Moving to Kazakhstan: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

19,091,949

Population Growth Rate

1.2%

Urban Population

53.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

Almaty 1.426 million; ASTANA (capital) 664,000

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Age Structure

25.680000

Median Age

29.500000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

20

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

8.43

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.38

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

51%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

51%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

27.6

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.6

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

0.940000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.42

Ethnic Groups

Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%, German 2.4%, Uygur 1.4%, other 6.6% (1999 census)

Language Note

Kazakhstan is in the process of changing the alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin.

Nationality Noun

Kazakhstani(s)

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Literacy - total population

99.5%

Literacy - male

99.1%

Literacy - female

97.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.1%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

15.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

69.940000

Infant Mortality Rate

22.320000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

22.320000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

51

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

3.84

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

7.6

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.9%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.7%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

99.200000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

97.000000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

3.7%

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Economic Overview

Kazakhstan's vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves form the backbone of its economy.

Geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, Kazakhstan, g possesses substantial fossil fuel reserves and other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc.

It also has a large agricultural sector featuring livestock and grain.

The government realizes that its economy suffers from an overreliance on oil and extractive industries and has made initial attempts to diversify its economy by targeting sectors like transport, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, petrochemicals and food processing for greater development and investment.

It also adopted a Subsoil Code in December 2017 with the aim of increasing exploration and investment in the hydrocarbon, and particularly mining, sectors.

Kazakhstan's oil production and potential is expanding rapidly.

A $36.8 billion expansion of Kazakhstan’s premiere Tengiz oil field by Chevron-led Tengizchevroil should be complete in 2022.

Meanwhile, the super-giant Kashagan field finally launched production in October 2016 after years of delay and an estimated $55 billion in development costs.

Kazakhstan’s total oil production in 2017 climbed 10.5%.

Kazakhstan is landlocked and depends on Russia to export its oil to Europe.

It also exports oil directly to China.

In 2010, Kazakhstan joined Russia and Belarus to establish a Customs Union in an effort to boost foreign investment and improve trade.

The Customs Union evolved into a Single Economic Space in 2012 and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in January 2015.

Supported by rising commodity prices, Kazakhstan’s exports to EAEU countries increased 30.2% in 2017.

Imports from EAEU countries grew by 24.1%.

The economic downturn of its EAEU partner, Russia, and the decline in global commodity prices from 2014 to 2016 contributed to an economic slowdown in Kazakhstan.

In 2014, Kazakhstan devalued its currency, the tenge, and announced a stimulus package to cope with its economic challenges.

In the face of further decline in the ruble, oil prices, and the regional economy, Kazakhstan announced in 2015 it would replace its currency band with a floating exchange rate, leading to a sharp fall in the value of the tenge.

Since reaching a low of 391 to the dollar in January 2016, the tenge has modestly appreciated, helped by somewhat higher oil prices.

While growth slowed to about 1% in both 2015 and 2016, a moderate recovery in oil prices, relatively stable inflation and foreign exchange rates, and the start of production at Kashagan helped push 2017 GDP growth to 4%.

Despite some positive institutional and legislative changes in the last several years, investors remain concerned about corruption, bureaucracy, and arbitrary law enforcement, especially at the regional and municipal levels.

An additional concern is the condition of the country’s banking sector, which suffers from poor asset quality and a lack of transparency.

Investors also question the potentially negative effects on the economy of a contested presidential succession as Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, turned 77 in 2017.

Industries

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$24,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$475,180,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$24,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$195,000,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 56.1% government
• consumption: 13.7% investment in
• inventories: 1.2% exports of goods and
• services: 30.9% imports of goods and
• services: -25.9%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

4.8%

GDP by Sector- Industry

35.3%

GDP by Sector- services

59.9%

Industrial Growth Rate

7.3%

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Inflation Rate

7.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

tenge (KZT)

Currency Name and Code

Tennge (KZT)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6.6%

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Labor Force

8,718,000

Unemployment Rate

5.5%

Major Industries

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials

Agriculture Products

grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Population Below Poverty Line

8.2%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

59,254

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

2%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

25.8%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

11.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

62.3%

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Annual Budget

$27,500,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

9.8%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

19.5%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Kazakhstan

Country Name

Kazakhstan

Local - Long

Qazaqstan Respublikasy

Local - Short

Qazaqstan

Former Name

Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Etymology- history of name

the name "Kazakh" may derive from the Turkic word "kaz" meaning "to wander," recalling the Kazakh's nomadic lifestyle; the Persian suffix "-stan" means "place of" or "country," so the word Kazakhstan literally means "Land of the Wanderers"

Independence

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1937, 1978 (preindependence), 1993; latest approved by referendum 30 August 1995, effective 5 September 1995
• amendments: 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; amended several times, last in 2022

Legal System:

civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and by the theory and practice of the Russian Federation

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (since 20 March 2019)
• head of government: Prime Minister Olzhas BEKTENOV (since 6 February 2024); note - Alikhan SMAILOV resigned on 5 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
• elections/appointments: 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 passed in September 2022 reduced the maximum number of terms to one 7-year term); election last held on 20 November 2022 (next to be held in 2029); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Mazhilis
• 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%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan consists of: Senate (50 seats); 40 members indirectly elected by 2-round majority vote by the oblast-level assemblies and 10 members appointed by decree of the president; members serve 6-year terms, with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) Mazhilis (98 seats; 69 members directly elected in a single national constituency by party list proportional representation vote (5% minimum threshold to gain seats) and 29 directly elected in single-seat constituencies to serve 5-year terms
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 14 January 2023 (next to be held in 2026) Mazhilis - last held on 19 March 2023 (next to be held in 2026)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition (as of April 2023) - men 39, women 11, percent of women 22% Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Amanat (formerly Nur Otan) 53.9%, Auvl 10.9%, Respublica 8.6%, Ak Zhol 8.4%, QHP 6.8%, NSDP 5.2%, Baytak 2.3%, Against all 3.9%; percent of vote by party (single-mandate districts) Amanat (formerly Nur Otan) 75.9%, Independent 24%; seats by party Amanat (formerly Nur Qtan) 62, Auvl 8, Respublica 6, Ak Zhol 6, QHP 5, NSDP 4, Independents 7; composition (as of March 2023) - men 80, women 18, percent of women 18.4%;
• Note: total Parliament percent of women 19.6%

Judicial Branch:

• 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

Regions or States:

• Summary: 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: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the Baikonur space launch facilities and the city
• of Bayqongyr (Baikonur
• formerly Leninsk); in 2004
• a new agreement extended the lease to 2050

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Ak Zhol (Bright Path)
• Party or Democratic Party of Kazakhstan Ak Zhol [Azat PERUASHEV]
• Amanat Party [Yerlan KOSHANOV] (formerly Nur Otan (Radiant Fatherland))
• Baytak (Boundless)
• Party [Azamatkhan AMIRTAY]
• National Social Democratic Party or NSDP [Askhat RAKHIMZHANOV]
• People's Democratic (Patriotic)
• Party or Auyl or AHDPP [Ali BEKTAYEV]
• People's Party of Kazakhstan or QHP [Yermkhamet YERTYSBAYEV]
• Respublica Party [Avdarbek KHODZHANAZAROV]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• 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

Capital Name

Astana

Capital - geographic coordinate

51 10 N, 71 25 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kazakhstan has two time zones

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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
• UN Security Council (temporary)
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO
• ZC

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Daniel N. ROSENBLUM (since 14 November 2022)
• Embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Astana 010010
• Mailing Address: 2230 Astana, Washington DC 20521-2230
• Telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
• FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14
• Email: USAKZ@state.gov
• Website: https://kz.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Almaty

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Yerzhan ASHIKBAYEV (since 7 July 2021)
• Chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
• FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
• Email: washington@mfa.kz
• Website: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en
• Consulate(s) General: New York

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Geographic Location

Asia

Geographic Coordinates

48 00 N, 68 00 E

Total Area

1,052,084 Square Miles 2,724,900 Square Kilometers

Land Area

1,042,354 Square Miles 2,699,700 Square Kilometers

Water Area

9,730 Square Miles 25,200 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

7,571 Miles 12,185 Kilometers

Border Countries

China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

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Terrain

extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia

Highest Point

6,995 Meters

Highest Point Location

Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Lowest Point

-132 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Vpadina Kaundy -132 m

Natural Resources

major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Irrigated Land

7,977 Square Miles 20,660 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kazakhstan has two time zones

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Climate

The climate throughout Kazakhstan is continental and dry, and there are four distinct seasons.

The weather in Almaty is very moderate, and consecutive rainy days are rare.

Winter temperatures and snowfall are rarely extreme (i.e., rarely below 0°F), and the wind is light.

During the 4-5-month summer average high temperatures are usually in the low to mid-80's F.

"Golden Fall," is perhaps the most pleasant season, particularly in Almaty, with brilliantly clear, dry days, colorful autumn leaves, and pleasant temperatures.

In Astana strong winds, long winters, and December-January temperatures periodically fall below 0°F.

The summers are generally dry and sunny, but the weather changes rapidly and it is not uncommon to have a rainy morning followed by a sunny afternoon.

Average summer highs in Astana are in the low 80's.

Terrain

extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia

Location

Central Asia, northwest of China

a small portion west of the Ural (Zhayyq) River in eastern-most Europe

Total Area

1,052,084 Square Miles 2,724,900 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Environment - Current Issues

• radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the country pose health risks for humans and animals
• industrial pollution is severe in some cities
• because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts
• these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms
• pollution in the Caspian Sea
• soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

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Exports

$59,230,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$30,110,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

oil and oil products 58%, ferrous metals 24%, chemicals 5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal

Major Imports

machinery and equipment 41%, metal products 28%, foodstuffs 8%

Top Export Partners

Bermuda 20.8%, Russia 15.5%, China 10.6%, Italy 9.3%, Switzerland 8.2%, UAE 4.9%

Top Import Partners

Russia 38.7%, Germany 8.9%, US 7%, China 4.8%

Export Partners

Bermuda 20.8%, Russia 15.5%, China 10.6%, Italy 9.3%, Switzerland 8.2%, UAE 4.9%

Import Partners

Russia 38.7%, Germany 8.9%, US 7%, China 4.8%

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Country Description

Kazakhstan is a constitutional republic with a strong presidency and a market economy.

Kazakhstan's tourist facilities are not highly developed; the availability of goods and services is better than in many neighboring countries, but generally not up to the standards found in North America and Western Europe.

Internal travel and travel to neighboring countries, by air and land, can be subject to delays due to infrastructure shortcomings and winter weather.

Safety & Security

Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Jihad Union, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qaida, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S.

Government or private interests in the region, including in Kazakhstan.

Extremist tactics, including the use of suicide bombers, which were employed by extremists against U.S. targets in neighboring Uzbekistan in 2004, were used for the first time in Kazakhstan in 2011.Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities, terrorists may also target "soft" civilian targets such as commercial or residential areas, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and aircraft.

Following several attacks against local authorities in Western Kazakhstan in 2012, the U.S.

Mission in Kazakhstan encourages U.S. citizens resident in, or traveling to, Western Kazakhstan to remain vigilant.

Although previous violent activity has primarily been directed towards Kazakhstani governmental entities, it is possible that this focus could shift to other targets.

In addition, law enforcement agencies have conducted anti-terrorist operations against suspected terrorists in populated areas throughout the country.

Kazakhstani security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance.

Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.

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Crime

Travelers in Kazakhstan should exercise the same precautions concerning personal safety and protection of valuables as they would in any major U.S. city.

Using good judgment and avoiding high-risk areas can reduce the crime threat.

The most common crimes foreign tourists encounter are purse snatching, pick pocketing, assaults, and robberies.

Pick pocketing or robberies occur most frequently in the vicinity of Western hotels, transportation sites, and at open-air markets, including the central open-air market in Almaty (known locally as the "Green Market").

U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of hotels, bus or train stations, and when shopping.

U.S.

Mission Kazakhstan strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not carry large sums of money on the street.

Identification checks by the police are common practice.

U.S. visitors must produce either a passport or an Embassy-certified copy thereof upon request.

Police are not required to demonstrate probable cause or reasonable suspicion to initiate ID checks.

U.S. citizens may obtain a certified copy of their passport and visa from the U.S.

Embassy in Astana or U.S.

Consulate General in Almaty during American Citizens Services hours.

Please check the U.S.

Mission Kazakhstan website for the American Citizens Services hours in Almaty and Astana.

Be wary of persons representing themselves as police or other local officials.

It is not uncommon for U.S. citizens to become victims of harassment and extortion by imposters, genuine law enforcement, and other officials.

A genuine police official should always present his own credentials when approaching someone on the street.

If the officer cannot produce identification, he is most likely an imposter.

Never voluntarily hand over your wallet to a police officer.

If pressured, tell the officer that you will report his behavior to the U.S.

Embassy in Astana or Consulate General in Almaty and the officer’s supervisors.

Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases.

Try to obtain the officer's name, badge number, and license plate number, and note where the incident happened because this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators.

Report crimes committed against you by persons presenting themselves as police or other governmental authorities to a police station and the U.S.

Embassy in Astana or Consulate General in Almaty.

The "lost wallet" scam continues to be common in Kazakhstan.

One version of this scam involves the discovery of a lost wallet in your presence.

A first person will discover the wallet and offer to divide its contents with you.

Then, a second person will appear, claim to be the owner of the wallet, and demand compensation for the missing money.

A second version involves a person looking for a lost wallet, asking you if have seen it.

The person asks you to reveal the contents of your pockets or bag to prove that you do not have the missing wallet.

The wallet seeker will then surreptitiously steal your exposed valuables.

When initially approached by the "finder" or "seeker" of the lost wallet, simply walk away.

U.S.

Mission Kazakhstan highly discourages taking unlicensed cabs in lieu of licensed taxicabs while in Kazakhstan.

This applies especially to travel from the airport and train station to the city upon arrival, where men posing as "meet and greet" airport facilitators have lured foreigners into cars purportedly to take them to their hotels.

However, the driver then takes the passengers to a secluded destination and demands approximately $100 for gas to take the foreigner back to the city.

At the airport, U.S. citizens should not leave with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification, even if the person is holding a sign with the traveler's name.

U.S.

Mission Kazakhstan has received reports from U.S. citizen residents and visitors of being victims of violent, late-night muggings.

U.S. citizens are advised to travel in

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you.

In some places it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in your host country, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Kazakhstan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States government is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages Kazakhstan is in the process of changing the alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin.

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Medical Facilities

Medical care in Kazakhstan is limited and well below North American and West European standards.

The U.S.

Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking physicians.

Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.

Most resident U.S. citizens travel to Western Europe for serious medical treatment.

Such travel can be extremely expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions.

Travelers requiring prescription medications or specific brand-name medicines should bring sufficient supplies of medications and not rely on local availability.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Kazakhstan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads in Kazakhstan are in poor repair, especially in rural areas.

Poor signage is common.

Street lighting, especially on side streets, may be turned off at night.

Drivers often ignore lane markings.

Potholes are common, and are often dangerously deep.

Pedestrians frequently dart out in front of cars.

Visitors should drive defensively at all times as many local drivers do not follow traffic laws.

Special caution should be taken if driving at night.

Road rage can be a problem, especially in and around Almaty, and a non-confrontational response to such behavior is strongly recommended.

Accidents involving severe injury and/or death are common.

Traffic police have reportedly stopped cars to extort bribes on main city streets and at periodic checkpoints on major highways.

The road between Almaty and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is especially treacherous at night or during poor weather.

U.S. citizens and other travelers have been killed in traffic accidents on that road, and travel at night or during poor weather should be avoided.

Travelers should be particularly careful when using public transportation and taxis.

Buses tend to be very crowded and can be unsafe and unreliable.

Due to the danger of theft or assault, travelers should be selective regarding which taxi they contract and always avoid entering a cab that already contains persons other than the driver.

Kazakhstan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.

A driver may be detained by police and convicted of drunk driving for driving a vehicle after consuming one drink of alcohol, regardless of whether the driver is actually intoxicated.

U.S. citizens wishing to drive in Kazakhstan should possess a valid international driver's license.

For specific information, travelers may contact the

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Airports - total

96

Airports with Paved Runways

63

Heliports

3

Railways

9,527 Miles 15,333 Kilometers

Roadways- total

60,533 Miles 97,418 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

54,146 Miles 87,140 Kilometers

Waterways

2,485 Miles 4,000 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

5 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Condensate

409 Miles 658 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

7,725 Miles 12,432 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

7,030 Miles 11,313 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

680 Miles 1,095 Kilometers

Pipelines: Water

910 Miles 1,465 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

3,763,000

Cell Phones

12,588,000

Internet Users

1,901,000

Internet Country Code

.kz

Internet Hosts

53,984

Broadcast Media

• state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission facilities and operates national TV and radio networks
• nearly all nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government
• some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized
• households with satellite dishes have access to foreign media
• a small number of commercial radio stations operate along with state-run radio stations
• recent legislation requires all media outlets to register with the government and all TV providers to broadcast in digital format by 2015

Telephone System

• assessment: inherited an outdated telecommunications network from the Soviet era requiring modernization
• domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of fixed-line connections is gradually increasing and fixed-line teledensity now roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage has increased rapidly and the subscriber base now exceeds 140 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 7; international traffic with other former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat

14 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

77,900,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

3,617,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,940,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

78,400,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

10,200,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

9,700,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

10,700,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

20,200,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,407,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

244,200

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,406,000

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

119,600

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,300,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

30,000,000,000

2 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

Words by Muzafar Alimbayev, Kadyr Myrzaliyev, Tumanbai Moldagaliyev, and Zhadyra Daribayeva. Melody by Mukan Tulebayev, Eugeny Brusilovsky, and Latif Khamidi. adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics

Anthem Lyrics English

We are a valiant people, sons of honour, And all we’ve sacrificed to gain our freedom.

Emerging from malicious grip of fate, from hell of fire, We scored a victory of glory and success Refrain: Soar high up in the sky, oh, eagle of freedom, Call up to harmony, agreement and accord!

For hero’s might and strength is in the nation, Just as the unity is nation’s razing sword.

While honouring our mothers and respecting The cream of cream of our rising nation We welcomed all ill-starred and struck by ruin...

Our homeland, the steppe, a sacred cradle Of friendship and accord Gave all a shelter and a hearty refuge Refrain We’ve overcome the hardships Let the past serve bitter lesson But ahead we face a radiant future.

We bequeath our sacred legacy implying our mother tongue And sovereignty and valour and traditions So dearly cherished by our forefathers As true mandate to future generations.

Refrain