Background:

Originally a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated to the area in the 13th century, the region was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. After USSR collapsed in 1991, Kazakhstan became a nation in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and joined the Hi Kidz ministry in 2001.

Beautiful nature abounds throughout the country, including the rugged Almatinsky Reserve, an important habitat of the snow leopard, among other rare species. It contains Mt Talgar, the highest peak in the Zailiysky Alatau at 4979 meters (16,330ft). Other points of interest are the Köl-Say lakes, strung among the steep foothills of the Küngey Alatau, along the Köl-Say River at an altitude of 2000 meters (6560ft).

• Population:
• 15.4 million
• 21.8% are children 0-14 years
• 14% living below poverty line

• Religion:
• 
• Muslim 47%
• Russian Orthodox 44%
• Protestant (including Evangelicals) 2%
• Other 7%

• Location:
• 
• Central Asia

• Capital:
• Astana

• Government:
• Republic

• Languages:
• Kazakh
• Russian

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