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Kazakhstan: Central Asia
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Geographically Kazakhstan is a part of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is more than twice as big as the four other Central Asian republics put together and is roughly half the size of mainland USA. The landscape of Kazakhstan is diverse. The northern forest-steppe turns into steppe, half-deserts and deserts in the South. Kazakhstan is mineral rich. Enterprises involved in extraction and processing of coal, oil, gas, non-ferrous and ferrous metals play a leading role in the national economy. The Republic is a multinational state inhabited with representatives of more than 120 nationalities.
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Kazakhstan's military participates in the U.S.'s International Military Education and Training program, Foreign Military Financing, as well as NATO's Partnership for Peace program. In 2005, U.S. Central Command conducted approximately 45 bilateral, military cooperation events with the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan and other agencies, an increase of more than 100% since 2002. Events vary in size and scope, ranging from information exchanges to military exercises.
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The climate in Kazakhstan is varied, and different plants and animals are found according to region. Parts of Kazakhstan become extremely cold in the winter and very hot during the summer. The Kara Kum Desert, the world's fourth largest desert, occupies most of central Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan's economic outlook remains positive, with GDP expected to grow at 8.6% and 8.9% in 2007 and 2008, respectively. But prospects rest heavily on continued high world commodity prices; a sustained increase in oil and gas and minerals production and export; strong domestic consumption; and continued government commitment to prudent macroeconomic management. Find out more in the latest issue of Asian Development Outlook.
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Kazakhstan believes that issues of development and related challenges involving timely and effective achievement of the Millennium Development Goals should continue to be the focus of attention of the international community. The view that the framework for a collective security system can be established through creating conditions for development of States is of special importance. It is encouraging to note that the outcome document adopted by the world Summit has reaffirmed that development is a central goal and that sustainable development in its economic, social and cultural dimensions is an important area of work of the entire United Nations system.
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Formerly the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is larger with over one million residents. The Tien Shan mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. Shopping, restaurants and parks abound. If time permits, visit the Central Museum for a dramatic illustrated history of Kazakhstan, complete with yurts, tapestries and gift shops.
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