The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the most promising developing countries in Central Asia. It is located in the heart of the continent and ranks 9th in the world in terms of area. This is a state with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, interesting culture and inexhaustible natural resources. A list of regions of Kazakhstan and a description of each of them can be found later in the article.
Regions of Kazakhstan (briefly)
The country consists of 5 regions, each of which is unique in its own way.
- Western - the largest in terms of area in the republic. It includes four regions. The total population is more than 2.1 million people. In terms of area, the region occupies an area of almost 730 thousand square meters. km.
- North is the main economic region. Twice as many people live here than in the West (about 4.4 million people). It consists of four areas. The area of the region is more than 565 thousand square meters. km.
- Southern - a region with developed areas of agriculture andindustry. In terms of area, it is slightly inferior to the Western one (712 thousand sq. Km.). But in terms of population, this region ranks first - more than 6.3 million people. The composition includes four areas.
- East - a region consisting of one region. It occupies an area of 380 thousand square meters. km. Almost 2.7 million people live here.
- Central - a treasury of minerals. It consists of only one region, which is located on an area of slightly less than 320 thousand square meters. km with a population of almost 2 million people.
North of Kazakhstan
It is divided into 4 regions: Kostanay, North-Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, bordering on the Russian Federation in the north, and Akmola, where the capital of the republic, Astana, is located. It is the largest in the region. Also, the largest cities are the centers of Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Akmola regions - Kostanay, Petropavlovsk, Pavlodar and Kokshetau, respectively.
Northern Kazakhstan cannot be called abounding in water, like the whole country as a whole. There are 3 large rivers flowing here: Irtysh, Tobol and Ishim. The capital is located on the banks of the latter. A small area in the center of the region is occupied by pine forests and hills. The main area is occupied by flat steppes: the Kazakh hilly area, the West Siberian plain and the Turgai plateau.
Northern Kazakhstan is called the "breadbasket of the whole country", as agriculture is more developed here than in other regions. It is also rich in minerals. Iron and copper ores, coal, gold, bauxite, asbestos, limestone, quartz sand and much more are mined here. also inThe region has developed engineering and oil products production.
Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate, but in the north it is especially severe. But, despite this, almost a quarter of the country's population lives here and there are always many tourists who want to visit the Naurzum Reserve or the resort areas of Burabay and Bayanaul.
East Kazakhstan
The region is represented by the East Kazakhstan region and borders on the Russian Federation in the north and China in the east. The largest cities are the center of the Ust-Kamenogorsk region and the city of Semey.
The relief here is quite diverse. In addition to the flat steppes, the Kalbinsky mountain range, Saur-Tarbagatai and Altai mountains stand out. It is here that the city of Belukha is located - the highest mountain of Altai. You can also find alpine meadows, forests and taiga.
Almost 40% of the country's water reserves are concentrated in this region. The largest river in the region is the Irtysh, on which the Bukhtarma, Ulbinsk and Shulbinsk hydroelectric power stations are located. However, this is not the only artery in the region. In addition to the Irtysh, several other large rivers flow here: Ulba, Bukhtarma, Char, Kurchum, Narym, Uba. Also in this region are such large reservoirs as Zaisan, Markakol, Alakol and Sasykkol. There are 1200 rivers and 18 large lakes in the region.
East Kazakhstan is the most industrial region of the country. The reserves of lead, gold, silver, zinc, copper, titanium, magnesium and many other metals have no equal in the entire CIS. This is a feature of a country like Kazakhstan. Regions of other countries cannot boast of suchstrong development of the mining industry. More than 1000 processing enterprises operate here. Agriculture is well developed in the east of the country, and Altai honey produced in the East Kazakhstan region is considered one of the best in the world.
Western Kazakhstan
This region is located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, as here along the Ural Mountains and the northern coast of the Caspian Sea there is a border between two parts of the world - Asia and Europe. This is what distinguishes Western Kazakhstan. The regions of which it consists: Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, Mangystau and Atyrau. In the northwest it borders on Russia, and in the south - on Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The largest cities (administrative centers): Atyrau (Atyrau region), Aktobe (Aktobe region), Aktau (Mangistau region) and Uralsk (West Kazakhstan region).
In the west, this region is washed by the largest lake in the world - the Caspian Sea, and in the east - by the Aral Sea. In addition, such large rivers as the Ural, Volga, Emba flow here. In relief terms, the region is represented by flat steppes, as it is located on the East European Plain. The north of the Caspian goes around the Caspian lowland, on the east coast there are 2 peninsulas: Mangyshlak and Buzachi, smoothly turning into the Ustyurt plateau.
In the Caspian regions the climate is milder, while in the main territory of the region it is sharply continental. The population density here is much lower than in other areas - only 3.4 people / km². This is the most Kazakh-speaking region of the country: the indigenous people heremakes up ¾ of the population.
Western Kazakhstan is the largest gas and oil producing region of the country. Some of the largest oil and gas fields are located here: Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan. In addition, the fishing industry of the country of Kazakhstan is quite well developed on the territory. Regions in other areas are not as well known for such fishing.
Central Kazakhstan
The region is represented by one of the largest regions in the country - Karaganda, with the administrative center in the city of Karaganda.
The relief here is quite diverse: in the north - the Kazakh hills, in the southeast - Lake Balkhash, in the south - steppes and semi-deserts, mountains rise - Karkaraly, Kent, Ku, Ulytau. This is the most shallow region. The climate here is extremely dry.
Central Kazakhstan, or Sary-Arka, as the inhabitants of the region call it, is famous for coal mining. Here is one of the largest deposits - the Karaganda coal basin. Machine building, animal husbandry and metallurgy are also developed in the region.
South Kazakhstan
This is the most densely populated region of the republic. It borders with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the south and China in the east. It includes regions: Zhambyl, South-Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Almaty. Here is the largest center of Kazakhstan - Almaty. Also, Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Taraz and Kyzylorda can be attributed to large cities. In the Kyzylorda region there is a city with the first and largest in the worldBaikonur Cosmodrome.
Water resources are distributed unevenly - mainly concentrated in the south. Here is Zhetysu - the Valley of the Seven Rivers or Semirechye. In addition, Lake Issyk-Kul is located in the south, as well as the mountain spur of the Dzungarian Alatau and many national reserves, such as Aksu-Zhabaglinsky. On the border with China and Kyrgyzstan is Khan Tengri Peak - one of the highest peaks of the Tien Shan. It is these sights that attract tourists to Kazakhstan.
The regions of this part of the country, located in the north, largely consist of desert and steppe, while in the south the lands are more fertile, so agriculture is well developed there. The development of agriculture is also facilitated by a much milder climate than in other areas.
