Kazakhstan  is by far the largest of the Central Asian states of
the former Soviet Union. It has borders with Russia, China, and
the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and
Turkmenistan. It is the world's ninth biggest country by size,
and it is more than twice the size of the other Central Asian
states combined. Its lack of significant historical sites and
endless featureless steppe have put many off Kazakhstan, while
many still are captivated by the emptiness and mystery of this
goliath state. It will be many travellers' first port of call on
their Central Asian adventure, and there is much for the
intrepid traveller to enjoy. Kazakhstan is the richest country
in Central Asia, due to its large oil and natural gas reserves.
The country is also the largest landlocked country. Native
Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated
into the region in the 13th century, were united as a single
nation in the middle of 16th century. The area was conquered by
Russia in the 18th century