foreign relation of kazakhstan

8/2/2019 Foreign Relation of Kazakhstan

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Foreign relation of kazakhstan

Foreign relations of Kazakhstanare primarily based on economic and political security. TheNazarbayev

administrationhas tried to balance relations withRussiaand theUnited Statesby

sendingpetroleumandnatural gasto its northern neighbor at artificially low prices while assisting the

U.S. in theWar on Terror. Kazakhstan is a member of theUnited Nations,Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe(which it chaired in 2010),North Atlantic Cooperation Council,Commonwealth of

Independent States, theShanghai Cooperation Organization, andNATO'sPartnership for Peaceprogram.

Kazakhstan established a customs union with Russia andBelarus. It will be transformed into the Common

Economic Space in 2012. Kazakhstan established theEurasian Economic Communitywith Kyrgyzstan and

Tajikistan.

Kazakhstan's Chairmanship in the OSCE

In January 2010 Kazakhstan assumed the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation

in Europe (OSCE), the biggest regional security organization, connecting 56 countries of Europe, North

America and Asia. Kazakhstan became the first post Soviet, predominantly Asian and Muslim state to be

given the honor of leading the organization. With no doubts, the honor of the chairmanship in the

authoritative international organizations symbolizes the success of social, economic and political

achievements of Kazakhstan during the 18 years of its independence. Kazakhstan's Chaimanship

presents important opportunities for both, Astana and OSCE.

The major achievement of Kazakhstan's Chairmanship could be the successful organisation of the OSCE

Summit. As the last summit was hold in 1999 in Istanbul, the first summit in the past 10 years could give

a fresh impetus to the development of the OSCE. In particular, the summit could strengthen the

relationships between the Western and Central Asian countries and support the integration process

between various actors.

Kazakhstan suggested the US to create in its territory a military base instead of the Transit Center Manas

in Bishkek. By the information-analytical portal "K2Kapital": the statement was voiced by Michael

McFaul, a special assistant to President Obama for Russia, Eurasia and Caucasus affairs.

He said that the proposal was stated by the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev at themeeting with the US President Barack Obama in Washington. The leaders discussed a possibility of the

US troops to fly in Afghanistan through the North Pole and territory of Kazakhstan from the US, McFaul

underlined, that is more convenient than flights through Europe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terrorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terrorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terrorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Cooperation_Councilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Cooperation_Councilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Cooperation_Councilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATOhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATOhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATOhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_for_Peacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_for_Peacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_for_Peacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Communityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Communityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Communityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Communityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_for_Peacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATOhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Cooperation_Councilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terrorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayev


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By the "K2Kapital": the US looks for an alternative path for its military troops flight to Afghanistan.

Notwithstanding that the interim government head Roza Otunbaeva stated that the new state

administration will follow all agreements concerning the Transit Center Manas.

Kazakhstans Stance on Current International Issues

Kazakhstan believes new threats to regional and global peace and stability require collective political will

and global effort. Such threats include:

* International terrorism

* Drug trafficking

* Interethnic and religious conflicts

* Humanitarian crises

* Poverty and epidemics

* Illegal migration

* Man-made environmental disasters

The root causes of these threats lie in economic and political underdevelopment and degradation.

Therefore, comprehensive agreement on collective mechanisms and instruments is essential to

successfully address these threats.

Afghanistan

The UN and its Security Council are the most appropriate commissions to accomplish this two-fold task.

Kazakhstan supports the UN and looks to it to undertake effective efforts to address these new threats.

The UN can play a decisive role in preserving cultural diversity and civilization in Afghanistan

Kazakhstan favors a comprehensive and continued international effort, led by the UN, to bring lasting

peace, economic recovery, and humanitarian relief to Afghanistan. Illegal drug production and

trafficking in Afghanistan remain major international concerns, particularly for neighboring countries like

Kazakhstan. Consequently, Kazakhstan joined the International Antiterrorist Coalition and pledged

assistance to the Afghan Government at the 2006 London Afghanistan Compact Conference. At the

international conference in Afghanistan later that year, Kazakhstans Foreign Minister offered a concept

of a broader Central Asia that envisions Afghanistans active economic cooperation with Central Asian

countries. The institution of this concept could greatly contribute to the recovery and integration of

Afghanistan both regionally and globally.


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Iraq

Although the 2005 election was an important milestone in Iraqs recovery, Kazakhstan believes the UN

should continue to play an active and effective role in the nation by cooperating with Iraqi authorities

and the international community. Joint efforts should ensure the following for Iraq:

* Independence

* Territorial integrity

* Sovereignty

In cooperating with international efforts, Kazakhstan has sent a unit of 30 military engineers to join the

International Stabilization forces in Iraq.

The Middle East

Kazakhstan supports the road map for the Middle East developed by the United States as a frameworkfor establishing the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine. To achieve this vision, the four sponsors

of the Middle East Process must come to a consensus on how to fairly determine the legitimate interests

and rights of both parties. Additionally, it is essential that Israel and Palestine demonstrate serious and

significant signs of commitment before any additional steps are taken.

Irans Nuclear Program

As a state that voluntarily denounced nuclear weapons, Kazakhstan is committed to the principles of

nonproliferation and the peaceful civilian use of nuclear energy. Therefore, Irans nuclear program

remains a major concern as it affects both regional and global security.

Kazakhstan supports the Treaty of the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which allows nations to

undertake nuclear research and use atomic energy for peaceful purposes. However, they must

cooperate closely with the UN and comply with the transparency and non-proliferation safeguards

under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Kazakhstan believes diplomatic means must be

employed by all invested countries to resolve the international issue related to Irans nuclear

development program.

Commitment to Assist Afghanistan

Kazakhstan as a pro-active actor in the world scene regards the situation in Afghanistan as a priority on

its foreign policy agenda and exerts serious efforts to facilitate reconstruction in this country which plays

a crucial role in the long-term security and stability in Central Asia. Thats why rehabilitation of this

country is a major foreign policy priority of Kazakhstan who strongly favours a comprehensive and

continued international effort to bring lasting peace and economic development to Afghanistan.

Over the last years Kazakhstan made significant contribution to stabilization of Afghanistan. In 2001


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Kazakhstan provided no-cost over-flight rights for Enduring Freedom operation. Similar arrangements

have been developed and adopted between Kazakhstan and Germany at the end of 2007. In 2002

Kazakhstan offered its emergency landing air fields for US military and cargo planes. Being one of the

key parts of so-called Northern Distribution Network through which about 35% of all US cargo arrives to

Afghanistan since 2009 Kazakhstan made its rail and motor roads available for transit of non-lethal

shipments needed for NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

In accordance with Bonn Process, 2006 London Conference, 2008 Paris Donor Conference on

Afghanistan during 2006-2009 Kazakhstan has undertaken a number of steps like humanitarian aid to

Afghanistan ($ 1 mln.), scholarships for 100 Afghani students to study in the national universities

(geology, engineering, etc.), training programs for Afghanistans police and internal security service,

signing with Government of Afghanistan the Protocol of Intentions to build railway road Termez

(Uzbekistan) Kabul (Afghanistan) with further access to the transport infrastructure of India, creation

of the Kazakh-Afghan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian country which has the Assistance Program on Reconstruction of

Afghanistan. In 2007-2008 Governmental Action Plan on Assistance to Afghanistan has been successfully

accomplished. Total financial funding in sum of $ 3 mln. has been provided to restore agricultural seed

supply of Afghanistan ($0.5 mln.), to build a school in Samangan province ($0.28 mln.), a hospital in

Bamiyan province ($0.57 mln.) and a road ($ 1.65 mln.).

Under the next Governmental Action Plan on Assistance to Afghanistan for 2009-2011 Kazakhstan

allocates $5 million for projects related to water supply, infrastructure development and delivery of

grains and other commodities. Besides, Kazakhstan is ready to provide an enhanced education program

to Afghanis in a variety of fields. The Action Plan allocates considerable resources for providing

humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The aid will include the delivery of commodities and materials as well

as construction of four bridges crossing the river running through the town of Aibak and strengthening

the river banks. According to the Action Plan, Afghan government will receive two aircrafts from their

Kazakh counterparts: a MI-171 (to use for humanitarian cargo and rescue operations) and an IL-76 (for

transporting humanitarian aid cargo from the United Arab Emirates to Afghanistan within the UN World

Food Program).

Another important step was decision by the Government of Kazakhstan to allocate $ 50 mln. toimplement the Agreement on Cooperation in Education with Afghan Government. Under the Agreement

Kazakhstan will educate 1000 Afghan people from 2010 to 2014. Education of Afghan people will be

carried out in the universities of Kazakhstan in such specialties as healthcare, agriculture, police, border

control, engineering, teachers and educators.


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Kazakhstan also stands for more regional involvement to the solution of Afghan problem and, in this

regard, fully supports US strategy on Afghanistan declared by President Barack Obama which contains

comprehensive vision on how to operate in AfPak zone. Stabilization of Afghanistan was and

continues to be one of the most important issues to discuss during high-level exchanges between

Kazakhstan and USA.

Primary Goals

The primary goals of Kazakhstans foreign policy are as follows:

* Protect national interests.

* Provide favorable conditions for political and economic development.

* Develop strategic cooperation with leading countries and regions of the

world.

* Improve cooperation with international organizations.

* Strengthen democratic principles within the new world order.

* Contribute to global and regional security and stability while opposing new

threats such as, terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

* Participate in the processes of regional and global economic integration.

* Promote democracy as well as social and human develop

Sofa

For other uses, seeSOFA (disambiguation).

Astatus of forces agreement(SOFA) is anagreementbetween a host country and a foreign nation

stationing forces in that country. SOFAs are often included, along with other types of military

agreements, as part of a comprehensive security arrangement. A SOFA does not constitute a security

arrangement; it establishes the rights and privileges of foreign personnel present in a host country in

support of the larger security arrangement.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOFA_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOFA_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOFA_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOFA_(disambiguation)


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Contents

[hide]

1 Agreements

1.1 Terms of operation

1.2 Host nation concerns

1.3 Political issues

2 See also

3 References

4 External links

[edit]AgreementsWhile theUnited States militaryhas the largest foreign presence and therefore accounts for most SOFAs,

theUnited Kingdom,France,Australia,Germany,Italy,Russia,South Korea, and many other nations also

station troops abroad and negotiate SOFAs with their host countries. In the past, theSoviet Unionhad

SOFAs with most of itssatellite states. While most of the United States' SOFAs are public, some

remainclassified.[2]

[edit]Terms of operationThe SOFA is intended to clarify the terms under which the foreign military is allowed to operate.

Typically, purely military operational issues such as the locations of bases and access to facilities are

covered by separate agreements. The SOFA is more concerned with the legal issues associated with

military individuals and property. This may include issues like entry and exit into the country, tax

liabilities, postal services, or employment terms for host-country nationals, but the most contentious

issues are civil and criminal jurisdiction over bases and personnel. For civil matters, SOFAs provide for

how civil damages caused by the forces will be determined and paid. Criminal issues vary, but the typical

provision in U.S. SOFAs is that U.S. courts will have jurisdiction over crimes committed either by a

servicemember against another servicemember or by a servicemember as part of his or her military

duty, but the host nation retains jurisdiction over other crimes.[3]

Kazakhstan-NATO

Kazakhstan being the most active partner in the region, having an Individual Partnership Action Plan

with NATO uses that to the full extent. Kazakhstan is a very important regional player, economically

and politically.

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer - Brussels, December 4, 2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Agreementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Agreementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Terms_of_operationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Terms_of_operationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Host_nation_concernshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Host_nation_concernshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Political_issueshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Political_issueshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_militaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_militaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_militaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classified_informationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classified_informationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_militaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Status_of_forces_agreement&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Political_issueshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Host_nation_concernshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Terms_of_operationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement#Agreementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_forces_agreement


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Kazakhstan considers its cooperation with NATO and Partner countries through EAPC and PfP as an

important contribution to its national security and to security and stability in Central Asia . It sees the

EAPC/PfP as the crucial interface between the Alliance and Partners, providing for confidence building

and transparency, and, should a crisis occur, for the coordination of joint action.

The starting point of the relations between Kazakhstan and NATO was the visit of the Secretary GeneralManfred Worner to Almaty in November 1992 and thereturn visit of the President of the Republic of

Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to Brussels in February 1993 .

In 1992 Kazakhstan joined North Atlantic Cooperation Council (predecessor of the Euro- Atlantic

Partnership Council created in 1997).

In May 1994 Kazakhstan signed a Framework Document of Partnership for Peace (PfP) and in

December 1994 submitted to NATO a Presentation Document, which defines the main goals of

Partnership and cooperation with the Alliance.

In 1996 the Security and SOFA Agreements between Kazakhstan and NATO were signed.

Since July 1996 Kazakhstan has its office at Partnership Coordination Cell in Mons and in October 2001

a Military Representative of Kazakhstan was accredited at NATO HQ in Brussels.

InMay 2002 Kazakhstan joined the Planning and Review Process of Partnership for Peace (PARP).

Kazakhstan's Partnership Goals in the PARP framework set out the measures to have selected

peacekeeping and counter-terrorism units interoperable with those of Allied countries.

Cooperation with NATO on capability and interoperability improvements focuses on the Airmobile

Forces and the Kazakhstan Peacekeeping Battalion (KAZBAT), which is part of the Airmobile Forces.

KAZBAT'' engineering team in Iraq trained 230 experts of Iraqi security forces, eliminated 4 million

pieces of explosive devices and ammunition, provided medical assistance to more than 2,5 thousand

of Iraqi citizens.Since August 2003, an engineer unit with 27 personnel has been deployed to Iraq as a

contribution the Polish-led multinational division, and two Kazakh liaison officers are serving in Baghdad

and Babylon.

On July 4, 2003, Kazakhstan signed the Memorandum of Understanding with NATO Maintenance and

Supply Organization (NAMSO).

On January 6, 2004 Kazakhstan joined Operational Capabilities Concept to expand KAZBAT'sinteroperability capabilities with NATO.

In October 2004 NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Kazakhstan.

During this visit NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Central Asia and Caucasus Robert

F. Simmons Jr. was introduced to the Kazakhstan leadership.


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In November 2004 Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan obtained an observer status in the NATO

Parliamentary Assembly. Since thenmembers of Kazakhstan's Parliament have been participating in the

annual plenary sessions of the Assembly on a regular basis.

The first visit of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's delegation to Kazakhstan was held in March, 2005.

In March 2005 the Office of the NATO liaison officer for Central Asia was established in Astana.

On 31 January, 2006, Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) between Kazakhstan and NATO was

approved. This gave a new impetus to Kazakhstan-NATO relationships.

Kazakhstan is an active participant of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Program. On June 19,

2006 NATO Science for Peace and Security Committee held its plenary meeting in

Almaty. Thishelpedthe NATO Science Committee to adapt its programme in order to achieve more

effective cooperation with Kazakhstan and its Central Asian neighbours. This meeting was a part of the

first ever NATO Week in Kazakhstan.

On March 22, 2007 the NATO Science Partnership Prize was awarded to scientists from Kazakhstan

and the United Kingdom for excellent collaboration in a NATO-sponsored project on radiological risk

in Kazakhstan (SEMIRAD-project).

They received the prize for their work assessing radioactive contamination at the Semipalatinsk nuclear

test site in Kazakhstan, which was operated by the former Soviet Union.

Within this site (approximate size 18 500 square kilometers) over 450 nuclear devices were detonated

over a 40-year period ending in 1989. The facility was officially closed by Kazakhstan in 1992.

A radiological laboratory set up under this project at the al Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty

provides Kazakhstan with a much needed capability to analyze radiation risks. The laboratory also

provides means for training young scientists.

Kazakhstan intends to increase its involvement in the civil emergency planning activities in the EAPC/PfP

framework. On May 19-24, 2007 Kazakhstan's rescue team took part in the EAPC field exercise Idassa-

2007 in Croatia.

After terrorist attacks in The U.S. in September, 2001 Kazakhstan has joined international antiterrorist

coalition.It has made its air space available to coalition forces in support of Operation Enduring

Freedom; a Memorandum of Understanding allows the United States to use Almaty international airport

as a reserve airfield for aircrafts participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. The MOU with Denmarkand Norway allows aircrafts participating in Operation Enduring Freedom to use Shymkent

city Almaty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almatyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almaty


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Official language(s)Kazakh(1st official language)

Russian(2nd official language)

Ethnic groups (2009 census)

63.1%Kazakh23.7%Russian

2.9%Uzbek

2.1%Ukrainian

1.4%Uyghur

1.3%Tatar

1.1%German

4.5% Other[1]

Demonym Kazakhstani[2]

Government Presidential republic

-

President Nursultan Nazarbayev

-

Prime Minister Karim Massimov

Independence from theSoviet Union

-

Kazakh Khanate 1465

-

Alash Autonomy December 13, 1917

-

Kazakh SSR December 5, 1936

-

Declared December 16, 1991

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Finalized December 25, 1991
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almatyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyghurshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyghurshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyghurshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatarshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatarshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatarshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonymhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karim_Massimovhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Khanatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alash_Autonomyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_SSRhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kazakhstan#Sovereignty_and_Independencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kazakhstan#Sovereignty_and_Independencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_SSRhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alash_Autonomyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Khanatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karim_Massimovhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayevhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonymhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatarshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyghurshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_language


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Area

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Total 2,724,900 km2(9th)

1,052,085 sq mi

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Water (%) 1.7

Population

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2011 estimate 16,600,000[1](62nd)

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2009 census 16,004,800[1]

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Density 5.94/km2(224th)

15.39/sq mi

GDP(PPP) 2011 estimate

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Total $214.840 billion[3]

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Per capita $13,060[3]

GDP(nominal) 2011 estimate

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Total $180.147 billion[3]

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Per capita $10,951[3]

Gini(2008) 28.8[4](low)

HDI(2010) 0.714[5](high) (66th)

Currency Tenge( ) (KZT)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_total_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_total_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_total_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_populationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_populationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_populationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_densityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_densityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_densityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gini_coefficienthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gini_coefficienthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-HDI-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-HDI-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstani_tengehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstani_tengehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenge_symbol.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenge_symbol.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstani_tengehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-HDI-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gini_coefficienthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-IMF-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_domestic_producthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_densityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_populationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-Census2009-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_total_areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstan


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Main articles:Geography of KazakhstanandList of cities in Kazakhstan

Map of Kazakhstan

With an area of 2,700,000 square kilometres (1,000,000 sq mi), Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest countryand the largestlandlocked countryin the world. It is equivalent to the size ofWestern Europe. In the

Soviet Union period, Kazakhstan lost some of its territory to China'sXinjiangand some to

Uzbekistan'sKarakalpakstan. It shares borders of 6,846 kilometres (4,254 mi) with Russia, 2,203

kilometres (1,369 mi) withUzbekistan, 1,533 kilometres (953 mi) with China, 1,051 kilometres (653 mi)

withKyrgyzstan, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) withTurkmenistan. Major cities include Astana,

Almaty,Karagandy,Shymkent,AtyrauandOskemen. It lies between latitudes40and56 N, and

longitudes46and88 E. While located primarily in Asia, a small portion of Kazakhstan is also located

west of the Urals in Eastern Europe.[30]

Charyn Canyonin northern Tian Shan

In thesteppesof Kazakhstan (Aqmola Province)

The terrain extends west to east from theCaspian Seato theAltay Mountainsand north to south fromthe plains ofWestern Siberiato the oases and deserts ofCentral Asia. TheKazakh Steppe(plain), with an

area of around 804,500 square kilometres (310,600 sq mi), occupies one-third of the country and is the

world's largest drystepperegion. The steppe is characterized by large areas ofgrasslandsand sandy

regions. Important rivers and lakes include: theAral Sea,Ili River,Irtysh River,Ishim River,Ural River,Syr

Darya, Charyn River and gorge,Lake BalkhashandLake Zaysan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlocked_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlocked_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlocked_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjianghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjianghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjianghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakalpakstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakalpakstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakalpakstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkmenistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkmenistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkmenistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagandyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagandyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shymkenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shymkenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shymkenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyrauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyrauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyrauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskemenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskemenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskemenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqmola_Provincehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqmola_Provincehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqmola_Provincehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altay_Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altay_Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altay_Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasslandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasslandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasslandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ili_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ili_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ili_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irtysh_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irtysh_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irtysh_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishim_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishim_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishim_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Balkhashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Balkhashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Balkhashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zaysanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zaysanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zaysanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Astana-steppe-7748.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Astana-steppe-7748.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Astana-steppe-7748.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Astana-steppe-7748.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakhstan-CIA_WFB_Map.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zaysanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Balkhashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Daryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishim_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irtysh_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ili_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasslandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altay_Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqmola_Provincehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46th_meridian_easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40th_parallel_northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskemenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyrauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shymkenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagandyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkmenistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakalpakstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjianghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlocked_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Kazakhstan


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The climate iscontinental, with warm summers and colder winters.Precipitationvaries between arid

and semi-arid conditions.

TheCharyn Canyonis 150300 metres deep and 80 kilometres (50 mi) long, cutting through the

redsandstoneplateau and stretching along the Charyn River gorge in northernTian Shan("Heavenly

Mountains", 200 km east of Almaty) at 43211.16N 79449.28E. The steep canyonslopes,columnsandarchesrise to heights of 150300 metres. The inaccessibility of the canyon provided

a safe haven for a rareash treethat survived theIce Ageand is now also grown in some other

areas.Bigach crateris aPlioceneorMioceneasteroidimpact crater, 8|km in diameter and estimated at

5 3 million years old at 4830N 8200E.

[edit]Administrative divisions

Main articles:Provinces of KazakhstanandDistricts of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is divided into 14provinces(Kazakh:, oblstar). The provinces are subdivided

intodistricts(Kazakh:, awdandar).

Almaty and Astana cities have the status of State importance and do not relate to any

province.[2]Baikonurcity has a special status because it is currently being leased to Russia withBaikonur

cosmodromeuntil 2050.[2]

Each province is headed by an Akim (provincial governor) appointed by the president. Municipal Akims

are appointed by province Akims. The Government of Kazakhstan transferred its capital from Almaty to

Astana on December 10, 1997.
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ended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikonur_cosmodromehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikonur_cosmodromehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikonurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan#cite_note-CIA-recommended-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Kazakhstanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kazakhstan&action=edit&section=13http://toolserver.org/~geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Kazakhstan&params=48_30_N_82_00_E_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_craterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroidhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miocenehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliocenehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigach_craterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_treehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columnhttp://toolserver.org/~geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Kazakhstan&params=43_21_1.16_N_79_4_49.28_E_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Shanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandstonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precipitation_(meteorology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_climate

foreign relation of kazakhstan

Documents