Bordering Countries of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia and the ninth-largest in the world by land area, shares borders with several countries: Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south. Its strategic location makes Kazakhstan a key player in the region’s geopolitical and economic landscape. These borders connect Kazakhstan to both the vast expanse of Russia and the dynamic economies of Central Asia, creating a blend of historical, cultural, and political ties.
Russia
Country Overview
Russia, the largest country in the world, borders Kazakhstan to the north. Spanning across Eastern Europe and northern Asia, Russia is a transcontinental country with vast natural resources, a rich history, and a significant global presence. Moscow, the capital, is a political, economic, and cultural powerhouse, while St. Petersburg is an important cultural hub. Russia’s history is marked by its time as the Soviet Union, which once included Kazakhstan as a part of its vast territory. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan and Russia maintained close political, economic, and cultural ties. Today, Russia and Kazakhstan are strategic partners, especially in the energy sector and through regional organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Country Facts:
Religion: The majority of Russians are Russian Orthodox Christians, with smaller populations of Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews.
Official Language: Russian
Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
Transportation Infrastructure: Russia boasts an extensive transportation network, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, which links the country from Moscow to the far eastern regions. It also has well-developed road networks and international airports in major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk.
Visa Requirements: Kazakhstan citizens do not need a visa to travel to Russia for short visits. Citizens from most countries, including the United States, require a visa to enter Russia. These visas must be obtained through Russian embassies or consulates.
China
Country Overview
To the east of Kazakhstan lies China, one of the world’s most powerful and populous countries. China is known for its ancient history, vast landscapes, and rapidly growing economy. Beijing, the capital, is a global political and cultural hub, while Shanghai is a leading financial center. China and Kazakhstan share a long border that spans over 1,700 kilometers. The relationship between the two countries has been growing, particularly in trade and energy. China is one of Kazakhstan’s major trading partners, particularly in oil and natural gas exports. The Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving connectivity across Asia and Europe, has further cemented their partnership.
Country Facts:
Religion: The majority of China’s population is irreligious, but there are significant numbers of Buddhists, Taoists, Christians, and Muslims (particularly in the Xinjiang region).
Official Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Transportation Infrastructure: China has one of the most advanced transportation networks in the world, including high-speed rail, an extensive road network, and major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The country is also developing the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing infrastructure across Asia.
Visa Requirements: Kazakhstan citizens do not require a visa for short visits to China. Foreign nationals from most countries need a visa to visit China, which can be obtained at Chinese embassies or consulates.
Kyrgyzstan
Country Overview
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country located to the south of Kazakhstan. It is known for its mountainous terrain, which forms a significant part of the Tien Shan mountain range. Bishkek, the capital, is the political and economic center of the country, while the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes makes it a popular destination for trekking and adventure tourism. Kyrgyzstan gained independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and it shares cultural, historical, and linguistic ties with Kazakhstan. The two countries have close cooperation, particularly in areas like trade, regional security, and infrastructure development.
Country Facts:
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in Kyrgyzstan, with the majority of the population adhering to Sunni Islam. There is also a small Christian minority, mainly Russian Orthodox.
Official Language: Kyrgyz and Russian
Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
Transportation Infrastructure: Kyrgyzstan has a developing transportation system, including a network of roads and railways, although the infrastructure is more limited than in its larger neighbors. The country has an international airport in Bishkek, and the road network connects it to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Visa Requirements: Kazakhstan citizens can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for stays up to 60 days. Citizens from other countries may require a visa, depending on their nationality, though Kyrgyzstan has liberal visa policies for many countries, including a visa-free regime for many CIS countries.
Uzbekistan
Country Overview
Uzbekistan, located to the south of Kazakhstan, is one of Central Asia’s largest countries. With a rich history, Uzbekistan was a key player in the ancient Silk Road, and its cities like Samarkand and Bukhara are known for their historical architecture and cultural heritage. Tashkent, the capital, is the largest city and the economic and cultural center of the country. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has focused on economic reforms, particularly in the sectors of energy, agriculture, and mining. Relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have grown in recent years, with both countries collaborating on trade, energy, and regional security.
Country Facts:
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. There are also smaller groups of Shia Muslims and Christians.
Official Language: Uzbek
Currency: Uzbek Som (UZS)
Transportation Infrastructure: Uzbekistan has an expanding transportation infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, railways, and several international airports, including Tashkent International Airport. The rail system connects Uzbekistan to neighboring countries, and new highway projects are under development to improve regional connectivity.
Visa Requirements: Kazakhstan citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Citizens of many countries, including the U.S. and EU countries, can also enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Turkmenistan
Country Overview
Turkmenistan lies to the south of Kazakhstan, bordered by Iran to the south and Uzbekistan to the east. Known for its vast deserts, particularly the Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan is one of the most isolated countries in Central Asia. Ashgabat, the capital, is known for its white marble buildings and grandiose architecture. Turkmenistan has large reserves of natural gas, which form the backbone of its economy. Despite its isolationist policies, Turkmenistan maintains strong regional ties with its neighbors, particularly in energy exports. The country’s leadership, characterized by its authoritarian style, has maintained strict control over the economy and society.
Country Facts:
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Turkmenistan, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. There is a small Christian minority.
Official Language: Turkmen
Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)
Transportation Infrastructure: Turkmenistan has a developing transportation network, with major highways linking the capital to neighboring countries. The country has an international airport in Ashgabat, and the rail system is expanding to connect the country to other Central Asian nations.
Visa Requirements: Kazakhstan citizens require a visa to visit Turkmenistan, which can be obtained through the Turkmen embassy. Visa requirements for other foreign nationals vary depending on nationality.
Geopolitical and Economic Context of Kazakhstan’s Relations with Its Neighboring Countries
Kazakhstan’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia gives it a unique geopolitical position that is essential to the region’s economic and political stability. Kazakhstan’s relationships with its neighboring countries—Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan—are shaped by historical ties, economic cooperation, and regional security concerns. These relationships play a key role in Kazakhstan’s development as a regional power.
Economic Relations
Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and minerals, which are vital to its economic growth and trade relationships. The country has strong economic ties with Russia, China, and its Central Asian neighbors, especially in energy trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The country is a key player in regional energy projects, such as the export of oil and gas through pipelines to Russia and China. Kazakhstan is also a significant partner in the Central Asian regional trade network, participating in organizations like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Political and Diplomatic Relations
Kazakhstan has played a key diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in Central Asia, particularly through initiatives that encourage cooperation between regional powers. Its political relationships with Russia and China are particularly important for regional security, trade, and infrastructure projects. Kazakhstan has also sought to balance its relationships with its Central Asian neighbors, especially Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, to foster stability in the region. Kazakhstan has actively supported regional security initiatives and works with the UN, NATO, and other international organizations to address conflicts, extremism, and environmental challenges.
Transportation and Connectivity
Kazakhstan’s vast landmass and strategic location make it a crucial transit country for both energy exports and trade routes linking Europe and Asia. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports. The development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China has further solidified Kazakhstan’s role as a key player in regional and global logistics, with new rail routes and highways connecting Kazakhstan to China and other Central Asian countries.