russia
- Nuclear power plant discussions
- China-Europe transit corridor role
- Balanced foreign policy approach
Social Initiatives
- Public health tax policies
- Women's economic empowerment
- Regional development programs
- Education system modernization
Future Outlook
Key Challenges
- Economic Diversification: Reducing oil/gas dependence
- Infrastructure: Modernizing transport and communications
- Environment: Balancing growth with sustainability
- Regional Stability: Managing geopolitical tensions
- Social Development: Reducing regional inequalities
Strategic Opportunities
- Transit Hub: China-Europe trade corridor
- Renewable Energy: Solar and wind potential
- Agriculture: Food production and exports
- Mining: Critical minerals for global markets
- Digital Economy: Technology sector growth
2030 Vision
Strategic Goal: Double the economy by 2030 from 2023 levels
This ambitious target requires sustained growth, structural reforms, and successful diversification beyond natural resources while maintaining political stability and balanced international relationships.