Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Kazakhstan
Қазақстан Республикасы
CapitalAstana
Population20,843,754
GDP$306.2bn
Area2,724,900 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Ethnic Kazakhs derive from a mix of Turkic nomadic tribes that migrated to the region in the 15th century. The Russian Empire conquered the Kazakh steppe in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. Forced agricultural collectivization led to repression and starvation, resulting in more than a million deaths in the early 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the agricultural "Virgin Lands" program generated an influx of settlers -- mostly ethnic Russians, but also other nationalities -- and by the time of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, ethnic Kazakhs were a minority. However, non-Muslim ethnic minorities departed Kazakhstan in large numbers from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s, and a national program has repatriated about a million ethnic Kazakhs (from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and the Xinjiang region of China) to Kazakhstan. As a result of this shift, the ethnic Kazakh share of the population now exceeds two-thirds.
Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers.
Reference: 1991, 1925Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers.
Geography
Location
Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural (Oral) River in easternmost Europe
Map references
Asia
Area
total: 2,724,900 sq km
land: 2,699,700 sq km
water: 25,200 sq km
land: 2,699,700 sq km
water: 25,200 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than four times the size of Texas
Land boundaries
total: 13,364 km
border countries: China 1,765 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,212 km; Russia 7,644 km; Turkmenistan 413 km; Uzbekistan 2,330 km
border countries: China 1,765 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,212 km; Russia 7,644 km; Turkmenistan 413 km; Uzbekistan 2,330 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
note: note: Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)
note: note: Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid
Terrain
vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the south
Elevation
highest point: Pik Khan-Tengri 7,010 m
note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World
lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m
mean elevation: 387 m
note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World
lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m
mean elevation: 387 m
Natural resources
major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium
Land use
agricultural land: 79.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 68.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.3% (2023 est.)
other: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 68.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.3% (2023 est.)
other: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
17,794 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Ozero Balkhash - 22,000 sq km; Ozero Zaysan - 1,800 sq km
salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Russia) - 374,000 sq km; Aral Sea (north) - 3,300 sq km; Ozero Alakol - 2,650 sq km; Ozero Teniz 1,590 sq km; Ozero Seletytenzi - 780 sq km; Ozero Sasykkol - 740 sq km
salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Russia) - 374,000 sq km; Aral Sea (north) - 3,300 sq km; Ozero Alakol - 2,650 sq km; Ozero Teniz 1,590 sq km; Ozero Seletytenzi - 780 sq km; Ozero Sasykkol - 740 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Syr Darya river mouth (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) - 3,078 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km), Lake Balkash (510,015 sq km)
Population distribution
most of the country displays a low population density, particularly the interior; population clusters appear in urban agglomerations in the far northern and southern portions of the country
Natural hazards
earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty
Geography - note
world's largest landlocked country and one of only two landlocked countries in the world that extends into two continents (the other is Azerbaijan); Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km (2,317 sq mi) of territory enclosing the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Kazakhstani(s)
adjective: Kazakhstani
adjective: Kazakhstani
Ethnic groups
Kazakh 71%, Russian 14.9%, Uzbek 3.3%, Ukrainian 1.9%, Uyghurs 1.5%, German 1.1%, Tatar 1.1%, other 4.9%, unspecified 0.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Languages
Languages: Kazakh (official, Qazaq) 80.1%, Russian 83.7%, English 35.1% (2021 est.)
major-language sample(s): Әлемдік деректер кітабы, негізгі ақпараттың таптырмайтын көзі. (Kazakh)
Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: percentages are based on population that understands the spoken language
Reference: 2021major-language sample(s): Әлемдік деректер кітабы, негізгі ақпараттың таптырмайтын көзі. (Kazakh)
Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: percentages are based on population that understands the spoken language
Religions
Muslim 69.3%, Christian 17.2% (Orthodox 17%, other 0.2%), Buddhism 0.1%, other 0.1%, non-believers 2.3%, unspecified 11% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 27.6% (male 2,883,200/female 2,712,772)
15-64 years: 62.8% (male 6,233,881/female 6,486,019)
65 years and over: 9.6% (2024 est.) (male 700,091/female 1,244,043)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.8% (male 6,233,881/female 6,486,019)
65 years and over: 9.6% (2024 est.) (male 700,091/female 1,244,043)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 59.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 44 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 44 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.5 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 31.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 30 years
female: 33.8 years
Reference: 2024male: 30 years
female: 33.8 years
Population growth rate
0.86% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most of the country displays a low population density, particularly the interior; population clusters appear in urban agglomerations in the far northern and southern portions of the country
Major urban areas - population
1.987 million Almaty, 1.291 million NUR-SULTAN (capital), 1.155 million Shimkent (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.56 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.56 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
28.9 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
10 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.25 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: urban: urban: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 3.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.75 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
6.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.73 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 20.1% (2025 est.)
male: 35.7% (2025 est.)
female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
male: 35.7% (2025 est.)
female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
61.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.2% (2015)
women married by age 18: 7% (2015)
Reference: 2015women married by age 18: 7% (2015)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2024 est.)
male: 14 years (2024 est.)
female: 14 years (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024male: 14 years (2024 est.)
female: 14 years (2024 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 66,152 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 0 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 7,865 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 0 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 7,865 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Olzhas Bektenov | — | 2024-02-06 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Kassym-Jomart Tokayev | — | 2019-03-20 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan
conventional short form: Kazakhstan
local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy
local short form: Qazaqstan
former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology: the name may derive from the Turkic word kazak, meaning "nomad;" the Persian suffix -stan means "place of" or "country"
conventional short form: Kazakhstan
local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy
local short form: Qazaqstan
former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology: the name may derive from the Turkic word kazak, meaning "nomad;" the Persian suffix -stan means "place of" or "country"
Capital
name: Astana
geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: On 1 March 2024, Kazakhstan moved from using two time zones to one
etymology: the name means "capital city" in Kazakh
note: note: founded in 1830 as Akmoly, the capital city became Akmolinsk in 1832, Tselinograd in 1961, Akmola (Aqmola) in 1992, Astana in 1998, and Nur-Sultan in 2019; the latest name change back to Astana in 2022 occurred just three and a half years after the city was renamed to honor a former president, who subsequently fell out of favor
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2019, 1998geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: On 1 March 2024, Kazakhstan moved from using two time zones to one
etymology: the name means "capital city" in Kazakh
note: note: founded in 1830 as Akmoly, the capital city became Akmolinsk in 1832, Tselinograd in 1961, Akmola (Aqmola) in 1992, Astana in 1998, and Nur-Sultan in 2019; the latest name change back to Astana in 2022 occurred just three and a half years after the city was renamed to honor a former president, who subsequently fell out of favor
Administrative divisions
17 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 4 cities* (qalalar, singular - qala); Abay (Semey), Almaty (Qonaev), Almaty*, Aqmola (Kokshetau), Aqtobe, Astana*, Atyrau, Batys Qazaqstan [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr*, Mangghystau (Aqtau), Pavlodar, Qaraghandy, Qostanay, Qyzylorda, Shyghys Qazaqstan [East Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Shymkent*, Soltustik Qazaqstan [North Kazakhstan] (Petropavl), Turkistan, Ulytau (Zhezqazghan), Zhambyl (Taraz), Zhetisu (Taldyqorghan)
note: note 1: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; exceptions show the administrative center name in parentheses
note 2: in 1995, the Kazakh and Russian governments agreed that Russia would lease for 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km (2,317 sq mi) around the Baikonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr (Baikonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, the lease was extended to 2050
Reference: 2050, 2004, 1995note: note 1: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; exceptions show the administrative center name in parentheses
note 2: in 1995, the Kazakh and Russian governments agreed that Russia would lease for 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km (2,317 sq mi) around the Baikonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr (Baikonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, the lease was extended to 2050
Legal system
civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and by the theory and practice of the Russian Federation
Constitution
history: previous 1937, 1978 (pre-independence), 1993; latest approved by referendum 30 August 1995, effective 5 September 1995
amendment process: introduced by a referendum initiated by the president of the republic, on the recommendation of Parliament, or by the government; the president has the option of submitting draft amendments to Parliament or directly to a referendum; passage of amendments by Parliament requires four-fifths majority vote of both houses and the signature of the president; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote by more than one half of the voters in at least two thirds of the oblasts, major cities, and the capital, followed by the signature of the president
Reference: 1995, 1993, 1978, 1937amendment process: introduced by a referendum initiated by the president of the republic, on the recommendation of Parliament, or by the government; the president has the option of submitting draft amendments to Parliament or directly to a referendum; passage of amendments by Parliament requires four-fifths majority vote of both houses and the signature of the president; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote by more than one half of the voters in at least two thirds of the oblasts, major cities, and the capital, followed by the signature of the president
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kazakhstan
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kazakhstan
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (since 20 March 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Olzhas BEKTENOV (since 6 February 2024)
cabinet: the president appoints ministers based on the prime minister's recommendations; the president has veto power over all appointments and independently appoints the ministers of defense, internal affairs, and foreign affairs
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 7-year term (prior to September 2022, the president of Kazakhstan could serve up to two 5-year terms; legislation reduced it to one 7-year term); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Mazhilis
most recent election date: 20 November 2022
election results: 2024: Olzhas BEKTENOV elected as prime minister; 69-0 in parliament
2022: Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV (Amanat) 81.3%, Zhiguli DAYRABAEV (Auyl) 3.4%, Qaraqat or Karakat ÄBDEN (KÄQŪA) 2.6%, Meyram KAZHYKEN (Amanat) 2.5%, Nurlan AUYESBAYEV (NSDP) 2.2%, Saltanat TURSYNBEKOVA (QA-DJ) 2.1%, other 5.8%
2019: Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV elected president; percent of vote - Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (Amanat) 71%, Amirzhan KOSANOV (Ult Tagdyry) 16.2%, Daniya YESPAYEVA (Ak Zhol) 5.1%, other 7.7%
expected date of next election: 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2022, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Olzhas BEKTENOV (since 6 February 2024)
cabinet: the president appoints ministers based on the prime minister's recommendations; the president has veto power over all appointments and independently appoints the ministers of defense, internal affairs, and foreign affairs
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 7-year term (prior to September 2022, the president of Kazakhstan could serve up to two 5-year terms; legislation reduced it to one 7-year term); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Mazhilis
most recent election date: 20 November 2022
election results: 2024: Olzhas BEKTENOV elected as prime minister; 69-0 in parliament
2022: Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV (Amanat) 81.3%, Zhiguli DAYRABAEV (Auyl) 3.4%, Qaraqat or Karakat ÄBDEN (KÄQŪA) 2.6%, Meyram KAZHYKEN (Amanat) 2.5%, Nurlan AUYESBAYEV (NSDP) 2.2%, Saltanat TURSYNBEKOVA (QA-DJ) 2.1%, other 5.8%
2019: Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV elected president; percent of vote - Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (Amanat) 71%, Amirzhan KOSANOV (Ult Tagdyry) 16.2%, Daniya YESPAYEVA (Ak Zhol) 5.1%, other 7.7%
expected date of next election: 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Parlament)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives (Mazhilis)
number of seats: 98 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 3/19/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Amanat party (62); Auyl party (8); Ak Zhol Democratic Party of Kazakhstan (6); Respublica (6); People's Party of Kazakhstan (5); Independents (7); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 18.4%
expected date of next election: March 2028
Reference: 2028, 2023number of seats: 98 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 3/19/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Amanat party (62); Auyl party (8); Ak Zhol Democratic Party of Kazakhstan (6); Respublica (6); People's Party of Kazakhstan (5); Independents (7); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 18.4%
expected date of next election: March 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 50 (40 indirectly elected; 10 appointed)
scope of elections: partial renewal
term in office: 6 years
most recent election date: 1/14/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 20%
expected date of next election: January 2026
Reference: 2026, 2023number of seats: 50 (40 indirectly elected; 10 appointed)
scope of elections: partial renewal
term in office: 6 years
most recent election date: 1/14/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 20%
expected date of next election: January 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Republic (consists of 44 members); Constitutional Council (consists of the chairperson and 6 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges proposed by the president of the republic on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed by the Senate; judges normally serve until age 65 but can be extended to age 70; Constitutional Council - the president of the republic, the Senate chairperson, and the Mazhilis chairperson each appoints 2 members for a 6-year term; chairperson of the Constitutional Council appointed by the president for a 6-year term
subordinate courts: regional and local courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges proposed by the president of the republic on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed by the Senate; judges normally serve until age 65 but can be extended to age 70; Constitutional Council - the president of the republic, the Senate chairperson, and the Mazhilis chairperson each appoints 2 members for a 6-year term; chairperson of the Constitutional Council appointed by the president for a 6-year term
subordinate courts: regional and local courts
Political parties
Ak Zhol Democratic Party or Ak Zhol
Amanat formerly Nur Otan
Auyl People's Democratic Patriotic Party or Auyl
Green Party of Kazakhstan orBaytaq
Nationwide Social Democratic Party or NSDP
People's Party of Kazakhstan or PPK
Respublica
Amanat formerly Nur Otan
Auyl People's Democratic Patriotic Party or Auyl
Green Party of Kazakhstan orBaytaq
Nationwide Social Democratic Party or NSDP
People's Party of Kazakhstan or PPK
Respublica
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Magzhan ILYASOV (since October 2025)
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
email address and website: washington@mfa.kz
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
email address and website: washington@mfa.kz
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Julie STUFFT; Chargé d'Affaires Deborah ROBINSON (since January 2025)
embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Astana 010010
mailing address: 2230 Astana Place, Washington DC 20521-2230
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14
email address and website: USAKZ@state.gov
https://kz.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Almaty
embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Astana 010010
mailing address: 2230 Astana Place, Washington DC 20521-2230
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14
email address and website: USAKZ@state.gov
https://kz.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Almaty
International organization participation
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Reference: 1991National holiday
Independence Day, 16 December (1991)
Reference: 1991Flag
description: a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky-blue background; the left side displays a national pattern called koshkar-muiz (the horns of the ram) in gold
meaning: the blue color has religious significance for the Turkic peoples and symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity, as well as sky and water; the sun stands for wealth and plenitude, with rays shaped like grain; the eagle has appeared on Kazakh tribal flags for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future
meaning: the blue color has religious significance for the Turkic peoples and symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity, as well as sky and water; the sun stands for wealth and plenitude, with rays shaped like grain; the eagle has appeared on Kazakh tribal flags for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future
National symbol(s)
golden eagle
National color(s)
blue, yellow
National coat of arms
winning design from a competition held in 1992; the design uses the national colors of yellow and blue, with blue standing for the hope for unity, peace, and friendship with all people and gold for a clear future for the country’s population; a shanyrak (the upper dome-like portion of a yurt) represents familial well-being, peace, and calmness, with the circular shape standing for life and eternity; the winged horses, or tulpars, protect the shanyrak and symbolize bravery, prosperity, and inspiration
Reference: 1992National anthem(s)
title: "Menin Qazaqstanim" (My Kazakhstan)
lyrics/music: Zhumeken NAZHIMEDENOV and Nursultan NAZARBAYEV/Shamshi KALDAYAKOV
history: adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics
Reference: 2006lyrics/music: Zhumeken NAZHIMEDENOV and Nursultan NAZARBAYEV/Shamshi KALDAYAKOV
history: adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 6 (3 cultural, 3 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (c); Petroglyphs at Tanbaly (c); Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (n); Silk Roads: the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor (c); Western Tien-Shan (n); Cold Winter Deserts of Turan (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (c); Petroglyphs at Tanbaly (c); Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (n); Silk Roads: the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor (c); Western Tien-Shan (n); Cold Winter Deserts of Turan (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Kazakhstan | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
oil and gas giant, with growing international investment; domestic economy hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; reforming civil society and improving business confidence; legacy state controls and Russian influence inhibit growth and autonomy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $739.385 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $705.52 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $671.285 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $705.52 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $671.285 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $35,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $34,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $33,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $34,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $33,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 31.4% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 31.4% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 51.4% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 11.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 3.3% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -27.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 11.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 3.3% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -27.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, milk, barley, potatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes/melons, sunflower seeds, maize, onions, tomatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, uranium, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials
Industrial production growth rate
6.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
10.285 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 3.8% (2024 est.)
male: 3% (2024 est.)
female: 4.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3% (2024 est.)
female: 4.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
5.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2023note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 29.2 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 50.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 2.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 24.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 24.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $44.25 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $47.247 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $47.247 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 20.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
11.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$3.702 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$9.448 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.436 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$9.448 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.436 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $91.908 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $90.926 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $93.822 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $90.926 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $93.822 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 16%, UK 15%, Russia 10%, Turkey 6%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, gold, radioactive chemicals, refined copper, copper ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $74.246 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $72.723 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $60.439 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $72.723 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $60.439 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 28%, Russia 24%, Gambia, The 4%, Turkey 4%, USA 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, cars, broadcasting equipment, vehicle bodies, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $45.808 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $35.965 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $35.076 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $35.965 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $35.076 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $25.765 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: tenge (KZT) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 468.962 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 456.165 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 460.165 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 425.908 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 412.953 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 468.962 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 456.165 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 460.165 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 425.908 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 412.953 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$3.702 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$9.448 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.436 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$9.448 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.436 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $91.908 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $90.926 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $93.822 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $90.926 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $93.822 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 16%, UK 15%, Russia 10%, Turkey 6%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, gold, radioactive chemicals, refined copper, copper ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $74.246 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $72.723 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $60.439 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $72.723 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $60.439 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 28%, Russia 24%, Gambia, The 4%, Turkey 4%, USA 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, cars, broadcasting equipment, vehicle bodies, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 27.624 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 106.201 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2.243 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.694 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 9.439 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 106.201 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2.243 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.694 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 9.439 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 87.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 1 (2025)
Coal
production: 120.279 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 86.349 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 34.043 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 114,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 25.605 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 86.349 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 34.043 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 114,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 25.605 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 1.955 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 386,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 30 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 386,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 30 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 28.769 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 22.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 7.071 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 408.952 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.407 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 22.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 7.071 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 408.952 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.407 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 172.936 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.574 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
10 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 3.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.75 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
6.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 20.1% (2025 est.)
male: 35.7% (2025 est.)
female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
male: 35.7% (2025 est.)
female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2024 est.)
male: 14 years (2024 est.)
female: 14 years (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024male: 14 years (2024 est.)
female: 14 years (2024 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and by the theory and practice of the Russian Federation
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Republic (consists of 44 members); Constitutional Council (consists of the chairperson and 6 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges proposed by the president of the republic on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed by the Senate; judges normally serve until age 65 but can be extended to age 70; Constitutional Council - the president of the republic, the Senate chairperson, and the Mazhilis chairperson each appoints 2 members for a 6-year term; chairperson of the Constitutional Council appointed by the president for a 6-year term
subordinate courts: regional and local courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges proposed by the president of the republic on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed by the Senate; judges normally serve until age 65 but can be extended to age 70; Constitutional Council - the president of the republic, the Senate chairperson, and the Mazhilis chairperson each appoints 2 members for a 6-year term; chairperson of the Constitutional Council appointed by the president for a 6-year term
subordinate courts: regional and local courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Land Forces (Army of Kazakhstan), Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces
Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Police, National Guard
Committee for National Security (KNB): Border Guard Service (2025)
note: note: the National Guard is a gendarmerie type force administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also serves the Ministry of Defense; it is responsible for fighting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety; other duties include anti-terrorism operations, guarding prisons, riot control, and territorial defense in time of war
Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Police, National Guard
Committee for National Security (KNB): Border Guard Service (2025)
note: note: the National Guard is a gendarmerie type force administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also serves the Ministry of Defense; it is responsible for fighting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety; other duties include anti-terrorism operations, guarding prisons, riot control, and territorial defense in time of war
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
available information varies widely; estimated 50,000 active Armed Forces; estimated 30,000 National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Kazakh military's inventory is comprised of mostly Russian and Soviet-era equipment; in recent years, however, it has sought to diversify to suppliers such as China, France, Israel, South Korea, and Turkey; Kazakhstan has a defense industry capable of assembling or producing such items as naval vessels, combat vehicles, helicopters, and radar systems (2025)
Military service age and obligation
men 18-27 are subject to conscription for 12-24 months; conscripts may be assigned to the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Border Service, the State Security Service, or the Ministry of Emergency Situations; women may volunteer (2025)
note: note: as of 2022, more than 10,000 women served in the Armed Forces and the National Guard
Reference: 2025, 2022note: note: as of 2022, more than 10,000 women served in the Armed Forces and the National Guard
Military - note
the military’s principal responsibilities are territorial defense while the National Police, National Guard, Committee for National Security, and Border Service have primary responsibility for internal security, although the military may provide assistance if required; the military also participates in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, as well as regional exercises; in recent years, Kazakhstan has placed greater emphasis on regional military partnerships and equipment modernization and diversification in order to reduce reliance on Russia, its traditional security partner; other efforts to enhance the country’s security sector have included boosting the capabilities of the National Guard and improving military professionalism
Kazakhstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and has obligated troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force; it also has had a relationship with NATO since 1992 focused on democratic, institutional, and defense reforms (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1994, 1992Kazakhstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and has obligated troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force; it also has had a relationship with NATO since 1992 focused on democratic, institutional, and defense reforms (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Magzhan ILYASOV (since October 2025)
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
email address and website: washington@mfa.kz
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
email address and website: washington@mfa.kz
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Julie STUFFT; Chargé d'Affaires Deborah ROBINSON (since January 2025)
embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Astana 010010
mailing address: 2230 Astana Place, Washington DC 20521-2230
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14
email address and website: USAKZ@state.gov
https://kz.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Almaty
embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Astana 010010
mailing address: 2230 Astana Place, Washington DC 20521-2230
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14
email address and website: USAKZ@state.gov
https://kz.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Almaty
International organization participation
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1992-01-30 |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) | member | 1994-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1992-03-02 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 66,152 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 0 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 7,865 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 0 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 7,865 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
UP
Airports
132 (2025)
Heliports
32 (2025)
Railways
total: 16,636 km (2021)
broad gauge: 16,636 km (2021) 1.520-m gauge (4,237 km electrified)
Reference: 2021broad gauge: 16,636 km (2021) 1.520-m gauge (4,237 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 122 (2023)
by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 7, other 112
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 7, other 112
Environment
Environmental issues
radioactive or toxic chemical sites from former defense industries; severe industrial pollution in some cities; air and soil pollution (including dust storms) from chemical pesticides and natural salts left after two rivers were diverted; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals; salination from infrastructure and irrigation practices; water pollution; desertification
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid
Land use
agricultural land: 79.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 68.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.3% (2023 est.)
other: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 68.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.3% (2023 est.)
other: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 58.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 269.83 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 175.848 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 50.387 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 43.596 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 175.848 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 50.387 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 43.596 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
38.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 1,903.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 781.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 184.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 17.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 781.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 184.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 17.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.66 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 3.8% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 3.8% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 4.877 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 5.995 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 14.264 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 5.995 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 14.264 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
108.41 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.574 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
the state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; there are 96 TV channels, and 4 state-run radio stations; some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized; households with satellite dishes have access to foreign media; small number of commercial radio stations; all media outlets have to register with the government (2018)
Reference: 2018Internet country code
.kz
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 18,363,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 18,651,931 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 18,932,727 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 19,209,555 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 19,482,117 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 19,743,603 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 20,034,609 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 20,330,104 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 20,592,571 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 20,843,754 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $137,278,320,084 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $166,805,788,827 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $179,339,977,690 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $181,667,184,855 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $171,082,365,861 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $197,112,255,361 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $225,496,328,925 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $261,840,101,060 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $291,480,274,649 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $306,239,209,650 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,990,268 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,089,797 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 3,178,221 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 3,270,367 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 3,407,178 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 3,648,310 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 3,753,542 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 3,348,874 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 3,029,566 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 2,796,572 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9,478 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 21,248 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -6,644 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,594 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -8,716 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -9,804 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 45,755 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -4,822 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -7,368 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -8,834 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,843,754 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 21,083,627 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 20,139,914 | 2024 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,089,797 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 10.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 2,796,572 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -8,834 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 561 | 2012 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 81 | 2012 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 4,144 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 6,611 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.329 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -1.119 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -0.087 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -0.172 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -0.735 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -1.259 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.008 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Yes Legal since 1998 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Yes Since 2022 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $306,239,209,650 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $14,692 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 11.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 74.5 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.0 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 62.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 93.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 25.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 57.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.7% | 2009 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 97.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 5,146 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 2.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 3.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 1.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 127.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 15.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 6,914 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 51.1879° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 71.4382° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 48.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 68.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:16