Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
- Capital
- Nur-Sultan
- Population
- 18,754,440
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Kazakh, Russian
Kazakhstan is home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. It was from this site that the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, and the first human into space, Yuri Gagarin. Today, the facility remains a critical hub for international space missions despite being located on land leased by Russia. Additionally, the region is the ancestral homeland of the domestic apple, with wild forests of Malus sieversii still growing in the Tian Shan mountains.
Currency
The national currency is the Tenge, identified by the ISO code KZT. When it was introduced in 1993, the government held such secrecy that the first banknotes were printed in the United Kingdom and transported to Kazakhstan in secret flights.
Flag symbolism
The sky-blue background represents the endless sky and the shared cultural unity of the Turkic peoples who inhabit the region. Centered on the flag is a golden sun with 32 rays, which symbolizes energy, life, and the country's aspiration for progress. Perched beneath the sun is a soaring steppe eagle, representing the sovereignty, independence, and freedom of the nation. Along the hoist side, a vertical golden stripe features the 'koshkar-muiz' or ram's horns, a traditional Kazakh ornamental pattern that honors the country's ancient artistic heritage.
Emblem history
The National Emblem of Kazakhstan features the 'shanyrak,' which is the circular vaulted crown of a traditional yurt, symbolizing the hearth and a shared home for all citizens. Flanking the center are two mythical winged horses known as Tulpars, which represent bravery and the historic nomadic traditions of the Great Steppe. In 2018, the emblem was officially updated to feature the country's name written in the Latin script rather than Cyrillic, reflecting a broader linguistic transition. The overall circular shape and golden-on-blue color palette mirror the national flag, emphasizing harmony and the light of a bright future.