Country Profile: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, exhibits a diverse landscape that spans from vast steppes to majestic mountains. With a population of over 20 million, ethnic Kazakhs comprise a significant majority following recent trends of repatriation. The country's economy is heavily reliant on its abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, while striving for diversification and foreign investment. Governed as a presidential republic, Kazakhstan's political framework is characterized by stable leadership and a bicameral legislature.

Geography

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east, making it the world's largest landlocked country. The terrain is predominantly flat steppe, interspersed with mountains and deserts, creating a diverse climate that includes cold winters and hot summers.

Area: 2,724,900 sq km, nearly four times the size of Texas.
Land boundaries: 13,364 km with five neighboring countries.
Climate: Continental, experiencing arid conditions.
Highest point: Pik Khan-Tengri, standing at 7,010 m.

People and Society

Kazakhstan's population is approximately 20.4 million and is diverse, with Kazakhs making up about 71% of the demographic. The country has seen significant internal migration and a shift towards a majority ethnic Kazakh population due to returning expatriates.

Median age: 32.1 years (2025 est.).
Urban population: 58.2% in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy: 73.3 years at birth (2024 est.).
Population growth rate: 0.83% (2025 est.).

Economy

Kazakhstan boasts an upper-middle-income economy with robust growth driven by its energy sector. Key challenges include managing inflation and the need for economic diversification beyond oil.

GDP (PPP): $739.385 billion (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 4.8% (2024 est.).
Poverty rate: 5.2% of the population (2023 est.).
Major industries: Oil, coal, and manufacturing.

Government

Kazakhstan operates as a presidential republic with a significant executive branch led by President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev. The country has made strides in political reform while maintaining a stable governance structure.

Capital: Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan).
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Constitution: Last revised in 1995.
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament with a House of Representatives and Senate.

Military and Security

The Kazakh armed forces are well-structured, focusing on both territorial defense and internal security, with a notable presence in regional security partnerships.

Active military personnel: Estimated 50,000 (2025).
Military expenditure: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.).
Compulsory military service: For men aged 18-27.

Energy

Kazakhstan's economy is significantly fueled by its energy sector with extensive oil and gas reserves dominating the landscape. The country is enhancing its energy infrastructure and diversifying its energy sources.

Total petroleum production: 1.955 million bbl/day (2023 est.).
Natural gas production: 28.769 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).
Electricity generation capacity: 27.624 million kW (2023 est.).
Coal production: 120.279 million metric tons (2023 est.).

Environment

Kazakhstan faces several environmental challenges, including pollution and resource management, largely stemming from its industrial activities and agricultural practices.

Topographic hazards: Earthquakes in southern regions.
Land use: 79.4% is agricultural land (2023 est.).
Water resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 108.41 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).

Transportation

Kazakhstan has a well-developed transportation network that includes both rail and air links, supporting its position as a regional hub.

Railways: 16,636 km of rail (2021).
Airports: 132 (2025).
Merchant marine fleet: 122 vessels (2023).

Communications

The country's communication infrastructure is rapidly developing, with a high penetration of mobile and internet services.

Mobile subscriptions: 26.2 million (2024).
Internet users: 93% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.574 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,432,662	(2025 est.)
Area	2,724,900 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$739.385 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.8%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.3 years	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	16.83 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line	5.2%	(2023 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	172.936 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	0.9% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)