Learn More About Kazakhstan; Its Only President

Learn More About Kazakhstan; Its Only President

While one learns more and more about Kazakhstan and its emerging role in the world, one thing never changes. And that’s its president, Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, who’s been ensconced in that position since the nation was birthed in 1991 at the collapse of the Soviet Union, and two years prior to that as head of the Kazakh Communist Party.

Nazarbayev, 69, has been vigilant in extending his powers since gaining control of the nation’s highest office. Already commander in chief of the armed forces, in 1995 a referendum was passed giving Nazarbayev sole authority to initiate constitutional amendments, dissolve Parliament, and extended powers to appoint and dismiss government officials.

In 2007, the year Nazarbayev’s Nur Otan political party won every contested parliamentary seat, Parliament voted to eliminate term limits for the presidency, giving Nazarbayev lifelong status if he chooses.

Facts about the Republic of Kazakhstan:


* Population 15.6 million … 14.5 people per square mile compared to U.S. density of about 80 people per square mile

* 1.05 million square miles … ninth largest nation in world

* Religion … 47 percent Sunni Muslim, 44 percent Russian Orthodox

* Capital … Astana

* Largest city … Almaty, 1.3 million people

* Ethnic groups … Kazakhs 56 percent, Russian 28 percent, Ukranian 3 percent

* Bordered by Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Turkmenistan

* Terrain … vast flat steppes, plateaus, desert

* Natural resources … major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, etc. … 2000 discovered one of world’s largest oil deposits bottom of Kazakhstan-controlled portion of Caspian Sea

* 2000 Became first of former Soviet republics to repay entire debt to International Monetary Fund

Not surprisingly, Kazakhstanis know more about Khazakhstan than anyone else, as their literacy rate is an astounding 99.5 percent.

By Rocky Wilson
Also Read: Historical Facts About The Nation Of Kazakhstan.
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