JEREMY KOZACHECK

 Kazakhstan was inhabited since the stone age. Nomadic tribes began to settle here around the 1 st century B.C.  Around the 16 th century, Kazakhstan began to develop a culture and an economy.  Throughout their early history, the kazakhs had to defend themselves from Mongolian invaders looking to take over their country. Many great battles were fought against them for hundreds of years.

 In the 1840’s, most of Kazakhstan was taken over by the Russian empire.  After the Russian empire collapsed in the 1920’s, Kazakhstan became a republic of the Soviet Union.  During the 1930’s a period of mass collectivization caused mass hunger and starvation in which almost 1 million people died.  In WWII, there was a time of mass population inflow to escape from the war torn parts of the countries surrounding it.  In 1991, after much struggle, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the weakening Soviet Union and became an independent nation.

 The people of Kazakhstan speak Kazakh and Russian.  Kazakh is the traditional state language, about 65% of the people can speak it.  Russian is the official language of the country.  Almost everyone is required to learn Russian because all business and intercommunication is dealt with it.

 Kazakhstan has a market economy.  Their main source of business is oil drilling  Two major oil fields are the Astana area and near the Caspian Sea.  Kazakhstan is also known for its agriculture and is rich in minerals.

 Kazakhstan is a Presidential Republic.  President is commander in chief and can veto legislation.  Prime minister manages the cabinet of ministers and is the head of the government.  16 regular ministers.  Bi-cameral parliament.  Lower house, and an upper house(senate).

 Kazakhstan is mostly well known for its traditional and classical orchestra music.  Some famous composers are Korkyt, Tattimbet, Sougur, Bayserke, and Makhambet.  The painting on the right was by a person named Bob Usoroh.

 Most of the old traditions of Kazakhstan are being rediscovered.  Some traditions include being respectful to the elderly, and being patriotic to your country.  Another tradition is to treat guests that enter your house with a meal.  One other important part of the Kazakh culture are games.  The games include kures(wrestling), baiga(long distance horse racing, up to 100 km), and alty bakan(six pole swing).

Betpak-Dala DesertZali Plateau