The Republic of Kazakhstan is a unitary state. Its territory is divided into 14 regions. Aktyubinsk, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangystau regions are to the west, and Akmola, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan and Kostanai regions are to the north of the country. Almaty, South Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Zhambyl regions are to the south, and East Kazakhstan region is to the east. The central part of Kazakhstan is occupied by Karaganda region, the largest of all.
The city of Astana became the capital of the country in 1997. Its current population is 500,000. As the only mega city in the country, Almaty has gained the status of a city of national importance. Kazakhstan contains 86 cities,168 districts, 181 towns and 7,681 villages.
The Kazakhstani cities may be divided into several groups according to population. The first group includes cities with a population of over 300,000, these are Karaganda, Shymkent, Pavlodar, Taraz and Ust-Kamenogorsk. The second group covers Uralsk, Temirtau, Kostanai, Aktobe, Petropavlovsk and Semipalatinsk, whose population ranges from 200,000 to 280,000. The third group comprises cities with a population under 110,000–160,000 (Ekibastuz, Kyzylorda, Aktau, Kokshetau and Atyrau). The largest group consists of cities with less than 50,000 people living in them.
Astana
“At the end of the century Kazakhstan’s new capital, Astana, became the symbol of our independence. For the first time in the history of our state, we made an independent decision to move our capital, based on our national interest“. It is with these words of President Nursultan Nazarbayev that we start the story of Kazakhstan’s capital city.
In 1830 Russian troops built a stronghold on the right bank of the Ishim, in the northern part of the ancient Sary Arka, and this later grew into the city of Akmolinsk. Lying on a caravan path from Central Asia to the Russian Empire, the city became known as the site of important trade fairs. In the Soviet period Akmolinsk became the centre of the virgin lands campaign and was renamed Tselinograd. In 1992, after independence, the city’s historic name of “Akmola” was restored. Finally, in 1997, the city was made the new capital of Kazakhstan, and renamed Astana on 6 May 1998.
Since then, Astana has experienced a construction boom, and during the six following years its area grew by 2.5 times. The population of the new capital is increasing rapidly, and now exceeds 500,000. The construction of new administrative, residential and public buildings is in full swing, and many existing buildings are being reconstructed. In accordance with the general development plan by Kisho Kurokawa, a new administrative centre is being constructed on the left bank of the Ishim. In order to encourage investment in the construction, a free economic zone was established there in 2002, which provides a number of tax benefi ts and preferences. Some US$1.6 billion will be invested in the left bank infrastructure up to 2007.
Today Astana is one of the most attractive cities in the country for investors. Since it was made the Kazakh capital, its economy has received a total of US$2.5 billion in investment. About 900 joint ventures and companies from Russia, Turkey, Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere are operating there. Most of them are engaged in wholesale trade, construction, transport, communications and the real estate business. In 2001 Astana was assigned a “Ва3 stable” credit rating by Moody’s Investors’ Service.
Astana’s modern industry is represented mostly by processing businesses. The leading role belongs to the mechanical engineering, metal-working, food and construction companies. In 2004 alone, Astana’s industrial output increased by 18.6%. The capital’s infrastructure and service sector also show sustained growth. Overall, Astana contributes about 6% to national GDP. Historically, Astana has always served as an important transport centre. The city lies at the junction of roads and railways connecting various parts of Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. The modern railway station and international airport at Astana receive thousands of passengers daily, many of them arriving in the capital for business reasons or as tourists.
The first thing to catch the attention of a newcomer to Astana is its beautiful architectural ensemble in which European restraint harmoniously meets Asian splendour. The city’s architectural attractions include the Baiseyitova National Opera and Ballet Company, the Duman recreational centre (famous for its marine aquarium and 3D cinema) and the Atameken memorial park where Kazakh cities and landmarks are displayed in miniature. The 100-metre tall Astana Baiterek monument, built on the initiative of President Nazarbayev, offers a breathtaking panorama of Astana, the 21st century business and cultural centre of Eurasia.
Akmola region is located to the north-west of the Sary Arka and occupies a territory of 92,000 sq. km. The Kokshetau Mountains, which are covered by unique birch and conifer forests, are to be found in the northern part of the region. The territory is mostly represented by steppes with forb and kipchak feather grass vegetation. On the south-east, the area surrounding the freshwater Lake Korgalzhyn and saline Lake Tengiz has been designated as a State Natural Preserve. It is the most northerly nesting ground of pink flamingos. The population is 749,000, the proportion of urban population is 65%, rural 35%. The administrative centre of the region is the city of Kokshetau, established in 1824. The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is also in the region, on the Ishim River.
The region has 19 metal-bearing deposits and 155 deposits of non metallic mineral resources. One of these is the Vasilkovski deposit, which is the largest goldfield in the world.
Akmola region is rightly considered one of the leading agricultural regions of Kazakhstan: it accounts for 12% of total agricultural production in Kazakhstan. The bulk of the crop areas are grain-growing. Dual purpose cattle breeding is also well developed.
This is a major industrial region of the country, specializing in metalworking, production of agricultural machinery and equipment, processing of agricultural products and other areas related to agribusiness. The construction industry has been developing rapidly over the last few years.
Aktobe region is in the western part of the country, it occupies an area of 300,000 sq. km. Its territory is mostly highlands with a distinctive variety of plateaux and lowlands. To the north, are the southern fringes of the Ural Mountains, and in the centre are the Mugodzhar Mountains. To the south-east are the large massifs of Aral Karakum and the Bolshoi and Maly Barsuki sandhills, and on the north-east stands the Torgai Plateau, dissected by ravines. The largest rivers are the Torgai, Oyil, Zhem, Irgiz and Orr. In the summer some of the rivers divide into separate reaches. There are more than 150 small lakes, which dry up in the summer and form salt marshes.
The population is about 672,000. The administrative centre is the city of Aktobe, the history of which dates from a fort established in 1869 at the intersection of the Kargaly and Ilek Rivers.
Aktobe region has very large reserves of raw materials. 100% the country’s reserves of chrome, 55% of its nickel, 40% of its titanium, and 34% of its phosphorites are concentrated there. In total, 79 deposits of ore mineral resources, including gold, silver, cobalt, copper, nickel, etc. have been discovered there. The region accounts for about 10% of Kazakhstan’s prospected hydrocarbon reserves. The largest hydrocarbon fields are Zhanazhol and Kenkiyak. Because of these large reserves of mineral resources the leading sectors of economy are the oil and gas and metallurgical industries. All Kazakhstan’s chromium and nickel ore mining industry and production of chromates is concentrated in the region. Machine building, and chemical, light and food industries are being developed. Spring wheat, barley, millet etc, are grown there.
Almaty region is located in the south-eastern part of the country. Its area is 224,000 sq. km. The north-western part of the region is a plain bordering Lake Balkhash. The bulk of the territory is occupied by the Sary Esik sands. The southeastern boundaries of the region are formed by the Tien Shan mountain ranges.
The region holds almost half of the total water resources of Kazakhstan; that is why since ancient times people have called it Zhetysu – the Land of Seven Rivers. The Rivers Lepsy, Karatal, Aksu, Tentek and Yrgaily drain its territory. Kapshagai reservoir was built on the Ili River; it is the second largest reservoir in the country. The unique Lakes Alakol, Sasykkol, Zhalanashkol are to be found in the region.
The following mineral resources are extracted in the region: building stone, brown coal and complex ores. The chemical composition of the mineral water from the Alma Arasan thermal spring is comparable with Pyrenean mineral water from France.
The centre of the region is the city of Taldykorgan, founded in 1944. There are 10 towns, 16 urban settlements and 234 auls (rural villages). Almaty, the only mega-city in Kazakhstan and the former capital, is now under national jurisdiction, and is also located in this region. The region is characterized by high level of urbanization: 83% of its 1,572,000 population live in urban areas and only 17% in rural parts.
The industrial sector comprises machine building and metal working enterprises. The production of machinery for the oil and gas, power energy and mining sectors has been set up. The manufacture of furniture, pharmaceuticals and food products is being developed successfully. The agricultural sector produces about 13.5% of the total agricultural products of the country and specializes in growing industrial crops, fruits, vegetables, rice and tobacco. Altyn Emel National Park, the largest in the country, and other historic, cultural, and archaeological sites are located in the region; along with the availability of a well developed infrastructure this has laid the foundations for rapid development of tourism.
Atyrau region, the oldest oil and gas producing region of Kazakhstan, is in the western part of the country near the northern coast of the Caspian Sea. It is in first place in the country for recoverable resources of oil (40%). Tengiz, Korolevskoe and Kenbai oil fields and Imashevski gas condensate field are the largest. The region’s area is 118,600 sq. km; it occupies a large part of the Caspian depression and borders the Ustyurt Plateau on the north. The population is 457,000. The administrative centre is the city of Atyrau, the history of which dates from the founding of a port on the Ural River by the Guryev brothers, Russian merchants, in 1640. International transport routes to Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Russia, pass through the city.
The region is an undisputed leader in the industrial sector, its share in the total industrial output of the country being nearly 22%. The availability of a very rich mineral resource base attracts foreign investors; for example, Tengizchevroil, the largest joint enterprise in Kazakhstan in the sphere of oil production operates in this region. The region has a well developed mining industry. There are also vast reserves of boron, plaster stone, chalk and salt. The manufacturing sector is represented by oil refineries and machine building and metal working enterprises. The fishing industry plays a significant role in the region’s economy. In agriculture the leading sector is livestock farming. Grains and melons are grown in the irrigated valleys of the Ural River.
The region has a comprehensive infrastructure of pipelines (total length 1,237 km), including the Kenkiyak–Atyrau and Bolshoi Chagan–Atyrau domestic and Atyrau–Samara and Tengiz–Novorossiysk (CPC) international pipelines.
The territory of East Kazakhstan region covers more than 283,000 sq. km. It has a mountainous relief formed in the most part by the Rudny and South Altai ranges with the highest peak being the famous Mount Belukha. The land is rich in mineral resources, especially complex ores. There are large deposits of coal, shale oil and marble. The major water artery is the navigable Irtysh River. The Bukhtarma reservoir, which is the largest in Kazakhstan, and Ust-Kamenogorsk reservoir are built on the river. The largest lakes are Alakol and Zaisan. In the south-eastern part of the region, the Markakol Natural Preserve has been created in the fir, white wood and larch forests surrounding the picturesque lake Markakol.
The centre of the region is the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, which is located in the foothills of Rudny Altai. The city was founded in 1720. The region contains 10 small towns, 15 urban settlements and 857 auls. The population is more than 1,455,000.
Non-ferrous metallurgy is the basis of economic development in the region. Most of its products are for export. The region’s enterprises account for 100% of the country’s production of zinc, 80% of its lead, 63% of its refined gold, and about 40% of its silver. The agricultural sector specializes in breeding cattle, Siberian deer and reindeer. Beekeeping is popular in the foothills of the Altai. Power is supplied from three major power stations: Ust-Kamenogorsk and Shulbinski hydroelectric plants and Bukhtarmisnki hydroelectric enterprise.
At the heart of Kazakhstan is Karaganda region, which is the largest in the country (428,000 sq. km). This is a major industrial region, which accounts for 13% of the country’s industrial production. The central city of Karaganda was founded in 1934. The overwhelming part of the 1,331,000 population of the region lives in urban areas.
The bulk of the territory is a plain with small hills and mounds, covered by steppe and semi desert vegetation. The largest of the numerous lakes is Lake Balkhash. The Temirtau and Sherubainur reservoirs have been built on the Nura River. There are another two storage reservoirs on the Kengir and Atasau Rivers. The Irtysh–Karaganda–Zhezkazgan canal links the region with Pavlodar region.
The region has immense resources of copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, iron, manganese and rare metals. There are two oil and gas basins: the South Torgai and Shu-Sarysu depressions containing the Kumkol, South Kumkol and Maibulak fields. 30% of the country’s coal reserves and 100% of its coking coal are concentrated in Karaganda coal basin. Ispat-Karmet metal works, the leader of the country’s metallurgy industry, operates in the region. It produces 100% of the country’s pigiron and finished iron and 90% of its steel. Zhairem mining and processing works produce high quality lowphosphorus manganese concentrates from manganese and ferromanganese ores. The enterprises of Kazakhmys Corporation, which is the largest production operation in the region, support all phases of copper production. In addition, the chemical and food industries and production of construction materials are well developed in the region.
Kostanai region occupies an area of 196,000 sq. km in the northern part of Kazakhstan. It is located at the junction of the Ural Mountains, and the West Siberian and Turgai Plateaus and is represented mostly by plateau-like highlands. The soil of the northern part of the region is mostly chernozem with grass vegetation; chestnut soils are prevalent in the central part. The Naurzum Natural Preserve, which contains unique pine woods surrounding numerous freshwater and saline lakes, is located in these steppes. The administrative centre of the region is the city of Kostanai, which was founded in 1883 on the Tobol River. There are 5 small towns, 16 urban settlements and 799 auls in the region. The population is more than 913,000.
Thanks to the reclamation of virgin and waste lands, the region became the breadbasket of the nation. It is a large producer of spring wheat. Autumn rye, millet and oil crops are also grown there. The meat and diary livestock farming is well developed. The region’s share of total agricultural production is about 14%.
The region is an important source of raw materials for metallurgical enterprises in Kazakhstan. 98% of the total bauxite reserves, 92% of the iron ore, 88% of the cobalt and 53% of the nickel and other metals occur in its territory. The most famous magnetite deposits are at Sokolovskoe, Sarbaiskoe and Kacharskoe, exploited by Sokolovsko-Sarbaiskoe Mining and Processing Works – the largest company in Kazakhstan and the CIS for pre-treatment of iron ore raw material.
Kyzylorda region (226,000 sq. km) is one of the most southerly regions of the country. Most of its territory is situated in the desert zone of Turan plateau, which includes the lower reaches of the Syr Darya River basin and vast tracts of the northern and eastern coasts of Aral Sea. This is one of the hottest and driest regions of the country. It is the natural habitat for many rare species of animals. Saiga, koulan, wild camel, cheetah, tarpan, and Przevalsky’s horse can be seen in the National Park on Barsa Kelmes Island.
The rich soils of the Syr Darya River flood plain have always been the major wealth of this region. The abundance of water together with long, hot summers creates favourable conditions for growing rice, grapes and melons. The centre of the region, Kyzylorda, is situated on this river; it is one of the oldest cities in Zhetysu.
The land is also rich in mineral resources. 65% of Kazakhstan’s geological reserves of vanadium occur in the territory of the region. Deposits of iron and molybdenum ores and titanium and zirconium placer are discovered in the region. This is an important oil and gas producing region of Kazakhstan (about 20% of total production) due to the presence of large petroleum reserves. The largest enterprises in this sector are PetroKazakhstan Kumkol Resources and Turgai Petroleum. There are large deposits of sodium chloride on the coasts of the Aral Sea and other smaller lakes; the region is the largest producer of this product in the country.
The major tourist site, which attracts tourists from all over the world, is the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where visitors can witness the launch of spacecraft and visit the Museum of Astronautics and Yuri Gagarin’s cabin.
Mangistau region is situated in the Caspian Depression and the western part of Ustyurt Plateau. The administrative centre is Aktau, which is one of the youngest cities in Kazakhstan, founded in 1963. More than 168,000 people live there, more than half of region’s population. On the west, Mangistau region (166,000 sq. km) is bounded by the Caspian Sea. The region is characterized by its great diversity of relief forms. The Mangistau Mountains tower in the central part of the region. Adjoining these, the Karatau and Aktau mountain ranges stretch from northwest to south-east. On the Caspian Sea coast the Karaguie depression, the deepest in Europe, is located.
The climate is extreme continental: dry with hot summers and harsh winters. The bulk of the territory is occupied by salt marshes and takyr-like alkaline soils. Large reserves of phosphorites, coal, manganese, colestine and various other minerals are deposited in the region. Shell limestone from Mangistau is well known abroad; it is used as a cladding material.
This is one of the largest oil and gas regions of Kazakhstan: 23.4% of the recoverable reserves of oil and 8% of the natural gas are concentrated there. The largest oil and gas fields are Uzen, Zhetybai, Karazhanbas, North Buzachi, Kalamkas, among others.
The oil and gas sector plays the leading role in the region’s economy. It accounts for 30% of oil production in the country. The production of mineral fertilizers is also well developed. The fish-farming and fishing industries are the oldest branches of the food industry. The largest port in Kazakhstan, Aktau Merchant Seaport, is also in the region. It handles metallurgical products, grain, timber, foodstuffs, fertilizers, polystyrene plastics, oil, petroleum products, etc.
North Kazakhstan region (98,000 sq. km) is the northern gateway to the country. The administrative centre is the city of Petropavlovsk, located on the Ishim River. It is a major rail centre which connects the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Asian railways. The Yekaterinburg–Almaty (North-South), Chelyabinsk–Almaty (West-East) and Astana–Petropavlovsk international highways pass through the city. Besides Petropavlovsk, which was founded in 1752, the region has 5 towns, 5 urban settlements, 13 rural districts and 774 auls. The bulk of the population (estimated total 674,000) lives in the countryside.
The relief is characterized by numerous lake depressions, open steppes and mounds. There are 1,000 small lakes in the region; most are fresh water. The Sergeev reservoir has been built on the Ishim River. The region contains 100% of Kazakhstan’s reserves of industrial diamonds, 65% of its tin, 37% of its zirconium silicate and 25% of its uranium. Building stone, gravel and clay are also found there.
The region has well developed machine building (engine and automotive trailer production), light and food industries. It is a large producer of agricultural products (12% of total agricultural production). The arable lands are under grain, mostly spring wheat. Vegetable farming is very popular. The prevalent industrial crops are sunflower and crown-flax. Millet, autumn rye and forage crops are grown. Livestock farming specializes on beef, sheep, poultry and horse breeding.
Pavlodar region occupies a territory of 125,000 sq. km on the north-east of the country along the central part of the Irtysh River (the largest river in Kazakhstan), on which the administrative centre of the region, the city of Pavlodar, is located. More than 40% of the region’s population (totaling 745,000) lives in this city, which was founded in 1861. There are 2 other big urban and industrial centres – Ekibastuz and Aksu, 10 urban settlements and 164 auls.
The region is located in steppe and semi-desert zones. In the north, it includes southern part of the West Siberian Plain, in the south – the north-eastern part of the Sary Arka. The region has vast resources of fossil and brown coals, copper and complex ores, and sodium chloride. The area along the Irtysh River was made famous by the beautiful Bayanaul National Park; its name means abundant, happy mountains in the Kazakh language.
The industrial potential of the region is based on mining, metallurgical, machine building, chemical and power energy producing enterprises. Bogatyr Coal Strip Mine, which is the largest in the world, a chain of thermal power plants in Ekibastuz, the tractor plant and refinery in Pavlodar, a ferroalloy plant and a high-power hydroelectric plant in Aksu form the core of the region’s economy. The largest mining enterprise is Bogatyr Access Komir. Aluminium Kazakhstan, which is the only plant in Kazakhstan producing alumina, also operates in Pavlodar region.
The main factor in the rapid development of the agricultural sector was the reclamation of virgin and waste lands. The northern part of the region is the major grain-growing area, where 70% of all crops are concentrated. The main food crop is durum wheat. Livestock breeding is represented mainly by fine-fleece sheep breeding. Timber operations are carried out in the forests on the right bank of the Irtysh River.
South Kazakhstan region is located in Syr Darya River basin, along with Kzylorda region. This is the most densely populated part of the country: more than 2,150,000 people live there. The territory (117,000 sq. km) is mostly plains. The Karatau mountain range stretches across the central part of the region. The land is rich in iron ore, complex ores, brown coal, marble and other minerals. About half of Kazakhstan’s reserves of uranium are situated in this region. The region is practically the only producer of cotton in Kazakhstan. Grain and melons are grown there. Horticulture and viticulture are also well developed. Livestock breeding is represented mainly by astrakhan and fine-fleeced sheep breeding. The town of Kentau and Achisai settlement are centres for mining and processing complex ores. The region also has a well developed chemical industry. PetroKazakhstan Oil Products accounts for almost half of the oil production in Kazakhstan. Chimpharm, one of the oldest enterprises in Kazakhstan, produces important medical drugs from medicinal herbs, which grow in abundance in the region. Local sources of raw materials have laid the foundation for developing light and food industries.
South Kazakhstan is a land of ancient civilizations. The city of Shymkent, the centre of the region, was founded in the 12th century. Another of Kazakhstan’s old towns, also to be found in this region, is Turkistan, the former political, cultural and merchant centre of the Kazakh khanate. In addition to numerous historic sites, South Kazakhstan attracts tourists from all over the world with its beautiful natural heritage. The valleys of the Chu and Syr Darya Rivers are inhabited by roe deer, arkhar, mountain goat and bear. Snow leopard lives in the high mountains. One of the most beautiful parks in Kazakhstan, the Aksu Dzhabagly Nature Reserve, has been created among the spurs of the Talas Alatau.
West Kazakhstan region is in the north-western part of Kazakhstan. Most of its territory (151,000 sq. km) is a part of the Caspian depression. The landscape is mostly plains with large massifs of sand and depressions containing salt-marshes. The main water artery is the Ural River and its tributaries. There are 144 freshwater and saline lakes. In order to manage surface water resources, a system of reservoirs has been constructed. Poplar, oak, birch and willow forests grow on the flood plain of the Ural River. Roe deer and elk live in the forests, and wild boar among the reeds. Many species of birdsinhabit the region. Fish are abundant in the lakes and rivers.
The population is 604,000. The main urban centres are the city of Uralsk, the administrative centre of the region, which was founded in 1613, and the town of Aksai, or the “Oil Industry Workers’ Town “.
Karachaganak field, one of the largest oil and gas condensate fields in the world, was discovered in West Kazakhstan region. The development of the field is carried out by Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V., whose share of the industrial production in the region is 60%. The oil and gas fields are linked together by pipelines with a total length of 313 km. The machine building and metal working industries are growing rapidly. Industrial enterprises in the region produce spare parts and components for agricultural machines, tractors, motor vehicles, and other equipment. An irrigation system more than 2,000 km in length is an important factor in the development of farming. The breeding of Astrakhan and fine-fleeced sheep, horses and camels are major areas of agriculture.
The bulk of the territory of Zhambyl region, which is more than 144,000 sq. km in total, consists of plains. The southern fringes border the basins of the Aral Sea and Lake Balkhash. Lakes Bilikol, Aktol and Ashikol are located in the region and are rich in fish. There are two reservoirs: Tasutkel and Akkol. 72% of Kazakhstan’s reserves of phosphorites, 56.9% of its fluorspar, and 25.4% of its plaster are situated in the region. There are two gas condensate fields: Amangheldy and Airakty. The centre of the region is the city of Taraz, whichcelebrated its 2000th anniversary in 2002. It is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. As early as the 2nd century BC it was an important trading ce
