Kazakhstan

by Guek Cheng Pang, Bethany Bryan

Overview

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, a landlocked nation that borders both China and Russia. Kazakhstan has long struggled to find its own identity. Since declaring independence in 1991 after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Kazakhs have struggled to regain their unique culture. This volume takes readers through its past and current events, across mountains and valleys, and into the everyday lives of its citizens, using vivid photographs, engaging sidebars, and accessible maps. Readers explore Kazakhstan's culture, geography, government, and people. They'll be encouraged to develop an interest in global exploration, history, and current events.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781502655790
Publisher:	Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	04/30/2020
Series:	Cultures of the World (Third Edition) Series
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

Table of Contents

Kazakhstan Today 5

1 Geography: A diverse landscape Fertile lands and resources Mountain ranges Bodies of water Weather and climate Plants and animals Small towns and large cities 11

2 History: The arrival of Genghis Khan Independence for Kazakhs The three hordes Russian control Kazakhstan as a Soviet republic World War II resettlements Kazakhstan's failed economy Nationalism in Kazakhstan Independence A new leader 23

3 Government: The constitution of Kazakhstan The houses of Parliament Political parties The judicial system Military force Foreign relations 33

4 Economy: Fossil fuel reserves Other industries Farming and livestock A busy workforce The banking system Imports and exports Improving infrastructure Technological improvements 41

5 Environment: Nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk A pollution problem Other environmental concerns Saving the Aral Sea Caring for Kazakhstan Protecting the environment 51

6 Kazakhs: Hordes of Kazakhstan Russians and Slavs A population of undesirables 63

7 Lifestyle: A nomadic life A traditional dwelling Love and marriage Family inheritance The family network Basic health care Birth and death Literacy and schools The tradition of feasting 71

8 Religion: The arrival of Islam The Five Pillars of Islam Muslim Kazakhs today Other religions in Kazakhstan Ancient beliefs Increasing religious participation A secular state 83

9 Language: The language of Kazakh Kazakhstan's media The chosen language 91

10 Arts: History through storytelling Music Arts and crafts Silver Painting Kazakhstan Museums and the theater Kazakh writers 97

11 Leisure: The game of courtship Getting the goat Kumis alu Wrestling on horseback Hunting Telling stories Modern leisure activities 107

12 Festivals: Nauryz Muslim holidays and celebrations Victory Day Celebrating with feasts The festivals of today 115

13 Food: Popular cuisine Meat and fish The elements of Kazakh cuisine Breads Dairy Beverages Be our guest 123

Map of Kazakhstan 133

About the Economy 135

About the Culture 137

Timeline 138

Glossary 140

For Further Information 141

Bibliography 142

Index 143