What to Do and See in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is attracting increasing numbers of expatriates, due to its economic development in recent years. The country was the largest of the Central Asian states in the former Soviet Union, and it is the world's ninth biggest country by size.

After gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has used its large oil and natural gas resources to become an emergent economy. Achieving a sustainable economic growth outside oil, power and mining sectors is, as a matter of fact, one of their current issues. At the moment, it is the richest country in Central Asia and one of the most economically advanced of the so-called 'stan' states.

According to the Office for Statistics of Kazakhstan, there are about 100,000 foreigners working in the country. About 81% of them are highly qualified and have middle and top management positions. Although the Government has made it a priority for their citizens to be present in the workforce, the lack of specialists forces foreign investors to attract workforce from abroad. The skills in demand are technical, management and marketing.

Once there, expatriates can enjoy one of the greatest undiscovered travel destinations. Now that Sacha Baron Cohen's infamous character Borat has helped to put Kazakhstan on the map, tourism is growing in this ethnically diverse country.

However, expats need to take into account that healthcare has reportedly deteriorated since the Soviet times. Due to language issues and the fact that it is difficult to ascertain doctors' skills, foreigners tend to go to SOS clinics. Even so, comprehensive international health insurance is strongly advised to ensure adequate and un-expensive medical treatment while in the country.

What to Do and See in Kazakhstan?

Archeological sites

Central Kazakhstan has several archaeological and ethnographic sites preserved, like the Begazy burial ground. The sites are Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. There are also New Stone Age and Bronze Age settlements in the Karkarala Oasis. In addition, the Bayan-Aul National Park has rock drawings and stone sculptures.

Baikonur Cosmodrome

The Central Asian answer to Cape Cañaveral, is located about 200 Km East of the Aral Sea. It has a small museum which includes two houses where Yuri Gagarin and Sergey Korolev used to live.

The Charyl Canyon

Also known as Castle's Valley, it has been compared to the Grand Canyon in US, due to its magnificency. It is located 200 km from the city of Amaty. It was formed some 30 million years ago, and it offers a breathtaking scenery.

In fact, the country has beautiful natural reserves that are used for hiking and water sports.

St Nicholas Church

This is a remnant of the Russian era. The Nikolski Sobar was used as stables for a while, but religious services started again 1980, long before the country's independence. 

It's turquoise walls and wooden framework is much used by the babushkas these days.

Almaty's Playground

Almaty used to be the country's capital until 1997, when Astana gained that status. The 'playground' is only a few minutes drive from Medeo, one of the most popular areas in the city, and up in the mountains at 1,700m. There are cafes, an ice rink in the winter. 

Have you got any other facts about Kazakhstan or fun things for expats to do? If so, please share them! Thank you for reading.