| Every year thousands of people come to Canada
to start a new life. They arrive with many different skills and the hope
of contributing to their new society. Your interest in Kazakhstan may arise
from your participation in the HOST Program, which provides assistance
to newcomers. You may have Kazakhstanis at your school or workplace. This
website will introduce you to Kazakhstan and help you to understand your
new friends' culture.
Though Kazakhstan has ancient traditions, it is
a new country. It became an independent state in 1991, after separating
from the Soviet Union. Like Canada, Kazakhstan is a large country that
includes sparsely populated areas as well as large cities. Kazakhstan is
also multicultural. People from many ethnic groups live there. |
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| Newcomers from Kazakhstan may speak some English,
but they will have to make many adjustments once they are here. They will
want to know the same things you would if you moved to a new place. What
is my new neighbourhood like? Where can I buy food for my family? Which
school will my children attend? How do I get around in my new community?
What is important is that you offer your time, concern and friendship.
You have much to offer each other.
Although this cultural profile provides insight
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described
may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Kazakhstan. |
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Did you know? |
| For
many years, the capital of Kazakhstan was Almaty, the largest city in the
country. In 1998, the capital was moved to Astana. Almaty remains an important
business centre. |
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|
Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official
Name: |
Republic of
Kazakhstan |
| Capital: |
Astana |
| Type of Government: |
Parliamentary
republic |
| Population: |
15.6 million |
| Area: |
2.7 million
sq. km |
| Major Ethnic
Groups: |
Kazakh, Russian,
Ukrainian, German, Uzbek, Tartar (Mongol) |
| Languages |
Kazakh, Russian |
| Religions: |
Islam, Russian
Orthodoxy, Protestantism |
| Unit of Currency: |
Tenge |
| National
Flag: |
Blue with a
yellow sun, an eagle and a decorative yellow border |
| Date of Independence: |
December 16,
1991 |
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