Kazakhstan is home to many different nationalities and faiths, all united by a common history. This variety of tradition, heritage and language is treasured by the people of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who believe there is much truth in the Japanese saying: “You can survive without your relatives; you cannot survive without your neighbours.” The people of Kazakhstan are proud of their diversity. Century after century, Kazakhstan has always sought to encourage friendship and tolerance among its people. Kazakh is considered the language of the ancestors and Russian is widely spoken, while English is enjoying growing popularity as the language most commonly used to communicate with foreign visitors.

The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana, a city founded as a fortress in 1830. Having only become the country’s capital in 1997, Astana is a young but fast-growing modern city full of bright prospects, rich opportunities and exciting ideas. In 1999, Astana received an honourable mention in UNESCO’s “Cities for Peace” awards. Astana continues to live up to this and is developing itself as “a model city of social wellbeing.” Astana is a city of the future, as a result not only of its unique architectural style but also of its open and hospitable nature. The Kazakhstan capital is a place open to businessmen and tourists, artists and sportsmen.

Certain world cities stand out due to their iconic and memorable landmarks. The mere mention of San Francisco, for example, usually conjures an image of the Golden Gate Bridge. Paris similarly brings to mind the Eiffel Tower. For Kazakhstan, the city of Almaty offers an enduring image with its picturesque valley Medeo. Almaty is a city that successfully brings together people of different cultures. Eastern and European traditions are closely interwoven here and the city’s inhabitants are open-minded and friendly. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, a solid standard of living, a strong economy and recreational facilities of international standard.

Kazakhstan’s natural beauty is outstanding. The Tyan-Shan, Tarbagatay and Altay mountains, located in the south, south-east and west part of the country, gleam with snow and glaciated peaks. The Caspian Sea - sometimes referred to as the world’s largest lake - lies to the west and the Sary Arka steppe is home to the fascinating Balkhash Lake, which is part fresh water and part salt water. Northern Kazakhstan offers similar areas of beauty and is home to hundreds of picturesque glacier lakes surrounded by the pine woods of Kokshetau. It would, of course, take pages to detail all of the attractions. Kazakhstan is an excellent destination for travellers who love nature. It is unspoilt, varied and beautiful.