1. JEREMY KOZACHECK

2.  Kazakhstan was inhabited since the stone age. Nomadic tribes began to settle here around the 1 st century B.C.  Around the 16 th century, Kazakhstan began to develop a culture and an economy.  Throughout their early history, the kazakhs had to defend themselves from Mongolian invaders looking to take over their country. Many great battles were fought against them for hundreds of years.

3.  In the 1840’s, most of Kazakhstan was taken over by the Russian empire.  After the Russian empire collapsed in the 1920’s, Kazakhstan became a republic of the Soviet Union.  During the 1930’s a period of mass collectivization caused mass hunger and starvation in which almost 1 million people died.  In WWII, there was a time of mass population inflow to escape from the war torn parts of the countries surrounding it.  In 1991, after much struggle, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the weakening Soviet Union and became an independent nation.

4.  The people of Kazakhstan speak Kazakh and Russian.  Kazakh is the traditional state language, about 65% of the people can speak it.  Russian is the official language of the country.  Almost everyone is required to learn Russian because all business and intercommunication is dealt with it.

6.  Kazakhstan has a market economy.  Their main source of business is oil drilling  Two major oil fields are the Astana area and near the Caspian Sea.  Kazakhstan is also known for its agriculture and is rich in minerals.

7.  Kazakhstan is a Presidential Republic.  President is commander in chief and can veto legislation.  Prime minister manages the cabinet of ministers and is the head of the government.  16 regular ministers.  Bi-cameral parliament.  Lower house, and an upper house(senate).

8.  Kazakhstan is mostly well known for its traditional and classical orchestra music.  Some famous composers are Korkyt, Tattimbet, Sougur, Bayserke, and Makhambet.  The painting on the right was by a person named Bob Usoroh.

9.  Most of the old traditions of Kazakhstan are being rediscovered.  Some traditions include being respectful to the elderly, and being patriotic to your country.  Another tradition is to treat guests that enter your house with a meal.  One other important part of the Kazakh culture are games.  The games include kures(wrestling), baiga(long distance horse racing, up to 100 km), and alty bakan(six pole swing).

10. Betpak-Dala DesertZali Plateau