The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the most promising developing countries in Central Asia. It is located in the heart of the continent and takes 9th place in the world in area. This is a country with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, interesting culture and inexhaustible natural resources. The list of regions of Kazakhstan and a description of each of them can be found further in the article.
Regions of Kazakhstan (briefly)
The country consists of 5 regions, each of which is unique in its own way.
- Western - the largest in area in the republic. It includes four areas. The total population is more than 2.1 million people. By area, the region covers an area of almost 730 thousand square meters. km
- Northern is the main economic region. Two times more people live here than in the West (about 4.4 million people). It consists of four areas. The area of the region is more than 565 thousand square meters. km
- South is a region with developed areas of agriculture and industry. In terms of area, it is slightly inferior to the West (712 thousand sq. Km.). But in terms of population, this region ranks first - more than 6.3 million people. The composition includes four areas.
- East is a region consisting of one region. It occupies an area of 380 thousand square meters. km Almost 2.7 million people live here.
- Central - a treasury of minerals. It consists of only one region, which is located on an area of slightly less than 320 thousand square meters. km with a population of almost 2 million people.
North Kazakhstan
It is divided into 4 regions: Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, bordering the Russian Federation in the north, and Akmola, where the capital of the republic is Astana. It is the largest in the region. Also, the largest cities are the centers of Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Akmola regions - Kostanay, Petropavlovsk, Pavlodar and Kokshetau, respectively.
Northern Kazakhstan cannot be called multi-water, like the whole country as a whole. 3 large rivers flow here: the Irtysh, Tobol and Ishim. On the banks of the latter is the capital. A small area in the center of the region is occupied by pine forests and hills. The main area is occupied by flat steppes: the Kazakh small hills, the West Siberian plain and the Turgai plateau.
Northern Kazakhstan is called the “breadbasket of the whole country”, since agriculture is more developed here than in other regions. It is rich in minerals. It produces iron and copper ores, coal, gold, bauxite, asbestos, limestone, quartz sand and much more. Also, the region has developed mechanical engineering and the production of petroleum products.
Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate, while in the north it is especially harsh. But, despite this, almost a quarter of the country's population lives here and there are always many tourists who want to visit the Naurzum reserve or the resort areas of Burabay and Bayanaul.
Eastern Kazakhstan
The region is represented by the East Kazakhstan region and borders on the Russian Federation in the north and China in the east. The largest cities are the center of the Ust-Kamenogorsk region and the city of Semey.
The relief here is quite diverse. In addition to the flat steppes, the Kalbin mountain range, the Saur-Tarbagatai and Altai mountains stand out. This is where Belukha is located - the highest mountain in Altai. You can also meet alpine meadows, forests and taiga.
Almost 40% of the country's water reserves are concentrated in this region. The largest river in the region is the Irtysh River, on which the Bukhtarma, Ulba and Shulba hydroelectric stations are located. However, this is not the only artery in the region. In addition to the Irtysh, several large rivers flow here: Ulba, Bukhtarma, Char, Kurchum, Narym, Uba. Also in this region are such large reservoirs as Zaysan, Markakol, Alakol and Sasykkol. There are 1200 rivers and 18 large lakes in the region.
East Kazakhstan is the most industrial region of the country. The reserves of lead, gold, silver, zinc, copper, titanium, magnesium and many other metals are not equal throughout the CIS. This is a feature of a country like Kazakhstan. Regions of other countries cannot boast of such a strong development of the mining industry. More than 1000 processing enterprises work here. In the east of the country agriculture is well developed, and Altai honey produced in East Kazakhstan region is considered one of the best in the world.
West Kazakhstan
This region is located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, since here along the Ural Mountains and the northern coast of the Caspian Sea lies the border between two parts of the world - Asia and Europe. This is what distinguishes Western Kazakhstan. Regions of which it consists: Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, Mangistau and Atyrau. It borders on Russia in the northwest, and Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in the south. The largest cities (administrative centers): Atyrau (Atyrau region), Aktobe (Aktobe region), Aktau (Mangistau region) and Uralsk (West Kazakhstan region).
In the west, this region is washed by the largest lake in the world - the Caspian Sea, and in the east - by the Aral Sea. In addition, such large rivers as the Urals, Volga, Emba flow here. In the relief plan, the region is represented by flat steppes, as it is located on the East European Plain. The north of the Caspian Sea goes around the Caspian lowland, on the east coast there are 2 peninsulas: Mangyshlak and Buzachi, smoothly passing into the Ustyurt plateau.
In the Caspian regions, the climate is milder, while on the main territory of the region it is sharply continental. The population density here is much lower than in other areas - only 3.4 people / km². This is the most Kazakh-speaking region of the country: the indigenous people here make up ¾ of the population.
Western Kazakhstan is the largest gas and oil producing region of the country. Here are some of the largest oil and gas fields: Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan. In addition, the fishing industry of Kazakhstan is quite well developed in the territory. Regions of other regions are not so famous for such fishing.
Central Kazakhstan
The region is represented by one of the largest regions in the country - Karaganda, with an administrative center in the city of Karaganda.
The relief here is quite diverse: in the north - the Kazakh small hills, in the southeast - Lake Balkhash, in the south - steppes and semi-deserts, mountains rise - Karkaraly, Kent, Ku, Ulytau. This is the most shallow region. The climate here is extremely arid.
Central Kazakhstan or Sary-Arka, as the inhabitants of the region call it, is known for coal mining. Here is one of the largest deposits - the Karaganda coal basin. Also, the region has developed engineering, livestock and metallurgy.
South Kazakhstan
This is the most densely populated region of the republic. It borders with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the south and with China in the east. It includes the following areas: Zhambyl, South Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Almaty. Here is the largest center of Kazakhstan - Almaty. Also, large cities include Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Taraz and Kyzylorda. In the Kyzylorda region, there is a city with the world's first and largest cosmodrome Baikonur.
Water resources are unevenly distributed - mainly concentrated in the south. Here is Zhetysu - Valley of Seven Rivers or Semirechye. In addition, in the south is Lake Issyk-Kul, as well as the mountain spur Dzhungarsky Alatau and many national reserves, such as Aksu-Zhabaglinsky. On the border with China and Kyrgyzstan is Khan Tengri peak - one of the highest peaks of the Tien Shan. It is these attractions that attract tourists to Kazakhstan.
The regions of this part of the country, located in the north, are largely composed of deserts and steppes, while in the south the lands are more fertile, therefore, agriculture is well developed there. A much milder climate also contributes to the development of agriculture than in other areas.