Factsheet on 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence

Kazakhstan is a proud descendant of the outstanding nomadic civilisation of the Great Steppe, represented by numerous nomadic state entities, including the Sakas (Asian Scythians), the Huns, the Turkic Khaganate, the Golden Horde and the Kazakh Khanate, which was established in 1465. After being part of the Tsarist empire and the Soviet Union for 260 years, Kazakhstan regained its independence on 16^th December 1991 with Nursultan Nazarbayev elected as the country’s first President.

At the dawn of independence, Kazakhstan embarked on a series of reforms aimed at shifting the country’s economy from a centrally planned system to a modern free market model and changing its one-party government to a multi-party democratic system. Over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has established diplomatic relations with 186 countries and transformed into one of the dynamically developing economies of Eurasia and a reputable diplomatic voice on the world stage.

Kazakhstan can truly boast a centuries-old history and multifaceted cultural heritage. Many objects which now form an essential part of modern life and culture originated in Kazakhstan. .