Visiting Kazakhstan is a bucket list trip. But not only because it is a place with stunning landscapes and rich history and people. This Central Asian country is a land of intriguing contrasts and fascinating facts. it boasts a diverse cultural heritage and a rich history that spans thousands of years. The country is diverse in many ways — people (ethnic groups), architecture, landscape, language and more. Read on for what we think are the most interesting facts about Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh People are Welcoming
While this may sound like an opinion, it is more than that. Yes, I personally found Kazakhstan welcoming. Children would hear us speaking English and strike up a conversation in English. Adults greeted us on the hiking trail in English. Our tour bus driver welcomed our group to his home where his family personally cooked for us, performed music and song for us and made us feel like a part of their family.
But it is also a fact. Hospitality is a core tenant of Kazakh culture and history handed down over generations. “Meet a guest as the God’s messenger,” is a line in an ancient Kazakh proverb.
Special thanks to Kazakhstan Tourism and USAID for sponsoring this trip. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you.
Kazakhstan is Large
Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area, spanning over 2.7 million square kilometers. It is larger than all of Western Europe combined. The country boasts diverse landscapes, including vast steppes, rugged mountains, deserts, and even a portion of the Caspian Sea coastline.
Breakthaking Natural Landscapes
Kazakhstan is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, including the majestic Altai Mountains, the vast steppes, and the otherworldly beauty of the Singing Dunes.
There are fourteen national parks all across the country. Each offers unique landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife. Many of the national parks in Kazakhstan were formed in the early 1990s. This followed the country’s independence, as a response to the growing need for conservation and environmental awareness.
Rare Wildlife
Additionally, Kazakhstan is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the critically endangered saiga antelope and the rare snow leopard.
Silk Road Connection
Kazakhstan played a crucial role in the historic Silk Road trading route, which connected East and West. The country’s location made it a vital crossroads for merchants and travelers, facilitating cultural exchange and economic growth. The Green Bazaar, a decades-old bazaar is located in Almaty, and to this day offers a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, nuts, spices and more.
Diverse Ethnicities
Kazakhstan is a multiethnic country with over 130 ethnic groups. The Kazakhs are the largest ethnic group, but there are significant populations of Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, and many others, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity.
Space Launch Facility
Kazakhstan is home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. The first manned spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin launched from here.
