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Kazakhstan - Largest country in Central Asia | Travel Documentary

CoolVision・28 minutes read

Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country in the world with a population of 19.6 million people, has a rich history marked by Arab conquest, Mongol Empire rule, and Soviet colonization. The country's modern cities like Astana (Nur Sultan), Almaty, and Karaganda offer cultural and natural attractions, while facing challenges like extreme weather, pollution, and economic disparities.

Insights

  • Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country globally, has a rich history marked by Arab conquest, Mongol Empire rule, and Soviet colonization post the Bolshevik Revolution, shaping its current landscape and culture.
  • The diverse geography of Kazakhstan, from modern cities like Nur Sultan and Almaty to natural wonders like Big Almaty Lake and Turin Canyon, offers a unique blend of urban development, historical significance, and breathtaking landscapes, attracting visitors with a wide range of interests and preferences.

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Recent questions

  • What is the capital of Kazakhstan?

    Nur Sultan

  • What is the largest city in Kazakhstan?

    Almaty

  • What are the main industries in Kazakhstan?

    Oil, coal, uranium mining, agriculture

  • What is the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

    World's first and largest operating cosmodrome

  • What is the significance of Turkistan in Kazakhstan?

    Ancient city on the Silk Road

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Summary

00:00

Kazakhstan: Land of History and Modernity

  • Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, located in Central Asia, bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, with a population of 19.6 million people.
  • The history of Kazakhstan includes Arab conquest in the 8th and 9th centuries, Mongol Empire rule in the 13th century, and colonization by the USSR after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.
  • Astana, now Nur Sultan, became the capital in 1997, showcasing modern architecture like the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the National Museum, and the Abu Dhabi Plaza.
  • Astana's population has grown from 380,000 in 2000 to over 1.3 million in 2022, with significant investments and job opportunities, but faces extreme continental climate and limited weekend destinations.
  • Karaganda, the fourth largest city, is an industrial hub known for coal mining, with a population of 500,000 people and a history tied to Stalin camps like Carlag.
  • Almaty, the largest city, known as the Southern Capital, boasts a population of 2.1 million, a better climate, lush greenery, and a compact city center with a new subway system.
  • Almaty offers parks like the Botanical Garden, Penfield pedestrian street, and cable car rides to Kok Tobe for stunning views and activities like hiking and skiing at Shymbulak ski resort.
  • Big Almaty Lake, a must-visit spot, sits at 2500 meters above sea level, known for its changing colors and serene nature, accessible only by a long hike.
  • Almaty's vibrant nightlife, outdoor cafes, and lively atmosphere make it a fun city, despite challenges like air pollution, traffic, and high real estate prices.
  • Kazakhstan's economy thrives on oil, coal, uranium mining, and agriculture, with low prices for goods like gasoline, but facing issues like corruption and moderate wages.

19:38

"Exploring Kazakhstan's Modern Nomads and Natural Wonders"

  • Azamat starts an anti-summer season trip to vast open spaces with a yurt and modern nomads.
  • Modern nomads live in yurts until September-October, then return to villages for winter.
  • Local bread called bawasaki is cooked by nomads.
  • Alton ML National Park in Kazakhstan has a singing dune and diverse landscapes.
  • Katatao volcanic mountains and Aktau mountains are unique geological formations in the park.
  • A 700-year-old willow tree is a legendary spot in the park.
  • Turin Canyon in Kazakhstan resembles the Grand Canyon with red sedimentary rocks.
  • Kinder Lake formed after an earthquake in 1911, with a petrified forest underwater.
  • Call side Lakes offer boating and camping opportunities, with yard-like hotels available.
  • Turkistan, an ancient city on the Silk Road, features the Mausoleum of Hoja Ahmed Yasawi and a vibrant Caravan Sarai complex.

44:11

Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome: History and Challenges

  • The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, inherited from the USSR, is the world's first and largest operating cosmodrome, founded in 1955. Currently leased by Russia until 2050, Kazakhstan faces challenges like corruption and income disparity, exemplified by violent riots in January 2022 following protests over gas price hikes, resulting in 227 deaths and 10,000 arrests. Kazakhstan, a melting pot of ethnicities, has a promising future with abundant natural resources, vast land, and a diverse population that survived Stalin's deportations, now comprising over 130 ethnic groups.
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