Full History Of Kazakhstan In Timeline From 1904

1904: Death of Abai Qunanbaiuly

Abai Qunanbaiuly, a prominent figure in Kazakh literature known for his work "The Book of Words," passed away in 1904. His writings significantly contributed to preserving Kazakh folk culture and critiquing Russian colonial policies.

1906: Completion of the Trans-Aral Railway

The Trans-Aral Railway, connecting Orenburg to Tashkent, was completed in 1906, further increasing the influx of Russian settlers into present-day Kazakhstan.

1907: End of the "Great Game"

The "Great Game," a period of geopolitical rivalry between the Russian Empire and the British Empire for supremacy in Central Asia, is generally considered to have ended in 1907 with the Anglo-Russian Convention.

1911: Publication of Ay Qap Magazine Begins

The literary magazine Ay Qap, published in Arabic script, began circulating in 1911, playing a crucial role in shaping intellectual and political discourse among Kazakhs during the early 20th century.

1913: Qazaq Magazine Begins Publication

The year 1913 saw the emergence of Qazaq, a literary magazine that, along with Ay Qap, played a vital role in fostering intellectual and political thought among Kazakhs in the early 20th century.

1915: End of Ay Qap Magazine Publication

After four years in circulation, the publication of the influential literary magazine Ay Qap came to an end in 1915.

1916: Central Asian Revolt

The Central Asian revolt, a major uprising against colonial rule, took place in 1916, marked by violent clashes between the Kazakhs and Russian settlers and military forces.

November 1917: Collapse of Central Government in Petrograd

The central government in Petrograd collapsed in November 1917, marking a turning point in the Russian Revolution and impacting the political landscape, including the future of Kazakhstan.

1917: Russian Revolution and Brief Autonomy

Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Kazakhs, then referred to as "Kirghiz," had a short period of autonomy before Bolshevik rule was established.

1918: Qazaq Magazine Ceases Publication

In 1918, the publication of Qazaq magazine, influential in shaping intellectual and political life among early 20th-century Kazakhs, came to an end.

1919: End of Resistance to Communist Government

By late 1919, both the Kazakhs and those who opposed them ceased their resistance against the communist government.

August 1920: Establishment of the Kirghiz Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic

The Kirghiz Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic, encompassing the territory of present-day Kazakhstan, was established within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in August 1920.

1920: Aleksandr Zatayevich Creates Art Music with Kazakh Influences

Russian official Aleksandr Zatayevich composed significant works of art music in 1920, incorporating melodies and elements from Kazakh folk music.

June 1925: Renaming of the Kirghiz ASSR

The Kirghiz ASSR was renamed the Kazak ASSR in June 1925, and its administrative center was moved to Kyzylorda.

April 1927: Transfer of the Administrative Center to Alma-Ata

The administrative center of the Kazak ASSR was transferred to Alma-Ata in April 1927.

1928: Adaptation of Kazakh Instruments for Russian-style Ensembles Begins

Starting in 1928, Aleksandr Zatayevich initiated the adaptation of traditional Kazakh instruments to be used in ensembles that followed a Russian style, marking a shift in Kazakh musical practices.

1931: Kazakhs Begin Notating Music

In a significant development for Kazakh music, Kazakhs began notating their music in 1931.

1931: Establishment of the Musical-Dramatic Training College

The Musical-Dramatic Training College, the first higher education institution for music in Kazakhstan, was founded in 1931.

1932: Famine and Repression in Kazakhstan

The late 1920s and 1930s were marked by Soviet repression, forced collectivization, and a devastating famine in Kazakhstan, resulting in widespread suffering and a high number of fatalities.

December 1936: Establishment of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

On December 5, 1936, the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was elevated to a full union republic within the USSR, becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

1936: Establishment of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

In 1936, the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, aligning with modern Kazakhstan's territory, was separated from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) and became the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, a full union republic of the USSR.

October 1941: Deportation of Volga Germans

As part of the Soviet Union's population transfer policies, approximately 400,000 Volga Germans were deported from their autonomous republic to Kazakhstan in October 1941.

1941: Beginning of the Soviet-German War

The Soviet-German War began in 1941, leading to increased industrialization and mineral extraction in Kazakhstan to support the war effort.

1945: End of the Soviet-German War

The Soviet-German War ended in 1945, marking a turning point for the Soviet Union and its republics, including Kazakhstan.

1947: Establishment of the Semipalatinsk Test Site

In 1947, the USSR established an atomic bomb test site near Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, as part of its nuclear weapons program.

1949: First Soviet Nuclear Bomb Test

The first Soviet nuclear bomb test was conducted at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in 1949, marking a significant event in the Cold War and impacting Kazakhstan's environment and people.

1953: Death of Stalin and the Virgin Lands Campaign

Joseph Stalin's death in 1953 marked the end of an era. That same year, Nikita Khrushchev initiated the Virgin Lands Campaign, aiming to transform Kazakhstan's traditional pasturelands into a major grain-producing region for the Soviet Union.

1959: Kazakhs Become a Minority

By 1959, decades of privation, war, and resettlement led to the Kazakhs becoming a minority in their own republic, constituting 30% of the population, while ethnic Russians made up 43%.

April 1961: Launch of Vostok 1 from Baikonur

In April 1961, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan served as the launch site for Vostok 1, the spacecraft that carried Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space.

1964: Brezhnev Comes to Power

Leonid Brezhnev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union in 1964, ushering in a period of modernization that impacted Kazakhstan's agricultural sector.

1977: Dynamo Alma-Ata Wins the Soviet Union National Bandy Championship

Dynamo Alma-Ata, a prominent bandy team from Kazakhstan, clinched the Soviet Union national championship title in 1977, showcasing their dominance in the sport.

1978: Dynamo Alma-Ata Wins the European Cup in Bandy

Adding to their impressive track record, Dynamo Alma-Ata emerged victorious in the European Cup bandy tournament in 1978.

1982: End of Brezhnev Era

The Brezhnev era ended in 1982, marking a period of transition for the Soviet Union and its policies.

1984: Renaming of the State Museum of Art of Kazakhstan

The State Museum of Art of Kazakhstan was renamed in 1984 in honor of Abilkhan Kasteyev, a prominent figure in Kazakh art who was taught by Nikolai Khludov, a Russian artist influential in the development of Kazakh painting.

December 1986: Jeltoqsan Riot

In December 1986, the Jeltoqsan riot, a mass demonstration of young ethnic Kazakhs, erupted in Almaty. The protest was sparked by the replacement of Dinmukhamed Konayev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, with Gennady Kolbin from the Russian SFSR. The unrest was suppressed by government troops, resulting in fatalities and the imprisonment of numerous demonstrators.

1988: Beginning of the Dissolution of the Soviet Union

The dissolution of the Soviet Union, a period of significant political upheaval and change, began in 1988.

1989: Ethnic Composition

In 1989, ethnic Russians comprised 37.8% of Kazakhstan's population, while Kazakhs held a majority in only 7 out of the country's 20 regions.

1989: Population Decline Begins

Kazakhstan's population began to decline after 1989, a trend that may have been reversed by 2009.

1989: End of Nuclear Testing at Semipalatinsk

Nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk Test Site ceased in 1989, partly due to the growing influence of the Anti-nuclear movement in Kazakhstan.

October 1990: Declaration of Sovereignty

In October 1990, Kazakhstan took a significant step towards independence by declaring its sovereignty on its territory as a republic within the Soviet Union.

1990: Religious Resurgence After Independence

With the fall of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan experienced a resurgence in religious activity, with the number of religious associations increasing from 670 in 1990 to 4,170 in recent times.

1990: Expansion of Kazakhstan's armored units begins

Since 1990, Kazakhstan has significantly expanded its armored units, growing from 500 to 1,613 by 2005. This reflects the country's focus on strengthening its military capabilities after inheriting a significant portion of its military from the Soviet Armed Forces' Turkestan Military District.

1990: Dynamo Alma-Ata's Second Soviet Union National Bandy Championship Title

Dynamo Alma-Ata achieved another significant victory in 1990, winning the Soviet Union national bandy championship for the second time.

August 1991: Failed Coup Attempt in Moscow

In August 1991, a coup attempt against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev took place in Moscow. The coup ultimately failed, but it had significant implications for the Soviet republics, including Kazakhstan.

December 1991: Declaration of Independence

On December 16, 1991, following the failed August coup in Moscow, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union. This momentous decision marked the birth of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a sovereign nation.

1991: German Emigration

Before 1991, Kazakhstan had a significant German population, primarily descendants of Volga Germans deported during World War II. However, a large number of them emigrated to Germany after the Soviet Union dissolved.

1991: Foreign Investments Since Independence

By May 2014, Kazakhstan had attracted $190 billion in gross foreign investments since gaining independence in 1991.

1991: Kazakhstan's independence and adoption of "multi-vector foreign policy"

Following its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan adopted a "multi-vector foreign policy." This approach aimed to cultivate balanced and positive relationships with Russia, China, the United States, and the broader Western world.

1991: Nursultan Nazarbayev's Rule

From 1991, when Kazakhstan gained independence, Nursultan Nazarbayev served as the country's first president. His rule lasted until 2019, marking a significant period in Kazakhstan's post-Soviet history.

1991: Kazakhstan Declares Independence

In 1991, during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared its independence, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so.

1991: Foreign Direct Investment Since Independence

Since its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has attracted $330 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from over 120 countries.

June 1992: Establishment of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee

In June 1992, Kazakhstan established its National Security Committee (UQK), encompassing various branches like Internal Security, Military Counterintelligence, Border Guard, Commando units, and the highly significant Foreign Intelligence (Barlau) led by Nurtai Abykayev.

1992: Formation of the Kazakhstan National Basketball Team

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Kazakhstan national basketball team was formed in 1992.

1992: Establishment of the Kazakhstan Hockey Championship

The Kazakhstan Hockey Championship, the premier ice hockey league in the country, was established in 1992.

1993: Foreign Investment in Natural Resources

Since 1993, Kazakhstan has attracted over $40 billion in foreign investment, primarily driven by its vast mineral and fossil fuel resources. The development of oil, natural gas, and mineral extraction industries has played a pivotal role in shaping Kazakhstan's economy.

1996: Vassiliy Jirov Wins Val Barker Trophy at the Olympics

Kazakhstani boxer Vassiliy Jirov was honored with the Val Barker Trophy at the 1996 Olympics, recognizing him as the best boxer in the tournament for his exceptional technique.

1996: Kazzinc-Torpedo Begins Playing in the Supreme Hockey League

Kazzinc-Torpedo, a notable ice hockey team from Kazakhstan, joined the Supreme Hockey League in 1996.

December 1997: Relocation of Kazakhstan's capital to Astana

On December 10, 1997, Kazakhstan's government officially relocated the nation's capital from Almaty to Astana.

1997: Relocation of the Capital

In 1997, the Kazakh government made the decision to move the country's capital from Almaty, the largest city, to Astana. This relocation marked a significant shift in the country's administrative and political landscape.

1997: Legalization of Homosexuality in Kazakhstan

Homosexuality was legalized in Kazakhstan in 1997. Despite its legal status, it remains socially unacceptable in many parts of the country, and discrimination against LGBT individuals is prevalent.

1998: Kazakhstan's Debut at the Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Tournament

The Kazakh national ice hockey team participated in the Winter Olympics ice hockey tournament for the first time in 1998, marking their entry onto the Olympic stage.

January 1999: Last Census

The last population census in Kazakhstan before the 2009 estimate was conducted in January 1999.

1999: Kazakhstan's application for observer status at the Council of Europe

In 1999, Kazakhstan applied for observer status at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. However, the Assembly stated that full membership was the only option due to Kazakhstan's partial location in Europe. Granting any status was conditional on improvements in democracy and human rights records.

2000: Kazakhstan's GDP Growth Fueled by Oil Prices

From 2000 to 2007, Kazakhstan experienced substantial GDP growth, ranging between 8.9 percent and 13.5 percent, largely driven by high global crude oil prices.

2000: Kazakhstan's Debt-to-GDP Ratio

In 2000, the ratio of total governmental debt to GDP in Kazakhstan was 21.7 percent.

2000: Kazakhstan Excels in Boxing at the Sydney Summer Olympics

Kazakhstan demonstrated its strength in boxing at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, with Bekzat Sattarkhanov and Yermakhan Ibraimov winning gold medals and Bulat Zhumadilov and Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov securing silver medals.

2000: Establishment of the Eurasian Economic Community

Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan came together to establish the Eurasian Economic Community in 2000. This organization aimed to harmonize trade tariffs and foster a free trade zone within a customs union.

2001: Kazakhstan's Debt-to-GDP Ratio

Kazakhstan's total governmental debt-to-GDP ratio decreased to 17.5 percent in 2001.

March 2002: Respublika Publication Suspended

In March 2002, a court order forced the newspaper Respublika to cease printing for three months. The government, acting as the plaintiff in the case, alleged violations. The paper attempted to circumvent the order by printing under different names.

March 2002: Granting of Market Economy Status to Kazakhstan by the US

The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized Kazakhstan's market economy status in March 2002.

September 2002: Kazakhstan Receives Investment Grade Credit Rating

In September 2002, Kazakhstan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first CIS country to obtain an investment-grade credit rating from a major international credit rating agency.

2002: Kazakhstan Wins Bronze at the Asian Games

In a remarkable achievement, Kazakhstan's national basketball team secured the bronze medal at the 2002 Asian Games, defeating the Philippines in a pivotal match.

2002: Launch of "Steppe Eagle" Peacekeeping Exercise

Kazakhstan initiated the "Steppe Eagle" joint tactical peacekeeping exercise in 2002. This exercise focuses on fostering international coalitions and providing participating nations, including the KAZBAT peacekeeping battalion, the opportunity to collaborate within a multinational force under a unified command, alongside NATO and the U.S. Military.

2002: KazMunayGas Created

In 2002, Kazakhstan established KazMunayGas (KMG), the national oil and gas company, to represent state interests in the oil and gas industry.

December 2003: Kazakhstan's Gross Foreign Debt

By the end of December 2003, Kazakhstan's estimated gross foreign debt stood at around $22.9 billion.

2003: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at the World Athletics Championships

Dmitry Karpov, a prominent Kazakhstani athlete specializing in decathlon, earned a bronze medal at the 2003 World Athletics Championships, a feat he would repeat in 2007.

2003: Grain Harvest Improved

In 2003, Kazakhstan harvested 17.6 million tons of grain, a 2.8% increase compared to 2002, reflecting improvements in agricultural productivity.

September 2004: Majilis Elections and OSCE Monitoring

Parliamentary elections for the Majilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, were held in September 2004. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitored the elections and reported that they fell short of international standards.

2004: Bakhtiyar Artayev Receives the Val Barker Trophy at the Olympics

Bakhtiyar Artayev, a skilled boxer from Kazakhstan, was awarded the Val Barker Trophy at the 2004 Olympics for his outstanding boxing technique.

2004: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at the Summer Olympics

Kazakhstani decathlete Dmitry Karpov secured a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, adding to his bronze medals from the 2003 and 2007 World Athletics Championships.

2005: Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development

Since 2005, Kazakhstan's economy had been growing at a faster rate compared to its gross domestic expenditure on research and development.

2005: Corruption Hotspot

The World Bank categorized Kazakhstan as a corruption hotspot in 2005, similar to countries like Angola and Pakistan.

August 2006: Oleg Maskaev Becomes WBC Heavyweight Champion

Kazakhstani-born boxer Oleg Maskaev, representing Russia, claimed the WBC Heavyweight Champion title in August 2006 after defeating Hasim Rahman in a knockout.

2006: Economic Growth and Dominance

By 2006, Kazakhstan had emerged as the economic powerhouse of Central Asia, generating 60 percent of the region's GDP. This economic success was primarily attributed to the country's booming oil industry.

2006: Kazakhstan Competes in the Winter Olympics and Men's World Ice Hockey Championships

The year 2006 saw the Kazakh national ice hockey team compete in both the Winter Olympics and the Men's World Ice Hockey Championships, showcasing their presence on the international stage.

December 2007: Kazakhstan selected to chair the OSCE

Kazakhstan was chosen to chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2010, as announced on December 1, 2007.

2007: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at the World Athletics Championships

Adding to his previous successes, Kazakhstani decathlete Dmitry Karpov won a bronze medal at the 2007 World Athletics Championships.

2007: Kazakhstan's GDP Growth Fueled by Oil Prices

From 2000 to 2007, Kazakhstan experienced substantial GDP growth, ranging between 8.9 percent and 13.5 percent, largely driven by high global crude oil prices.

2007: System-wide Loans Peak

System-wide loans in Kazakhstan's banking sector reached 59 percent of GDP in 2007.

2007: Kazakhstan Achieves 4th Place in FIBA Asia Cup

The Kazakhstan national basketball team achieved their best result in the FIBA Asia Cup (formerly the Asian Basketball Championship) in 2007, finishing in 4th place.

2008: Barys Astana Joins the Kontinental Hockey League

Barys Astana, a leading Kazakhstani ice hockey team, transitioned from the Kazakhstani national league to the Kontinental Hockey League in the 2008-2009 season, marking a significant step for the team.

2008: Banking Industry Collapse

Kazakhstan's banking industry experienced a collapse in 2008 following a period of rapid expansion.

2008: Slowdown in Kazakhstan's GDP Growth

Kazakhstan's economic growth decelerated to 1 to 3 percent in 2008 and 2009, following a period of robust expansion.

2008: Impact of Global Financial Crisis on Kazakhstan's Public Debt

The global financial crisis compelled Kazakhstan to raise its public borrowing to bolster its economy. Consequently, public debt increased from 8.7 percent in 2008 to 13.4 percent in 2013.

2009: Kazakhstan's Response to the Global Financial Crisis

In response to the global financial crisis, Kazakhstan implemented fiscal easing measures combined with monetary stabilization policies. The government introduced large-scale support programs, including bank recapitalization, support for the real estate and agricultural sectors, and assistance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

2009: Population Estimate

The population estimate for Kazakhstan in 2009 was 6.8% greater than the population count from the previous census in January 1999, indicating a potential reversal of the population decline observed since 1989.

2009: Slowdown in Kazakhstan's GDP Growth

Kazakhstan's economic growth decelerated to 1 to 3 percent in 2008 and 2009, following a period of robust expansion.

2009: Constitutional Council Upholds Religious Freedoms

In 2009, the Constitutional Council of Kazakhstan declared a proposed law restricting certain individuals' religious practices as unconstitutional, reaffirming the country's commitment to religious freedoms.

2009: Kazakhstan's Oil Production

In 2009, Kazakhstan was producing a substantial amount of oil, reaching a daily output of approximately 1,540,000 barrels. This production capacity highlighted the country's significance in the global oil market.

2009: Christian Population Distribution

Data from the 2009 Census revealed that the Christian population in Kazakhstan was concentrated primarily among Slavic and Germanic ethnic groups.

April 2010: Meeting between Presidents Nazarbayev and Obama at the Nuclear Security Summit

Presidents Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and Barack Obama of the United States met during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., in April 2010. Their discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries, promoting nuclear safety and non-proliferation, fostering regional stability in Central Asia, and supporting economic prosperity and universal values.

2010: Kazakhstan Joins The Region Initiative (TRI)

In 2010, Kazakhstan joined The Region Initiative (TRI), a Tri-regional Umbrella of Tourism-related organizations, linking South Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe to promote tourism.

2010: Innovation Expenditure Surge

In 2010, Kazakhstan saw a significant increase in innovation expenditure, reaching KZT 235 billion, driven by investments in product design and new service and production methods.

2010: Kazakhstan Classified as Authoritarian Regime

In 2010, The Economist's Democracy Index classified Kazakhstan as an authoritarian regime, citing limitations on political freedoms and democratic processes. This classification reflected ongoing concerns about the state of democracy in the country.

2010: State Programme for Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development

Kazakhstan adopted the State Programme for Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development in 2010, aiming to increase research and development expenditure.

2010: Resurgence of Kazakhstan's Economic Growth

Kazakhstan's economy rebounded in 2010, marking a resurgence in growth after a period of slowdown.

2010: World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report

The 2010-2011 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report ranked Kazakhstan 72nd in the world for economic competitiveness.

2010: First Five-Year Plan (2010-2014)

The first phase of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, spanning 2010 to 2014, prioritized industrial growth in car manufacturing, aircraft engineering, and railway production.

March 2011: Nazarbayev on Kazakhstan's Progress Toward Democracy

In March 2011, President Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed the nation, highlighting the strides Kazakhstan had made towards democracy. However, international observers and organizations like The Economist continued to categorize Kazakhstan as an authoritarian regime.

2011: Olga Rypakova Wins Silver at the World Championships in Athletics and Almaty Bids for the Winter Olympics

Kazakhstani athlete Olga Rypakova excelled in the triple jump, securing a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics. In the same year, Almaty, Kazakhstan, submitted a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2011: Confiscation of Kazakhstani Assets

Switzerland confiscated US$48 million from Kazakhstani accounts in Swiss banks in 2011 as part of a bribery investigation conducted in the United States.

2011: System-wide Loans Decline

After restructuring, system-wide loans in Kazakhstan's banking industry decreased to 39 percent of GDP in 2011.

2011: Innovation Expenditure Surge

Kazakhstan's innovation expenditure more than doubled in 2011, hitting KZT 235 billion, with a focus on product design and introducing new service and production methods.

2011: Recovery and Growth of Kazakhstan's Economy

Kazakhstan's annual growth rate rebounded to 7.5 percent in 2011 after experiencing a contraction of 1.2 percent in 2009 due to the global financial crisis.

January 2012: Pension Assets Accumulate

By January 2012, Kazakhstan's pension assets had reached approximately $17 billion (KZT 2.5 trillion). The growing demand for investment outlets from pension funds spurred the development of the debt securities market.

April 2012: Judicial Reform Program in Kazakhstan

In April 2012, with support from the US Agency for International Development, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative launched a new program aimed at enhancing the independence and accountability of Kazakhstan's judiciary.

November 2012: Kazakhstan elected to the UN Human Rights Council

On November 12, 2012, Kazakhstan was elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the first time.

December 2012: Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy Announced

President Nursultan Nazarbayev unveiled the ambitious Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy in December 2012, aiming to propel Kazakhstan into the top 30 global economies by 2050.

2012: FDI Inflows

Kazakhstan attracted $14 billion in foreign direct investment inflows in 2012, marking a 7 percent growth rate.

2012: Continued Growth of Kazakhstan's Economy

Kazakhstan's economy maintained its growth trajectory in 2012, achieving an annual growth rate of 5 percent.

2012: Serik Sapiyev Wins Val Barker Trophy at the Olympics

Kazakhstani boxer Serik Sapiyev's impressive technique earned him the Val Barker Trophy at the 2012 Olympics, recognizing him as the best boxer of the tournament.

2012: Olga Rypakova Wins Gold at the Summer Olympics

Olga Rypakova, a renowned Kazakhstani athlete, achieved a gold medal in the triple jump at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2012: Corruption as a Business Obstacle

The World Economic Forum identified corruption as the primary obstacle to conducting business in Kazakhstan in 2012.

2012: Saryarka Karagandy Joins the Supreme Hockey League

Joining Kazzinc-Torpedo in the Supreme Hockey League, the Saryarka Karagandy ice hockey team began playing in the league in 2012.

2012: Oil and Gas Production Increase

In 2012, Kazakhstan's production of crude oil and natural gas condensate reached 79.2 million tonnes, up from 51.2 million tonnes in 2003.

2012: Railway Electrification

By 2012, Kazakhstan had 4,000 km of its railway network electrified, contributing to 68% of the country's cargo and passenger traffic.

2012: Kazakhstan Hosts the Bandy World Championship

Kazakhstan had the honor of hosting the Bandy World Championship on home ice in 2012, with the national team adding another bronze medal to their collection.

October 2013: EITI Compliance

In October 2013, Kazakhstan achieved a significant milestone by being accepted as "EITI Compliant" by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This recognition signifies that Kazakhstan had established a functional process to ensure transparency in the disclosure of natural resource revenues.

December 2013: Kazakhstan's Commitment to UN Peacekeeping

In December 2013, Kazakhstan pledged to deploy officers to support United Nations Peacekeeping missions in Haiti, Western Sahara, Ivory Coast, and Liberia.

2013: Top 50 Competitive Countries Goal

Kazakhstan achieved its objective of ranking among the top 50 most competitive countries in 2013.

2013: Population Growth

Kazakhstan's population increased to 17,280,000 in 2013, with a growth rate of 1.7% from the previous year, as reported by the Kazakhstan Statistics Agency.

2013: "Sold Souls" Wins at Cannes

In 2013, Kazakh journalist Artur Platonov's documentary "Sold Souls," about Kazakhstan's role in combatting terrorism, was awarded Best Script at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards.

2013: Kazakhstan's Fiscal Surplus

Kazakhstan achieved an overall fiscal surplus of 4.5 per cent between 2012 and 2013, as the government maintained a conservative fiscal approach.

2013: Green Economy Plan Launched

In 2013, Kazakhstan launched the Green Economy Plan, committing to meet 50% of its energy needs from alternative and renewable sources by 2050. The plan aimed to increase GDP by 3% and create around 500,000 jobs.

2013: Belt and Road Initiative

China launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, with Kazakhstan serving as a transit hub.

2013: Research and Development Expenditure Ratio

By 2013, Kazakhstan's expenditure on research and development reached 0.18 percent of its GDP.

February 2014: Devaluation of Kazakhstan's Currency

In February 2014, Kazakhstan devalued its currency by 19 percent in response to declining oil prices and the impact of the Ukrainian crisis.

March 2014: Kazakhstan contributes military personnel to UN peacekeeping missions

In March 2014, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense selected 20 military personnel to serve as observers in UN peacekeeping missions. Ranging in rank from captain to colonel, these individuals underwent specialized UN training, including English language proficiency and expertise in operating specialized military vehicles.

May 2014: Partnership for Re-Energizing the Reform Process

In May 2014, Kazakhstan had attracted $190 billion in gross foreign investments since independence and led CIS countries in FDI per capita.

September 2014: World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report

The 2014-2015 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, published in September 2014, placed Kazakhstan ahead of other CIS states in various competitiveness pillars.

October 2014: Kazakhstan provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Amid the conflict with Russian-backed rebels in 2014, Kazakhstan provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In October 2014, a donation of $30,000 was made to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

2014: First Five-Year Plan (2010-2014)

The initial five-year plan of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, focusing on industrial development in sectors like car manufacturing and aircraft engineering, concluded in 2014.

2014: Almaty's First Bid for the Winter Olympics

Almaty, a city in Kazakhstan, made its first attempt to host the Winter Olympics in 2014.

2014: Tax Concessions for FDI

President Nazarbayev signed tax concessions into law to promote foreign direct investment, including a 10-year exemption from corporation tax, in 2014.

2014: Tourism in Kazakhstan

In 2014, tourism in Kazakhstan accounted for 0.3 percent of the country's GDP. The government planned to increase this to 3 percent by 2020.

2014: Human Rights Concerns in Kazakhstan

In 2014, authorities in Kazakhstan shut down newspapers, imprisoned or fined numerous individuals for participating in peaceful, unauthorized protests, and imposed fines or detained worshippers for practicing religion outside of state-sanctioned institutions. Critics of the government, including opposition figure Vladimir Kozlov, remained incarcerated following unfair trials. Furthermore, the country implemented new criminal and administrative codes, including a law on trade unions, containing provisions that restrict fundamental freedoms and deviate from international standards. Torture persisted as a prevalent issue within detention facilities, as per reports.

2014: Underdeveloped Tourism Sector

Despite its natural beauty, tourism in Kazakhstan was described as "hugely underdeveloped" by The Guardian in 2014 due to various factors like high prices and poor infrastructure.

2014: Assandi-Times Publication Halted

In early 2014, a court ordered the closure of the Assandi-Times newspaper, which had a limited circulation. The court claimed the publication was linked to the Respublika group. Human Rights Watch criticized the decision, alleging it was part of a broader effort to suppress media critical of the government.

January 2015: Kazakhstan sends additional aid to Ukraine

In January 2015, Kazakhstan further assisted Ukraine by sending $400,000 in aid to the southeastern regions, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict.

January 2015: Kazakhstan reaffirms commitment to peaceful resolution in Ukraine

On January 26, 2015, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing the importance of peace negotiations as the only viable solution to the crisis in southeastern Ukraine, highlighting the country's stance on the conflict.

January 2015: Latin Alphabet Adoption Announcement

In January 2015, the government revealed plans to replace Cyrillic with the Latin alphabet as the writing system for the Kazakh language by 2025.

February 2015: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kazakh Anti-Corruption Agency signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in February 2015.

March 2015: World Bank Loan for Skills and Job Project

In March 2015, the World Bank approved a $100 million loan for the Skills and Job project in Kazakhstan, aiming to provide training to unemployed, unproductively self-employed, and employees in need of training.

May 2015: Astana Metro Project Resumed

In May 2015, an agreement was signed to resume the construction of the Astana Metro system, which had been abandoned previously.

August 2015: Further Devaluation of Kazakhstan's Currency

Kazakhstan implemented a further 22 percent devaluation of its currency in August 2015, following the previous devaluation in February 2014.

2015: Target for Research and Development Expenditure

One of the goals set in 2010 was to increase Kazakhstan's spending on research and development to 1 percent of GDP by 2015.

2015: Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020

The Kazakh Government launched the "Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020" in 2015, aiming to boost the tourism sector by establishing tourism clusters and attracting investments.

2015: Maintaining Competitiveness Ranking

Kazakhstan maintained its position in the top 50 of the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report in 2014-2015.

2015: Kazakhstan's Performance in the Rule of Law Index

In 2015, Kazakhstan secured the 65th position out of 102 countries in the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index, demonstrating strong performance in "Order and Security" (ranked 32nd) but falling short in areas such as "Constraints on Government Powers" (ranked 93rd), "Open Government" (ranked 85th), and "Fundamental Rights" (ranked 84th with a negative trend indicating deteriorating conditions).

2015: Kazakhstan Joins WTO

In 2015, Kazakhstan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking a significant step in its integration into the global trade system.

2015: Human Rights Watch Report on Kazakhstan

Human Rights Watch, in its 2015 report, stated that Kazakhstan severely restricts freedoms of assembly, speech, and religion, labeling the government as authoritarian.

2015: Favorable Investment Climate

In 2015, Kazakhstan was recognized by the U.S. State Department as having a favorable investment climate.

June 2016: Kazakhstan elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council

Kazakhstan's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2017–2018, initiated in 2014, was successful. The election took place on June 28, 2016, securing Kazakhstan's position on the council for a two-year term.

December 2016: Khorgos Gateway Dry Port Operations Commenced

In December 2016, operations officially commenced at the Khorgos Gateway dry port, a key facility for handling trans-Eurasian trains between China and Europe.

2016: EU Removes Kazakh Airlines from Blacklist

In 2016, European air safety authorities removed all Kazakh airlines from the EU blacklist, acknowledging sufficient compliance with international safety standards.

2016: Human Rights Watch Report on Kazakhstan

In its 2016 report, Human Rights Watch observed that Kazakhstan had made minimal progress in addressing its deteriorating human rights record in 2015, prioritizing economic development over political reform.

May 2017: Astana Nurly Zhol Railway Station Opened

On 31 May 2017, Kazakhstan opened the Astana Nurly Zhol railway station, the most modern railway station in the country, capable of handling 35,000 passengers a day.

2017: OECD Report on Anti-Corruption Reforms

A 2017 OECD report highlighted Kazakhstan's implementation of anti-corruption reforms, which have been acknowledged by organizations such as Transparency International.

2017: Foreign Trade Turnover Increases

In 2017, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover saw a substantial increase, reaching $93.5 billion, which was 19.7% more than in the previous year. Export and import figures also rose significantly.

2017: Tourist Arrivals Ranking

Kazakhstan ranked 43rd globally in terms of the number of tourist arrivals in 2017.

2017: OECD Investment Policy Review

The OECD's 2017 Investment Policy Review acknowledged Kazakhstan's progress in opening up opportunities for foreign investors.

2017: World Economic Forum Report

The World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report of 2017 stated that the travel and tourism industry GDP in Kazakhstan was $3.08 billion, representing 1.6 percent of the total GDP.

June 2018: Şymkent designated as a "city of republican significance"

In June 2018, the city of Şymkent was elevated to the status of "city of republican significance" in Kazakhstan.

2018: Kazakhstan's GDP Growth

Kazakhstan's GDP reached $179.332 billion in 2018, with an annual growth rate of 4.5 percent, resulting in a GDP per capita of $9,686.

2018: Digital Kazakhstan Program Launch

The Digital Kazakhstan program was initiated in 2018 to accelerate economic growth through the adoption of digital technologies.

2018: Digitalization of Criminal Justice Records in Kazakhstan

By 2018, Kazakhstan aimed to digitize all investigative, prosecutorial, and court records to enhance transparency in its criminal justice and court systems, ultimately improving human rights.

2018: Kazakhstan Climbs Economic Freedom Index

In 2018, Kazakhstan rose to 41st place on the Economic Freedom Index published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation.

2018: Significant Increase in FDI

FDI into Kazakhstan increased significantly to $24 billion in 2018 compared to 2012.

2018: Kazakhstan signs UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Demonstrating its commitment to nuclear disarmament, Kazakhstan signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2018.

March 2019: Nazarbayev's Resignation

In March 2019, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had ruled Kazakhstan since its independence in 1991, made the unexpected announcement that he was stepping down as president. This decision marked the end of an era for the Central Asian nation.

March 2019: Renaming of Astana to Nur-Sultan

In a move to honor the former president, the Kazakh government officially changed the name of the capital city from Astana to Nur-Sultan in March 2019. This decision followed Nursultan Nazarbayev's resignation after nearly three decades in power.

May 2019: Population Estimate

The US Census Bureau International Database estimated Kazakhstan's population to be 18.9 million in May 2019.

June 2019: Election of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and initiation of reforms

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was elected president of Kazakhstan in June 2019 and began implementing reforms focused on fostering a more open and democratic society. These included establishing the National Council of Public Trust, supporting opposition and public assembly, and loosening regulations on forming political parties.

June 2019: Tokayev's Election and Capital Renaming

Following Nursultan Nazarbayev's resignation, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev won the 2019 presidential election in June of that year. One of his first official acts as president was to rename the capital city from Astana to Nur-Sultan, in honor of his predecessor.

July 2019: Introduction of the "listening state" concept

In July 2019, President Tokayev announced the concept of a "listening state," aimed at creating a more responsive and accountable government. Plans were announced to reduce the political party membership threshold, allocate spaces for peaceful rallies, and strengthen penalties for crimes against individuals.

2019: Increase in Kazakhstan's Debt-to-GDP Ratio

Kazakhstan experienced a rise in its debt-to-GDP ratio in 2019, reaching 19.2 percent.

2019: Resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev

President Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned in 2019, leading to incremental efforts toward democratization and political reform in Kazakhstan.

2019: Trilingual Vision

In his 2019 resignation speech, former President Nazarbayev envisioned a future where Kazakhstan's population would be proficient in three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and English.

2019: World Economic Forum Ranking

In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked Kazakhstan 80th in its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Kazakhstan's environmental performance was assessed using the Forest Landscape Integrity Index. The country received a mean score of 8.23 out of 10, ranking 26th globally. This ranking indicates a relatively high level of forest landscape integrity.

2019: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's Succession

In 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assumed the presidency of Kazakhstan, succeeding Nursultan Nazarbayev. This transition of power marked a new chapter in the country's political landscape.

2019: Second Five-Year Plan (to 2019)

Kazakhstan's second five-year plan, concluding in 2019, aimed to expand export markets for products from industries developed in the previous plan, including car manufacturing and railway production.

March 2020: Announcement of Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy Concept for 2020–2030

Kazakhstan unveiled its Concept of the Foreign Policy for the period of 2020–2030 in March 2020. This document outlined the country's key foreign policy objectives and principles for the following decade.

2020: Freedom House Assessment

In 2020, Freedom House, an international watchdog organization, released its assessment of political rights and civil liberties in Kazakhstan. The organization designated Kazakhstan as a "consolidated authoritarian regime," highlighting concerns about restrictions on freedom of speech and the fairness of elections.

2020: World Bank Doing Business Report

In the World Bank's 2020 Doing Business Report, Kazakhstan ranked 25th globally and first in protecting minority investors' rights.

2020: Tourism Industry Job Creation Target

Kazakhstan aimed to create 300,000 new jobs in the tourism industry by 2020 as part of its Tourism Industry Development Plan.

2020: Tourism Growth Target

Kazakhstan aimed to increase tourism's contribution to GDP to 3 percent by 2020.

2020: Business 2020 Roadmap

The Business 2020 roadmap, designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was implemented around 2020, including provisions for grants and microcredit.

2020: Kazakhstan's Ranking in the Democracy Index

The Economist Intelligence Unit consistently designates Kazakhstan as an "authoritarian regime" in its Democracy Index, placing it 128th out of 167 countries in 2020.

2021: Kazakhstan's Ranking in the Press Freedom Index

In 2021, Reporters Without Borders ranked Kazakhstan 155th in its Press Freedom Index.

2021: Religious Demographics

According to the 2021 census, Muslims make up 69.3% of Kazakhstan's population, followed by Eastern Orthodox Christians at 17.2%.

January 2022: Political Unrest and Tokayev's Consolidation of Power

Kazakhstan experienced a wave of political unrest in January 2022 triggered by a sharp rise in fuel prices. As a result of the unrest, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assumed the leadership of the powerful Security Council, removing his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, from the position.

February 2022: Kazakhstan's pursuit of an independent foreign policy following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kazakhstan has taken steps to pursue a more independent foreign policy. This approach prioritizes its own objectives and aims to balance relations with major global powers while avoiding excessive dependence on any single nation.

September 2022: Constitutional reforms and limitations on presidential power

In September 2022, President Tokayev signed a decree limiting presidential tenure to a single seven-year term. He also revealed plans for a reform package aimed at decentralizing power, modifying the electoral system, expanding parliament's authority, and restoring the Constitutional Court while abolishing the death penalty.

September 2022: Capital Renamed Back to Astana

In September 2022, the Kazakh government made the decision to change the name of the capital city back to Astana from Nur-Sultan. This move came after a period of political transition and unrest in the country.

2022: Almaty's Second Bid for the Winter Olympics

After its first unsuccessful attempt, Almaty submitted a second bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

2022: Kazakhstan's Ranking in the Press Freedom Index

Reporters Without Borders ranked Kazakhstan 122nd out of 180 countries in its Press Freedom Index for 2022.

2022: Population Estimate

The 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects by the United Nations estimated Kazakhstan's population to be 19,196,465.

November 2023: Population Estimate

Official estimates placed Kazakhstan's population at 20 million in November 2023.

2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2023, Kazakhstan was ranked 81st in the Global Innovation Index.

2023: Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index

Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index gave Kazakhstan a score of 39 out of 100, ranking it 93rd out of 180 countries in terms of perceived public sector corruption.

2024: Ethnic Composition

As of 2024, ethnic Kazakhs constitute 71% of Kazakhstan's population, while ethnic Russians make up 14.9%.

2025: Latin Alphabet Adoption Target

Kazakhstan aims to complete the transition from Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet for the Kazakh language by 2025.

2030: Green Economy Target

By 2030, Kazakhstan plans to transition towards a "green economy," with 15% of acreage using water-saving technologies and a focus on developing drought-resistant, genetically modified crops.

2050: R&D Investment Target

Kazakhstan aims to allocate 3% of its GDP to research and development by 2050 to support the growth of new high-tech sectors.

2050: Establishment of New Industries

Kazakhstan's long-term plan includes establishing new industries in areas like mobile technology, multimedia, nanotechnology, space technology, robotics, genetic engineering, and alternative energy by 2050.

2050: Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy Long-Term Goal

The Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy sets a long-term goal of positioning the country among the top 30 global economies by 2050.

29 November 2003: Law on Changes to Tax Code Adopted

On 29 November 2003, Kazakhstan adopted the Law on Changes to the Tax Code, which reduced various tax rates. The value-added tax was lowered from 16% to 15%, the social tax from 21% to 20%, and the personal income tax from 30% to 20%.

History of Kazakhstan in Timeline