Kazakhstan: flag, capital, currency and history
Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a country in Central Asia, Asia. Its capital is Astana. The currency is the Kazakhstani tenge. Languages spoken include Kazakh and Russian.
Quick facts about Kazakhstan
- Official name
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Capital
- Astana
- Region
- Asia, Central Asia
- Currency
- Kazakhstani tenge (KZT, ₸)
- Languages
- Kazakh, Russian
- Calling code
- +7
- Internet domain
- .kz
- Area
- 2,724,900 km² (1,052,089 sq mi)
- Land borders
- China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Demonym
- Kazakhstani
- National day
- Independence Day, December 16
Flag of Kazakhstan
Download the flag of Kazakhstan as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇰🇿.
History of Kazakhstan
The Kazakh steppe was home to nomadic peoples including the Scythian-related Saka, and later to Turkic groups. The Mongol conquests of the 13th century reshaped the region, and the Kazakh Khanate emerged in the 15th century. Russian expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries gradually brought the steppe under imperial control. After the Russian Revolution, a Kazakh autonomous republic was formed in the 1920s and became a Soviet republic in 1936. Kazakhstan declared independence in December 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved. Its capital was moved from Almaty to Astana in 1997.
Key dates
- c. 700 BCSaka nomadic peoples are present on the Central Asian steppe.
- 1219Mongol armies under Genghis Khan invade Central Asia.
- c. 1465The Kazakh Khanate is founded by Janibek and Kerei.
- 1730sKazakh leaders of the Junior Zhuz seek Russian protection, beginning Russian influence.
- 1936Kazakhstan becomes a full Soviet socialist republic.
- 1991Kazakhstan declares independence on 16 December.
- 1997The capital is officially moved from Almaty to Astana.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT, ₸). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Kazakhstan
Celebrations observed in Kazakhstan, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana.
What currency does Kazakhstan use?
Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT, symbol ₸).
What languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?
Languages used in Kazakhstan include Kazakh and Russian.
What is the calling code of Kazakhstan?
The international calling code of Kazakhstan is +7. Its internet domain is .kz.
Which countries border Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan shares land borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
On which continent is Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is in Asia, in the region of Central Asia.
What is the national day of Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan marks Independence Day on December 16.
Neighbours of Kazakhstan
More countries in Central Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).