Kazakhstan marks 30 years of Independence

Today, on 16 December, Kazakhstan is celebrating a momentous occasion - its 30th anniversary of Independence!

Just three decades ago our country began its journey as a sovereign modern state. We have faced numerous challenges along the way, but they are vastly eclipsed by our achievements and successes in many spheres.

Kazakhstan has built a thriving market economy which has transformed the country into the wealthiest nation in Central Asia, with GDP increasing 18-fold.

Following independence, Kazakhstan also became an active member of the international community. From the moment that the country's leadership decided to get rid of nuclear weapons that Kazakhstan inherited from the Soviet Union, our state has continued to actively contribute to global security and stability, including by pushing for the disarmament of nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan has had the privilege to chair the OSCE in 2010, lead the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011-12, and hold the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2017-2018.

Kazakhstan has enjoyed genuine friendly relations with states near and afar, including the United Kingdom, who have actively supported Kazakhstan’s initiatives from the first days of our independence, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Astana Process on resolving the crisis in Syria, the Astana International Financial Centre, EXPO-2017, and many other initiatives.

Meanwhile, international investors and businesses have continued to show trust in our open and expanding economy, resulting in Kazakhstan becoming the top investment destination in the Eurasian space. Kazakhstan has attracted over $370 billion of investment since independence.  

As Kazakhstan enters its fourth decade as an independent state, we look forward to a bright future and to achieving bigger ambitions and goals!

We invite you to watch the key moments of Kazakhstan's years of independence here.

We are also pleased to share with you the book "Kazakhstan at 30. The Awakening Great Steppe", which covers the story of Kazakhstan since independence, including political and economic reforms, the country's role in the revived Silk Road, its policy on nuclear politics, tourism potential, and other topics. The book, which can be read here, includes chapters from historian Peter Frankopan, journalist Nick Fielding, former president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Sir Suma Chakrabarti, Member of Parliament Bob Stewart, Ambassador Erlan Idrissov, and other prominent figures.