The vast expanse of Kazakhstan is mostly covered in steppes and deserts, but the remaining area is covered in some delightful scenery at complete odds with the dream-like isolation of the Kizilkum desert, from the mountains of the Tian Shan to the thousands of lakes and rivers this really is a country of vast differences. As with most former Soviet countries, Kazakhstan suffered economic setbacks at the fall of Communism, but the country has rather easily turned itself around and the GDP has been increasing each year thanks to a booming energy trade – focusing mainly on oil.

The documented history of the Central Asian region stretches back to the 6th century BC, as numerous empires, tribes and hordes invaded and lived in the area over hundreds of years – the Huns, the Turks, the Arabs and a certain Genghis Khan’s Mongols (amongst others) all had control over what is now Kazakhstan at some point in time. It wasn’t until the end of the 14th century that the Kazakhs finally emerged as a distinct people, with their nomadic tendencies leaving them spread throughout the steppes and deserts in numerous tribes. Allying themselves with the Russian Empire in the mid-18th century to help fend off Mongol attacks, the Kazakhs were soon worried about fending off Russian expansion as well – this expansion soon managed to take over the country, and by 1860 thousands of Russian and Ukrainian peasants had moved in and made the land their own as a part of the Empire. Russian rule was challenged by ethnic Kazakhs on a number of occasions, with the final anti-tsarist demonstration ending with an estimated 150,000 people dead in 1916, and even more exiled – sporadic fighting went on with pockets of resistance popping up until 1920, when Kazakhstan was finally pacified and included as a member of the USSR, and by 1936 the country became one of the constituent republics of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet legacy left a number of problems that still remain today – the ethnic confusion in the country and the inability to form a true Kazakh national identity stems from the Soviet’s meddling with affairs, bringing in many nationalities whilst kicking out many others, then dividing up the land whilst ignoring the Kazakh natives. Another leftover from the Soviet days comes from the problems with chemical and radioactive pollution in certain areas of the country, stemming from the Soviet ‘secret’ nuclear tests carried out in Kazakhstan, along with missile launches and space rocket launches. The glossing over of the people and general mistreatment of the country as a whole bred a great deal of discontent, and by 1986 the Kazakh people were ready for independence, voting in a reformist government and pushing for change. Whilst this new government didn’t last, it paved the way for the elections of 1989 when the only man standing for government – Nursultan Nazarbayev – was voted in with 98 percent of the poll. Independence followed in 1991 and the capital city was moved from Almaty in the South to Akmola in the North – soon renamed Astana in 1998. Nazarbayev has been in power ever since 1989 and this does not look to change soon – allegations of unfair polls and vote rigging go hand in hand with accusations of political opponents being expelled from the running for unfair reasons or intimidated into conceding. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan has recently built an oil pipeline that will help the economy no end, and at least one more pipeline is planned – other energy sources are ripe to be exploited and all of these factors will help the country become a minor economic powerhouse in the near future. Other small industries are also being opened and sorted, so that the nation isn’t solely dependent on energy reserves, so even if things go wrong in one respect there should be backup to keep things on the front foot.

Kazakhstan is home to a well-developed and popular real estate market, and foreign investment in the country is a large factor in the nation’s economy, meaning the market is ready for any potential off plan buyer who would put their money in. Kazakhstan is home to a haunting beauty, and the pleasant isolation of a lot of the land makes a lot of people feel a great deal more comfortable than they would be in the hustle and bustle of Western European life, so while this isn’t an investment opportunity for everyone, there is most certainly a market out there for a great deal of people. The increasing tourist trade coupled with the sheer potential for the nation’s economy just add more reasons as to why investment in the country should not be overlooked.

Whilst there is a large network of hospitals in Kazakhstan, the standards of healthcare in the country cannot be guaranteed. Public healthcare standards have fallen since the Soviet era and the reliability of doctors and nursing staff cannot be guaranteed. It is highly recommended that full medical insurance is taken out and if serious ailments or accidents occur, treatment should be obtained elsewhere.

Mobile phone coverage is good in the capital and in major towns and cities, though it cannot be guaranteed in more rural regions. Landlines are widely available but the technological level is not so high. Internet cafes can be found in most towns and cities.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0930 to 1730 Mondays to Fridays. Normal shopping hours are generally from 0900 to 2000, Mondays to Saturdays.

General business etiquette applies, and formal attire is required of business meetings. It is common for a host to offer both of their hands to a guest on meeting, as a symbolic way of showing they are unarmed – either that, or just a more fun handshake. The Kazakh people are very friendly and hospitable, and guests may be invited into private homes for dinner and drinks. Muslim places of worship should be shown due respect.

A service charge is normally included in hotel and restaurant bills, and taxi and railway transport includes a fixed charge.