After the collapse of the Sovet Union, Kazakhstan declared its independence. This historical event took place on December 16, 1991, the first countries to recognize the independence of the newly proclaimed republic, were Turkey, the United States and China.

2 January 1992 Kazakhstan became a member of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe). In the same year the Republic was adopted in the United Nations.
15 November 1993 Kazakhstan introduced its national currency - tenge.
20 October 1997 – the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana 

Capital: Astana
Largest cities: Almaty, Karagandy, Shymkent, Astana
Languages: Kazakh and Russian are spoken by the local population; English is usually used by staff of main tourism companies and hotels.
Currency: the national currency is Tenge (KZT); US Dollars, Euro and other currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange bureaus. 
Weather: The best season to travel to Kazakhstan is from March to November, since winter in Kazakhstan is usually cold; however snowy winters might be perfect for winter sports. Temperature in summer can reach up to +40'C and more in some regions. 

Population: main ethnicity is Kazakh; other ethnic groups include Russians, Uzbeks, Tatars, Germans, Ukrhainian etc. The percentage of urban population is 57%.
Food: Kazakh cuisine, Central Asian, Russian cuisines, as well as Italian, Turkish, Korean restaurants are popular in Kazakhstan. Organic and naturally grown ingredients are usually used to prepare meals, which give them an exceptionally rich

Geography of Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the central part of the Eurasian continent, at an equal distance from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Area of the country is 2724.9 thousand km². This indicates that the country is the 9th largest in the world. Seven major European countries such as France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy and the UK could be simultaneously accommodated in steppes of Kazakhstan, according to topographers.

Kazakhstan is neighboured by Russia, China and other Central Asian countries, such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and also a considerable part of itsborder goes through the Caspian Sea.

The country is rich in oil and minerals, and according to many specialists, almost all elements of the periodic table could be found in Kazakh land.

Kazakhstan’s nature distinguishes with landscape diversity: deserts or semi deserts can be found in the South-West, mountains are natural attractions of the Central, East and South-East Kazakhstan, and North of the republic is mainly in the steppe and forest steppe zones.

About 48000 lakes are found in Kazakh steppes, mountains and deserts, the largest of which are the Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea, Balkhashlakes, Zaysan, Alakol and Tengiz. Lakes with sandy beaches, among beautiful scenery are popular tourist destinations in summer.

There are more than 7 thousand rivers in the country. The major ones are: Ertis, Esil, Oral, Syrdariya and Ili. The majority of rivers in Kazakhstan belong to the basins of the Caspian and Aral Seas, Balkhash Lake and Tengiz and only Ertis, Esil and Tobol carry their water straight into the Black Sea in the Arctic Ocean.

Fauna of Kazakhstan is multifarious as well: more than six thousand plant species grow in the country, about 500 species of birds nest here; local rivers and lakes serve as a home for one hundred seven species of fish, steppe and forest steppe zones are inhabited by 30 thousand species of insects. Herds of gazelles and wild koulans can be met in steppes of Kazakhstan. Deserts are dwelled by giant lizards, snakes, and rare species of spiders. Tops of mountains are a favorite habitat of snow leopards. Among the unique animals living in Kazakhstan are: Ustyurt wild sheep, Turkestan lynx, Tien-Shan brown bear, flamingo, some types of swans.

Typically, most of major cities are located on the banks of major rivers. Among the largest cities of the countryare: Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, Shymkent, Taraz, Pavlodar, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Petropavl,Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Uralsk, Kyzylorda;