Kazakhstan is a country located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east. It is the worldâs ninth largest country by land area, covering an area of 2.7 million square kilometers, and is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and has since undergone significant economic and political reforms to become one of the worldâs fastest growing economies. Despite its vast territory and abundance of resources, Kazakhstan has a relatively small population of just over 18 million people, with Kazakhs being the largest ethnic group followed by Russians and Uzbeks. The country has a diverse landscape ranging from the mountainous regions in the east to the flat, arid plains in the west. The capital city, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), is located in the northern part of the country and is known for its futuristic architecture. Kazakhstanâs national language is Kazakh, which is also the official language of the country, although Russian is widely spoken and understood. The country has a unique cultural heritage that has been shaped by its nomadic history and Islamic traditions. Modern Kazakhstan is known for its advancements in technology and space exploration, as well as its efforts to promote regional stability and economic development.