 The country
Kazakhstan covers a vast area of steppe yet has a population of only 15 million. 60% are ethnic Kazakhs, a Turkic people group who used to be animist nomads, and often have only a superficial commitment to Islam. They live side by side with many Russians and a small minority of Uyghurs. The country is enjoying an economic boom thanks to the huge reserves of oil being exploited by western companies.
Christianity
Folk Islam predominates here. There are more than 10,000 Kazakh believers and twenty official fellowships. However, church growth has slowed down since 2000 and Christian witness is largely limited to larger towns. Currently the government is tolerant of evangelical Christians although proposed new laws, tightening the requirements for churches, may limit freedoms in the future.
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Cultural insight "Kazakhs are so happy when you speak to them in Kazakh! Speaking their heart language shows you love them, and they respond by loving you back!" |
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Fast FactsCapital city Astana Population 15.3 million Ethnic groups
Kazakh 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%,
Tatar 1.7%, Uyghur 1.4% Religions
Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2% Languages Kazakh (state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business) 95% Scripture
The New Testament has been published but not the Bible.
The Eastern Translation of the Russian Bible (for Muslims) was first published in 2004. Literacy 99.5% Link to Lonely Planet website/Kazakhstan Detailed map: map of Kazakhstan |
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| "The best things are the mountains, people and food." |  |
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