Travel Guide Kazakhstan - Country Information

Coordinates: 48 00 N, 68 00 E
Population: 15,233,244 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%
Languages: Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95% (2001 est.)
Climate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid
Elevation: lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m / highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m
Hazards: earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty
Background Kazakhstan: Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 caused many of these newcomers to emigrate. Current issues include: developing a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets; achieving a sustainable economic growth outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors; and strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign powers.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Vaccinations:
Tetanus-diphtheria	For all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Rabies	For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Yellow fever	Required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given