Introduction: History and Culture of Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, is the largest country in the region and the ninth largest worldwide. It borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Aral Sea, and the Caspian Sea. Despite its Soviet-era classification as non-Central Asian, it shares cultural and physical characteristics with other Central Asian nations. Astana is its capital city.

Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources and arable lands. The population is approximately 18.4 million, with ethnic Kazakhs constituting around 68%. Other significant ethnic groups include Russians (19%), Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Uighurs, Tartars, and Germans. Kazakhstan is a secular state, with Islam and Orthodox Christianity being the primary religions. The country is bilingual, with Kazakh as the state language and Russian as the official language. Education is compulsory up to the secondary level, contributing to a literacy rate of 98.4%.

Politically, Kazakhstan operates under a presidential republic system with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the current president. It is a unitary state that recognizes human life, rights, and freedoms as supreme values.

Culturally, Kazakhstan maintains its traditions alongside its modern constitution and laws. These traditions originate from nomadic tribes and include various hospitality customs such as “Konakasy,” “Bata beru,” “Bel koterer,” “Konakkade,” “Yerulik,” “Korimdik,” “Suinshi,” and “Shashu.” These customs emphasize respect for guests, elders, and good news bearers.

Internationally, Kazakhstan is a member of numerous multilateral organizations including the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Kazakhstan joined the World Trade Organization on 30 November 2015.

By Mr. Sarawut Thiramanit, Dr. Prachaya Suwanhirunkul

Enterprise Thailand