Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country and the largest landlocked nation, lies in Central Asia, bordered by Russia, China, and several Central Asian states. Its capital is Astana, while Almaty is the cultural hub. With a population of about 20 million, most are Kazakhs and Russians. Kazakh is the state language, though Russian is widely spoken. The nation gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Rich in oil, gas, coal, and uranium, it leads Central Asia’s economy. Kazakhstan is also home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, birthplace of space exploration. Its culture blends nomadic traditions, music, horse riding, and hearty cuisine.
