Living in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and stretches from the Caspian Depression to the mountains along the borders with China and Kyrgyzstan. With around 18.3 million people, it is sparsely populated. Vast steppes, deserts and semi-deserts shape large parts of the country, while high mountains rise in the southeast. The continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters; the north is cooler, while the south is generally milder. In Astana and Almaty, many people live in apartments and use buses or cars; in rural areas, detached houses and long distances are typical. Jobs are found, among other sectors, in administration, trade, industry, energy and agriculture. Visiting family, sharing meals, markets and sports are common leisure activities in many places.