Kazakhstan Country Report

The Republic of Kazakhstan is a moderate risk country in Central Asia. The nation, which borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea, is home to a vast range of different eco-zones, whilst its sparse population is ethnically diverse as a result of the region's complex history of conquest and immigration. The vast majority of Kazakh citizens live in its three main cities; Astana, Karagandy, and Almaty. The country has a large economy by regional standards and which accounts for 60 percent of Central Asia's GDP, primarily through its lucrative oil and gas industry.

Kazakhstan has been governed through a semi-authoritarian presidential system since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, contributing to its relative political stability. The country enjoys cordial relations with all neighboring states, and although border disputes exist, there is no significant threat of conflict. However, Kazakhstan faces a terrorism threat from multiple groups inspired by Islamist ideology in the Central Asian region, and militants have carried out several high-profile attacks in the country.

Petty crime generally poses the most common threat to travelers. Foreign nationals are often the target of crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as markets and on public transportation. Visitors are also frequently targeted in scams, including fake taxi drivers. Incidents of violent crime are periodically reported, although established criminal groups rarely target foreign travelers or expatriates.

Civil unrest generally centers over labor or sectarian issues and protests require approval from local authorities. Nevertheless, disruptive political demonstrations are occasionally held in Astana, Almaty, and other major urban centers resulting in arrests. Fuel price protests in early 2022 escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations, which were eventually quelled during a broad security force crackdown. Corruption by public officials, including law enforcement, is relatively widespread and has the potential to present a significant business risk.

Driving in Kazakhstan is hazardous, as many local drivers frequently disregard traffic laws and drive at excessive speeds. Medical facilities are very limited, particularly outside of major cities, where even routine medical care may be unavailable. Basic drugs and equipment are also often in short supply. The area around Almaty is also an active seismic zone and, because of poor quality infrastructure, any seismic activity could threaten property and life.

The security environment in Kazakhstan is relatively stable, although petty crime is a concern in Kazakhstan's larger cities. Thefts typically occur on public transportation, in popular shopping areas, and near major hotels. Violent crime against foreigners has also been reported on occasion, although most such incidents affect local nationals. Protests can occur in the capital Astana, particularly during election cycles and have the potential to turn violent and disrupt travel. Large-scale protests over the removal of price caps on domestic energy, particularly in Almaty Region, led to violence and significant security force clampdowns in cities around the country in early January 2022. Aside from that spate of violent unrest, protests take place infrequently, and violent protests are typically rare. There is a latent threat from terrorism in the country. Targets could include government buildings, transportation hubs, hotels and other sites frequented by travelers.

Delays and flight cancelations are common in winter and reservations on regional airlines are not always respected.

Aggressive driving, poorly-maintained roads and Cyrillic signs make driving hazardous. Roads in Kazakhstan are in poor repair, especially in rural areas.

The ports are considered efficient.

Utilities are relatively good in comparison to other Central Asian countries. However, electricity outages do occur and many roads in rural areas remain unpaved. Internet connectivity is best in the oil-rich western regions of Atyrau and Mangistau and Aktobe.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are weak.

Kazakhstan often sees severe weather conditions, especially in the winter when temperatures can fall below -30C (-22F). Roads are regularly closed in the winter due to snow. The country is also prone to earthquakes. Avalanches and landslides occur in mountainous areas. Rapidly melting snows combined with rain and soil degradation means that some areas are at risk from floods. Radioactive and toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and weapon test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks.

Medical facilities are limited in Kazakhstan and the quality of care is below Western standards. Hospitals and clinics often have poor hygiene practices and lack basic drugs and equipment. In the event of a serious emergency, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities is likely to be necessary. There are shortages of even the most basic medical supplies at pharmacies.

Kazakhstan is a unitary multi-party semi-presidential republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government. The President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers form the government and exercise executive power. Presidential elections take place at least once every seven years. The Parliament consists of the Assembly (lower house) and the Senate (upper house) and exercises legislative power. Legislative elections take place at least once every five years. Kazakhstan has previously arrested or banned potential presidential candidates, and at least one political party, the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), is banned. Elections are not perceived to be free and fair.

The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and ultimately under the control of the President and his administration. Snap elections are regularly called to satisfy public discontent, but their outcome is never a surprise. The Amanat party, previously known as Nur-Otan, has run the state since Kazakhstan gained independence. Political and economic power is largely concentrated in the hands of a wealthy, well-connected few.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are not required to form the government, though the ruling party generally features one or two junior partners. Government collapses are rare. State institutions are unreliable and ineffective, especially outside the main cities. The media environment in Kazakhstan is very restrictive; independent media companies and journalists often face defamation lawsuits. The government has extensive powers to block and intercept telecommunications, including those made via popular messaging apps.