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          KAZAKHSTAN
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Kazakhstan, the second largest
republic of the former USSR,
extends from the Caspian Sea
to Mongolia. The west of the
country is low-lying, the east
hilly, and in the southeast
mountainous. The climate is
continental and very dry with
great extremes of temperature.
Much of the country is semi-
desert. Crops can only be
grown in the wetter northwest
regions or where irrigated.
Extensive pastoral farming is
carried out. The country is
rich in minerals. Kazakhstan
declared itself independent in
1991.

Area (Sq. Km.): 2,717,300

Population: 15,648,000

Capital: Alma-Ata

Language:
Kzakh
Russian
German

Religion:
Not recorded.

Government Type:
Republic

Currency: Rouble

Embassy:
None

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Foreign Office Advice:

Transport services on roads
and in the air are subject to
delay or cancellation.
Robberies on road and rail
transport have increased,
passengers should travel in
groups, compartments should
always be locked on overnight
trains. There has been an
increase in attacks on streets
of larger cities, including
Almaty. Travellers are advised
not to walk the streets alone,
nor to travel in unmarked
taxis.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129