Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country located in Central Asia and partly in Eastern Europe. It is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth largest country overall. Bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west, Kazakhstan has a diverse landscape that includes steppes, deserts, mountains, and a coastline. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, making it an important player in global energy markets. The capital city is Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), which was renamed in 2019 in honor of the former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. The official languages are Kazakh and Russian. Kazakhstan has a multi-ethnic society, with a mix of ethnic Kazakhs, Russians, Ukrainians, and other groups. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since developed into a republic with a presidential form of government. The country is known for its unique culture, influenced by nomadic traditions, and its significant historical heritage along the Silk Road.