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Kazakhstan
The republic, which has become one of the most important new oil producers, is striving hard to create a free market - and, as a result, has been attracting more interest from overseas investors. - -
Content
From satellite state into the space age
The republic has travelled far since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Politics: Pressure for reform is growing
But president believes economic liberalisation must come first.
Economy: Oil rich and having a ball
But the fast-growing economy needs to learn from the mistakes made by others.
Banking: Raising the standards drives consolidation
The sector has seen many reforms.
Caspian oil: Tightening rules of the game
The republic offers a new source of energy outside the Middle East.
Oil expansion: Happiness is in the pipeline
Landlocked Kazakhstan is still dependent on Russia.
Kazakhstan key facts
- Official name: Republic of Kazakhstan
- Capital: Astana
- Population: 15.4 million
- Currency: Tenge
- Official language: Kazakh
Introduction
The second-largest of the former Soviet republics, Kazakhstan extends almost 3000 km (1900 miles) from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east and 1600 km (1000 miles) north to south. It borders Russia to the north and China to the east. Kazakhstan was the last Soviet republic to declare its independence, in 1991. In 1999, elections confirmed the former communist Nursultan Nazarbayev and his supporters in power. Kazakhstan has considerable economic potential, and many Western companies seek to exploit its mineral resources.
