Top 10 Amazing Facts About Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, with its history, cultures, and natural wonders, is the world's ninth largest country by area. A vast land in Central Asia, it often remains left out of global discourse. However, this country holds within it many surprises. Here's a peek into top 10 amazing facts about Kazakhstan, shedding light upon its uniqueness.
1. World's Largest Landlocked Country
With its mind-boggling 2.7 million square kilometers, Kazakhstan remains the world's biggest landlocked country. Despite its lack of access to ocean waters, Kazakhstan hosts countless rivers, lakes, and technically a lake, called the Caspian Sea. The country's gigantic proportions, along with its variegated landscapes, has proven to be a bonanza for adventurers and nature lovers.
2. Country hosting the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Kazakhstan is the place for the world's first and largest space launch facility: the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Baikonur Cosmodrome was established in 1955 and played a major role during the Soviet period, as it launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, and Yuri Gagarin, the first human to go into space. Nowadays, Baikonur still remains an important space research center, leased by Russia for its space activities.
3. Astana – A Futuristic Capital
Astana (recently renamed Nur-Sultan, then reverted to Astana) is probably the most modern and future-oriented city in the world. It became the capital in 1997 instead of Almaty. It's famous for its avant-garde architecture, including Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr shopping center, and the Nur Alem pavilion from Expo 2017. Rapid change from a modest town into a global metropolis in Astana symbolizes ambitions of Kazakhstan.
4. Land of Nomads
Kazakhstan is a country with a great history of nomadic activity that dates back thousands of years. The nomadic lifestyle, which was associated with horse riding and yurts, defined the culture of the country. Even today, you can see traces of this in the Kazakh countryside with traditions such as eagle hunting, folk music, and horse games.
5. Kazakh Language and Multiculturalism
Kazakhstan is a multicultural nation with over 130 ethnic groups. While Kazakh is the official language, Russian is widely spoken and serves as a second official language. This diversity stems from its Soviet history, during which many ethnic groups were relocated to Kazakhstan. The coexistence of multiple cultures and languages makes Kazakhstan a unique melting pot in Central Asia.
6. A Land of Vast Natural Beauty
Kazakhstan's geographic landscape is highly diverse in terms of steppes, deserts, mountainous regions, and forests. The Altai Mountains in the east, the Charyn Canyon-often said to be similar to the Grand Canyon-and the Kolsai Lakesare to name a few of Kazakhstan's natural attractions. Much of the Tien Shan Mountains are also located there, providing for some extraordinary scenery and activities.
One of the most striking natural phenomena is the singing dunes of the Altyn-Emel National Park, where the wind creates a melodious sound as it sweeps across the sand dunes. 7. Birthplace of Apples
It is considered the homeland of apples. The word for the largest city of Kazakhstan, Almaty, is interpreted as "Father of Apples". The wild forests of the foot of Tien Shan Mountains, from where the contemporary apple was taken, are regarded as its original source. These forests have still had wild apple trees growing inside them. It reflects the fruit's natural origin.
8. Contribution of Kazakhstan to Science and Arts
Kazakhstan has contributed widely to science, literature, and arts. Abai Kunanbayev in the 19th-century was a poet and thinker and is known as the "father of Kazakh literature." In science, contributors like Kanysh Satpayev, a geologist, were significant in minerals exploration. Kazakh Film industry is also now renowned at international levels with stories of rich heritage and pertinent issues of the nation.
9. Caspian Sea and Its Features
The Caspian Sea is the world's largest enclosed inland body of water. Although called a sea, it is technically a lake. It is very rich in biodiversity and resources, such as sturgeon fish, which are famous for producing caviar. The Caspian coastline in Kazakhstan is pristine and unique ecological zones that attract tourists and researchers alike.
10. Innovative Economy and Rich Resources
Kazakhstan is a rich country with significant oil, natural gas, uranium, and rare earth metals deposits. The country's economy has been growing at breakneck speed because of its exports in the energy sector. Besides that, Kazakhstan is investing in renewable energy and innovation in an effort to diversify its economy. Being situated on the ancient Silk Road makes Kazakhstan a prominent actor in international trade.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan is a land of contrasts and surprises-a blend of ancient traditions with modern innovation. From the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to its contributions in space exploration and global economy, Kazakhstan is indeed a hidden gem worth exploring.
Whether you’re drawn to its natural wonders, intrigued by its nomadic history, or fascinated by its modern advancements, Kazakhstan offers something unique for everyone. This remarkable nation is a testament to resilience, diversity, and progress, making it a destination that deserves global attention.
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