Full History Of Kazakhstan In Timeline From 1904

1904: Death of Abai Qunanbaiuly

In 1904, Abai Qunanbaiuly (Abay Kunanbayev) passed away. He played a preeminent role in the development of modern literary Kazakh, and his writings did much to preserve Kazakh folk culture.

1906: Completion of the Trans-Aral Railway

In 1906, the number of settlers rose still further once the Trans-Aral Railway from Orenburg to Tashkent was completed, increasing the Russian Empire's colonization of Kazakhstan.

1907: Anglo-Russian Convention

The "Great Game" period is generally regarded as running from approximately 1813 to the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907.

1911: Publication of Ay Qap

In 1911, the literary magazine Ay Qap started publication in Arabic script, playing an important role in the intellectual and political life among early 20th-century Kazakhs.

1913: Publication of Qazaq

In 1913, the literary magazine Qazaq started publication and played an important role in the development of the intellectual and political life among early 20th-century Kazakhs.

1915: End of Publication of Ay Qap

In 1915, the literary magazine Ay Qap, which started publishing in 1911, ceased publication.

1916: Central Asian revolt

In 1916, the most serious uprising, the Central Asian revolt, occurred. The Kazakhs attacked Russian and Cossack settlers and military garrisons, resulting in clashes and brutal massacres committed by both sides.

November 1917: Collapse of central government in Petrograd

Following the collapse of central government in Petrograd in November 1917, the Kazakhs experienced a brief period of autonomy (the Alash Autonomy) before eventually succumbing to the Bolsheviks' rule.

1917: Russian Revolution

Following the 1917 Russian Revolution and the subsequent Russian Civil War, Kazakhstan became an autonomous republic of the Russian SFSR within the Soviet Union.

1918: End of Publication of Qazaq

In 1918, the literary magazine Qazaq, which started publishing in 1913, ceased publication.

1919: Resistance against communist government

Until late 1919, both sides resisted the communist government.

August 1920: Establishment of the Kirghiz ASSR

On 26 August 1920, the Kirghiz Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) was established.

1920: Aleksandr Zatayevich Creates Art Music

In 1920, Aleksandr Zatayevich, a Russian official, created major works of art music with melodies and other elements of Kazakh folk music.

June 1925: Renaming of the Kirghiz ASSR

In June 1925, the Kirghiz ASSR was renamed the Kazak ASSR and its administrative centre was transferred to the town of Kyzylorda.

April 1927: Administrative centre transferred to Alma-Ata

In April 1927, the administrative centre of Kazak ASSR was transferred to Alma-Ata.

1928: Adaptation of Traditional Kazakh Instruments

Beginning in 1928, Aleksandr Zatayevich began adapting traditional Kazakh instruments for use in Russian-style ensembles.

1931: Kazakhs Write Music in Notation

In 1931, Kazakhs started writing their own music in notation.

1931: Foundation of Musical-Dramatic Training College

In 1931, the Musical-Dramatic Training College was founded, becoming the first institute of higher education for music in Kazakhstan.

1932: Famine and unrest

Soviet repression of the traditional elite, along with forced collectivisation in the late 1920s and 1930s, brought famine and high fatalities, leading to unrest (see also: Famine in Kazakhstan of 1932–33).

December 1936: Kazakh ASSR becomes Kazakh SSR

On 5 December 1936, the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was detached from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) and made the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, a full union republic of the USSR.

1936: Kazakhstan becomes a Union Republic

In 1936, Kazakhstan's status was elevated to that of a union republic within the Soviet Union.

October 1941: Deportation of Volga Germans

In September–October 1941, approximately 400,000 Volga Germans were deported from the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic to Kazakhstan.

1941: Increase in Industrialization due to Soviet-German War

The Soviet-German War (1941–1945) led to an increase in industrialisation and mineral extraction in support of the war effort.

1945: Soviet-German War ends

The Soviet-German War (1941–1945) led to an increase in industrialisation and mineral extraction in support of the war effort.

1947: Foundation of atomic bomb test site

In 1947, the USSR, as part of its atomic bomb project, founded an atomic bomb test site near the north-eastern town of Semipalatinsk.

1949: First Soviet nuclear bomb test

In 1949, the first Soviet nuclear bomb test was conducted near Semipalatinsk.

1953: Virgin Lands Campaign

In 1953, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev initiated the Virgin Lands Campaign designed to turn the traditional pasturelands of Kazakhstan into a major grain-producing region for the Soviet Union.

1959: Kazakhs become a minority

Because of the decades of privation, war and resettlement, by 1959 the Kazakhs had become a minority, making up 30% of the population. Ethnic Russians accounted for 43%.

April 1961: Vostok 1 launch

In April 1961, Baikonur became the springboard of Vostok 1, a spacecraft with Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin being the first human to enter space.

1964: Modernisations under Leonid Brezhnev

Along with later modernisations under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev (in power 1964–1982), it accelerated the development of the agricultural sector.

1965: Start of Tram Network Service

In 1965, an 86 km tram network began service in Almaty.

1977: Dynamo Alma-Ata Wins Soviet Union National Championships

In 1977, Dynamo Alma-Ata won the Soviet Union national championships in bandy.

1978: Dynamo Alma-Ata Wins European Cup

In 1978, Dynamo Alma-Ata won the European Cup in bandy.

1982: Modernisations under Leonid Brezhnev

Along with later modernisations under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev (in power 1964–1982), it accelerated the development of the agricultural sector.

1984: Renaming of the State Museum of Art

In 1984, the State Museum of Art of Kazakhstan was renamed after Abilkhan Kasteyev.

December 1986: Jeltoqsan riot

In December 1986, mass demonstrations by young ethnic Kazakhs, later called the Jeltoqsan riot, took place in Almaty to protest the replacement of the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR Dinmukhamed Konayev with Gennady Kolbin from the Russian SFSR.

1989: End of nuclear tests

Hundreds of nuclear tests were conducted until 1989 with adverse consequences for the nation's environment and population.

1989: Ethnic Russian Population Statistics

In 1989, ethnic Russians constituted 37.8% of Kazakhstan's population, with Kazakhs holding a majority in only 7 of the country's 20 regions.

October 1990: Declaration of sovereignty

Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty within the Soviet Union on 25 October 1990.

1990: Dynamo Alma-Ata Wins Soviet Union National Championships

In 1990, Dynamo Alma-Ata won the Soviet Union national championships in bandy.

1990: Increase in Religious Activity

In 1990, Kazakhstan experienced a surge in religious activity, with the number of religious associations rising from 670 to 4,170.

1990: Expansion of Armored Units

Since 1990, armoured units in the Kazakhstan Army have been expanded from 500.

August 1991: Failed coup attempt in Moscow

Following the failed August 1991 coup attempt in Moscow, Kazakhstan proclaimed full independence on 16 December 1991.

December 1991: Declaration of full independence

On 16 December 1991, Kazakhstan proclaimed full independence, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. Ten days after Kazakhstan's declaration, the Soviet Union itself dissolved.

1991: Independence of Kazakhstan

As of May 2014, Kazakhstan had attracted $190 billion in gross foreign investments since its independence in 1991 and it led the CIS countries in terms of FDI attracted per capita.

1991: Leadership in Kazakhstan

From 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev led Kazakhstan.

1991: Kazakhstan declares independence

In 1991, Kazakhstan was the last constituent republic of the Soviet Union to declare independence during its dissolution.

1991: Independence and Foreign Policy

Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued a "multi-vector foreign policy".

1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union

The dissolution of the Soviet Union took place in 1991, leading to significant changes in Kazakhstan, including the emigration of many Germans.

June 1992: National Security Committee Established

On 13 June 1992, Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (UQK) was established.

1992: Establishment of National Basketball Team

In 1992, Kazakhstan's national basketball team was established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1992: Kazakhstan Hockey Championship Held

Since 1992, the Kazakhstan Hockey Championship has been held.

1993: Joint Development of Tengiz Field

In 1993, the Tengiz Field was jointly developed as a 40-year Tengizchevroil venture between Chevron Texaco, US ExxonMobil, KazMunayGas, and LukArco.

1993: Foreign investment in Kazakhstan

Since 1993, Kazakhstan has attracted over $40 billion in foreign investment, primarily in the petroleum, natural gas, and mineral extraction sectors.

1996: Vassiliy Jirov recognised as the best boxer

In 1996, Kazakhstani boxer Vassiliy Jirov was recognised as the best boxer for his techniques with the Val Barker Trophy, awarded to the best boxer of the tournament.

1996: Kazzinc-Torpedo Joins Supreme Hockey League

Since 1996, Kazzinc-Torpedo has been playing in the Supreme Hockey League.

December 1997: Capital Relocation

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

1997: Homosexuality Legalized

In 1997, Homosexuality was legalized in Kazakhstan.

1997: Capital moved to Astana

In 1997, Nazarbayev moved the capital from Almaty to Astana.

1998: Pension Reform Program Instituted

In 1998, Kazakhstan instituted a pension reform program.

1998: Kazakhstan Competes in Winter Olympics

In 1998, the Kazakh national ice hockey team competed in ice hockey at the Winter Olympics.

January 1999: Population Reported in Census

In January 1999, the last census reported the population of Kazakhstan.

1999: Council of Europe Application

In 1999, Kazakhstan applied for observer status at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, but was denied due to concerns about democracy and human rights.

2000: GDP Growth

From 2000 to 2007 Kazakhstan experienced GDP growth figures between 8.9% and 13.5%.

2000: Eurasian Economic Community Established

In 2000, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan established the Eurasian Economic Community to harmonize trade tariffs and create a free trade zone.

2000: Governmental Debt to GDP Ratio

In 2000, the ratio of total governmental debt to GDP was 21.7%.

2000: Kazakhstan performed well in boxing at the Summer Olympics

In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Kazakhstan performed well in boxing, with Bekzat Sattarkhanov and Yermakhan Ibraimov earning gold medals, and Bulat Zhumadilov and Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov earning silver medals.

2001: Governmental Debt to GDP Ratio

In 2001, the ratio of total governmental debt to GDP was 17.5%.

March 2002: Market Economy Status Granted by U.S.

In March 2002, the U.S. Department of Commerce granted Kazakhstan market economy status under US trade law, recognizing reforms in currency convertibility, wage determination, and foreign investment.

March 2002: Court orders Respublika to stop printing

In mid-March 2002, a court order stated that Respublika were to stop printing for three months, which they evaded by printing under other titles, such as Not That Respublika.

September 2002: Investment Grade Credit Rating

In September 2002, Kazakhstan became the first country in the CIS to receive an investment grade credit rating from a major international credit rating agency.

2002: Creation of KazMunayGas

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

2002: Grain Harvest Compared to 2003

In 2002, Kazakhstan's grain harvest was 2.8% lower compared to 2003.

2002: Bronze Medal at Asian Games

In 2002, Kazakhstan's national basketball team won the bronze medal at the Asian Games, defeating the Philippines.

2002: Oil and Gas Exports Compared to 2003

In 2002, Kazakhstan's oil and gas condensate exports were 13% lower compared to 2003.

2002: Steppe Eagle Exercise

Since 2002, the joint tactical peacekeeping exercise "Steppe Eagle" has been hosted by the Kazakhstan government.

April 2003: New Customs Code

On 5 April 2003, Kazakhstan adopted a new customs code.

June 2003: New Land Code

In June 2003, Kazakhstan furthered its reforms by adopting a new land code.

November 2003: Tax Rate Reductions

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

December 2003: Gross Foreign Debt

By late December 2003, Kazakhstan's gross foreign debt was about $22.9 billion.

2003: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at World Athletics Championships

In 2003, Dmitry Karpov won a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships.

2003: Grain Harvest

In 2003, Kazakhstan harvested 17.6 million tons of grain in gross, 2.8% higher compared to 2002.

2003: Oil and Gas Exports and Production

In 2003, Kazakhstan raised oil and gas condensate exports to 44.3 million tons, 13% higher than in 2002. Gas production in Kazakhstan amounted to 13.9 billion cubic metres.

2004: Bakhtiyar Artayev recognised as the best boxer

In 2004, Bakhtiyar Artayev, a Kazakhstani boxer, was recognised as the best boxer for his techniques and was awarded the Val Barker Trophy.

2004: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at Summer Olympics

In 2004, Dmitry Karpov won a bronze medal in the decathlon at the Summer Olympics.

2004: Parliamentary elections

In the 2004 parliamentary elections, the pro-government Otan Party, led by Nazarbayev, dominated the Majilis. Other parties sympathetic to the president secured most of the remaining seats, while opposition parties struggled to gain representation.

2005: World Bank Listing of Corruption Hotspots

In 2005, the World Bank listed Kazakhstan as a corruption hotspot, on a par with Angola, Bolivia, Kenya, Libya and Pakistan.

2005: Expansion of Armored Units

Since 1990, armoured units in the Kazakhstan Army have expanded from 500 to 1,613 in 2005.

2005: Economy Growth Faster

Since 2005, the economy has grown faster than gross domestic expenditure on research and development, which only progressed from PPP$598 million to PPP$714 million between 2005 and 2013.

July 2006: Further Reduction of Personal Income Tax

On 7 July 2006, the personal income tax was reduced even further to a flat rate of 5% for personal income in the form of dividends and 10% for other personal income.

August 2006: Oleg Maskaev becomes WBC Heavyweight Champion

On August 12, 2006, Oleg Maskaev, born in Zhambyl and representing Russia, became the WBC Heavyweight Champion after knocking out Hasim Rahman.

2006: Kazakhstan's economic contribution to Central Asia

By 2006, Kazakhstan contributed around 60% of the region's GDP, primarily through its oil exports.

2006: Privatization of State Accumulating Pension Fund

In 2006, The State Accumulating Pension Fund, the only state-owned fund, was privatised.

2006: Kazakhstan Competes in Winter Olympics and World Championships

In 2006, the Kazakh national ice hockey team competed in ice hockey at the Winter Olympics and the Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.

December 2007: Kazakhstan to chair OSCE in 2010

On 1 December 2007, it was announced that Kazakhstan had been chosen to chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2010.

2007: GDP Growth

From 2000 to 2007 Kazakhstan experienced GDP growth figures between 8.9% and 13.5%.

2007: Dmitry Karpov Wins Bronze at World Athletics Championships

In 2007, Dmitry Karpov won a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships.

2007: Best Finish at Asian Basketball Championship

In 2007, the Kazakhstan national basketball team achieved its best finish at the Asian Basketball Championship (now called FIBA Asia Cup), placing 4th.

2007: System-Wide Loans Decline

Total system-wide loans declined from 59% of GDP in 2007 to 39% by 2011 following the 2008 financial crisis.

2008: Financial Crisis Impact on GDP

During the 2008 financial crisis, Kazakhstan's GDP growth decreased to 1% to 3%.

2008: Collapse of the Banking Industry

In 2008, the banking sector in Kazakhstan collapsed due to the 2008 financial crisis.

2008: Barys Astana Transferred to Kontinental Hockey League

In the 2008–09 season, Barys Astana was transferred to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

2008: Financial Crisis and Public Debt Increase

The 2008 financial crisis forced Kazakhstan to increase its public borrowing to support the economy. Public debt increased to 13.4% in 2013 from 8.7% in 2008.

2009: Christian Population Demographics

According to the 2009 Census data, there are few Christians outside the Slavic and Germanic ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.

2009: Oil Production

According to the US Energy Information Administration, in 2009, Kazakhstan was producing approximately 1,540,000 barrels of oil per day.

2009: Constitutional Council Declaration on Religious Freedoms

In 2009, the Constitutional Council affirmed religious freedoms, declaring unconstitutional a proposed law limiting the rights of certain individuals to practice their religion.

2009: Kazakh Air Carriers Blacklisted

In 2009, the European Commission blacklisted all Kazakh air carriers with the sole exception of Air Astana.

2009: Government Support Measures

In 2009, the government introduced large-scale support measures for banks, real estate, agriculture, and SMEs, totaling $21 billion.

April 2010: Nazarbayev and Obama Meet

On 11 April 2010, presidents Nazarbayev and Obama met at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., and discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Kazakhstan.

2010: Kazakhstan's Economic Competitiveness Ranking

According to the 2010–11 World Economic Forum in Global Competitiveness Report, Kazakhstan was ranked 72nd in the world in economic competitiveness.

2010: Innovation Expenditure

Between 2010 and 2011, innovation expenditure more than doubled in Kazakhstan, representing KZT 235 billion (circa US$1.6 billion), or around 1.1% of GDP.

2010: Focus on Developing Industrial Capacity

During the first five-year plan to 2014, Kazakhstan focused on developing industrial capacity in car manufacturing, aircraft engineering and the production of locomotives, passenger and cargo railroad cars.

2010: Kazakhstan Joins The Region Initiative (TRI)

In 2010, Kazakhstan joined The Region Initiative (TRI), a Tri-regional Umbrella of Tourism-related organizations.

2010: Authoritarian regime ranking

In 2010, Kazakhstan was still ranked as an authoritarian regime on The Economist's Democracy Index.

2010: Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

In 2010, Kazakhstan was the chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

2010: Adoption of State Programme

In 2010, the State Programme for Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development was adopted, targeting research and development expenditure to reach 1% of GDP by 2015.

2010: GDP Growth Recovery

Starting in 2010, Kazakhstan's GDP growth rose again after the 2008 financial crisis.

2011: Total System-Wide Loans Decline

By 2011 total system-wide loans had declined from 59% of GDP in 2007 to 39% of GDP following the 2008 financial crisis and restructuring of the banking sector.

2011: Innovation Expenditure Doubled

In 2011 innovation expenditure more than doubled in Kazakhstan, representing KZT 235 billion (circa US$1.6 billion), or around 1.1% of GDP.

2011: Economic Growth

In 2011, Kazakhstan's economy increased to 7.5% after contracting by 1.2% in 2009.

2011: Olga Rypakova Wins Silver at World Championships in Athletics

In 2011, Olga Rypakova won a silver medal in triple jump at the World Championships in Athletics.

2011: Confiscation of Kazakhstani Assets in Switzerland

In 2011, Switzerland confiscated US$48 million in Kazakhstani assets from Swiss bank accounts, as a result of a bribery investigation in the United States.

January 2012: Pension Assets

By January 2012, Kazakhstan's pension assets were about $17 billion (KZT 2.5 trillion).

April 2012: ABA Rule of Law Initiative Program

In April 2012, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative started a new program to strengthen the independence and accountability of Kazakhstan's judiciary, with funding from the US Agency for International Development.

November 2012: UN Human Rights Council Membership

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

December 2012: Announcement of Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy

In December 2012, President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy with the slogan "Strong Business, Strong State." to hoist Kazakhstan among the top 30 economies by 2050.

2012: Almaty Tram Network

As of 2012, the 86 km tram network in Almaty had 20 regular and three special routes.

2012: Foreign Direct Investment Inflows

In 2012, Kazakhstan attracted $14 billion of foreign direct investment inflows into the country at a 7% growth rate.

2012: Kazakhstan Hosts Bandy World Championship

In 2012, Kazakhstan hosted the Bandy World Championship and won the bronze medal.

2012: Corruption Ranking

In 2012, Kazakhstan ranked low in an index of the least corrupt countries, and the World Economic Forum listed corruption as the biggest problem in doing business in the country.

2012: Economic Growth

In 2012, Kazakhstan's economy grew by 5% after contracting by 1.2% in 2009.

2012: Olga Rypakova Wins Gold at Summer Olympics

In 2012, Olga Rypakova won a gold medal in triple jump at the Summer Olympics.

2012: Crude Oil and Natural Gas Condensate Production

In 2012, Production of crude oil and natural gas condensate from the oil and gas basins of Kazakhstan amounted to 79.2 million tonnes.

2012: Railway Statistics

In 2012, Railways in Kazakhstan provided 68% of all cargo and passenger traffic to over 57% of the country. There were 15,333 km of railways in common carrier service, excluding industrial lines.

2012: Serik Sapiyev recognised as the best boxer

In 2012, Serik Sapiyev, a Kazakhstani boxer, was recognised as the best boxer for his techniques and was awarded the Val Barker Trophy.

2012: Saryarka Karagandy Joins Supreme Hockey League

Since 2012, Saryarka Karagandy has been playing in the Supreme Hockey League.

October 2013: EITI Compliant

In October 2013, Kazakhstan was accepted as "EITI Compliant" by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

December 2013: Kazakhstan to Support UN Peacekeeping Forces

In December 2013, Kazakhstan announced its decision to send officers to support United Nations Peacekeeping forces in Haiti, Western Sahara, Ivory Coast and Liberia.

2013: Level of Expenditure on Research and Development

By 2013, the ratio of the country's level of expenditure on research and development stood at 0.18% of GDP.

2013: Launch of the Belt and Road Initiative

In 2013, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which Kazakhstan functions as a transit hub.

2013: Artur Platonov won Best Script for documentary

In 2013, Kazakhstan journalist Artur Platonov won Best Script for his documentary "Sold Souls" about Kazakhstan's contribution to the struggle against terrorism at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards.

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2013: Green Economy Plan Launched

In 2013, Kazakhstan launched the Green Economy Plan, committing the country to meet 50% of its energy needs from alternative and renewable sources by 2050.

2013: Population Increase and Growth Rate

In 2013, Kazakhstan's population rose to 17,280,000, with a 1.7% growth rate over the past year according to the Kazakhstan Statistics Agency.

2013: Public Debt Increase

In 2013, Kazakhstan's public debt increased to 13.4% from 8.7% in 2008.

2013: Abandonment of Astana Metro Construction

In 2013, the Astana Metro system's construction was abandoned at one point.

2013: Entering Top 50 Most Competitive Countries

Kazakhstan achieved its goal of entering the top 50 most competitive countries in 2013.

February 2014: Currency Devaluation

In February 2014, Kazakhstan devalued its currency by 19%.

March 2014: UN Peacekeeping Observers

In March 2014, the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan chose 20 Kazakhstani military men as observers for the UN peacekeeping missions.

May 2014: Attraction of Gross Foreign Investments

As of May 2014, Kazakhstan had attracted $190 billion in gross foreign investments since its independence in 1991.

September 2014: Global Competitiveness Report

Kazakhstan has maintained its position in the 2014–2015 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report that was published at the beginning of September 2014.

October 2014: Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

In October 2014, Kazakhstan donated $30,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross's humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

2014: Tourism's Contribution to Kazakhstan's GDP

As of 2014, tourism accounted for 0.3% of Kazakhstan's GDP.

2014: Focus on Developing Industrial Capacity

During the first five-year plan to 2014, Kazakhstan focused on developing industrial capacity in car manufacturing, aircraft engineering and the production of locomotives, passenger and cargo railroad cars.

2014: Almaty Bids for Winter Olympics

In 2014, Almaty submitted a bid to host the Winter Olympics.

2014: Kazakhstan ranked 161 in World Press Freedom Index

In 2014, Kazakhstan was ranked 161 out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.

2014: Tax Concessions to Promote FDI

In 2014, President Nazarbayev signed into law tax concessions to promote foreign direct investment, including a 10-year exemption from corporation tax and an eight-year exemption from property tax.

2014: Description of Tourism in Kazakhstan

In 2014, The Guardian described tourism in Kazakhstan as "hugely underdeveloped," despite the country's mountain, lake, and desert landscapes.

2014: U.S. Government Report on Kazakhstan

In 2014, a U.S. government report provided information regarding Kazakhstan.

2014: Restrictions on Freedoms and New Laws

In 2014, authorities in Kazakhstan closed newspapers, jailed or fined people after protests, and detained worshipers. New criminal codes and a law on trade unions were adopted, restricting fundamental freedoms.

2014: UN Security Council Bid

Since 2014, the Kazakhstani government has been bidding for a non-permanent member seat on the UN Security Council for 2017–2018.

January 2015: Additional Aid to Ukraine

In January 2015, Kazakhstan sent $400,000 of aid to Ukraine's southeastern regions to help with the humanitarian crisis.

January 2015: Announcement of Latin Alphabet Transition

In January 2015, the government of Kazakhstan announced that the Latin alphabet would replace Cyrillic as the writing system for the Kazakh language by 2025.

January 2015: Statement on Ukraine Crisis

On 26 January 2015, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement affirming that there is no alternative to peace negotiations in resolving the crisis in south-eastern Ukraine.

February 2015: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty

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

March 2015: World Bank's Loan for Skills and Job Project

On March 30, 2015, the World Bank's Group of Executive Directors 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: Agreement to Resume Astana Metro Construction

In May 2015, an agreement was signed for the project to resume the construction of the Astana Metro system, which had been abandoned at one point in 2013.

August 2015: Currency Devaluation

In August 2015, Kazakhstan experienced another 22% devaluation of its currency.

2015: Human Rights Watch Report

In 2015, Human Rights Watch stated that Kazakhstan heavily restricts freedom of assembly, speech, and religion.

2015: World Justice Project Rule of Law Index

In 2015, Kazakhstan's global rank in the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index was 65 out of 102. The country scored well on "Order and Security" (global rank 32/102), and poorly on "Constraints on Government Powers" (global rank 93/102), "Open Government" (85/102) and "Fundamental Rights" (84/102, with a downward trend marking a deterioration in conditions).

2015: Gold Production in Kazakhstan

In 2015, Kazakhstan's gold production reached 64 metric tonnes.

2015: Issuance of Tourism Industry Development Plan

In 2015, the Kazakh government issued a "Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020," aiming to establish five tourism clusters in Kazakhstan and sought investment of $4 billion.

2015: Kazakhstan's Investment Climate

In 2015, the U.S. State Department said Kazakhstan was widely considered to have the best investment climate in the region.

2015: Global Competitiveness Report

Kazakhstan has maintained its position in the 2014–2015 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report that was published at the beginning of September 2014.

2015: World Trade Organization Membership

Kazakhstan joined the World Trade Organization in 2015.

2015: Target of State Programme

The State Programme for Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development adopted in 2010 had an ambitious target to raise the country's level of expenditure on research and development to 1% of GDP by 2015.

June 2016: Election to UN Security Council

On 28 June 2016 Kazakhstan was elected as a non-permanent member to serve on the UN Security Council for a two-year term.

December 2016: Commencement of Khorgos Eastern Gate SEZ Operations

In December 2016, the Khorgos Eastern Gate SEZ, surrounding the Khorgos Gateway dry port, officially commenced operations.

2016: Human Rights Watch Report on Kazakhstan

In 2016, Human Rights Watch commented that Kazakhstan took few meaningful steps to tackle a worsening human rights record in 2015, maintaining a focus on economic development over political reform.

2016: Removal of Kazakh Airlines from EU Blacklist

In 2016, the European air safety authorities removed all Kazakh airlines from the blacklist, citing "sufficient evidence of compliance" with international standards by Kazakh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Committee.

May 2017: Opening of Astana Nurly Zhol Railway Station

On 31 May 2017, the Astana Nurly Zhol railway station, the most modern railway station in Kazakhstan, was opened in Astana. The 120,000m station was expected to be used by 54 trains and would have the capacity to handle 35,000 passengers a day.

July 2017: Alstom Opens Locomotive Repairing Centre

In July 2017, Alstom opened its first locomotive repairing centre in Kazakhstan. It is the only repairing centre in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

2017: OECD Report on Kazakhstan

A 2017 OECD report on Kazakhstan indicated that Kazakhstan has reformed laws with regard to the civil service, judiciary, instruments to prevent corruption, access to information, and prosecuting corruption.

2017: Travel and Tourism Industry GDP

According to the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report of 2017, travel and tourism industry GDP in Kazakhstan was $3.08 billion or only 1.6% of total GDP.

2017: Kazakhstan's Rank in Tourist Arrivals

In 2017, Kazakhstan ranked 43rd in the number of tourist arrivals.

2017: Foreign Trade Turnover Compared to 2018

In 2017, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover was less than in 2018, with a 19.7% increase in 2018.

2017: UN Security Council Term

Kazakhstan served on the UN Security Council from 2017 to 2018.

2017: OECD Investment Policy Review

The OECD 2017 Investment Policy Review noted that "great strides" had been made to open up opportunities to foreign investors and improve policy to attract FDI.

June 2018: Shymkent Status

In June 2018, Shymkent gained status as a "city of republican significance".

2018: Alstom's Operations in Kazakhstan

As of 2018, Alstom had more than 600 staff and two joint ventures with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and its subsidiary in Kazakhstan, cooperating in developing Kazakhstan's railway infrastructure.

2018: Digitization of Records Intended

By 2018, Kazakhstan intended to digitise all investigative, prosecutorial and court records to increase transparency in the criminal justice and court system and improve human rights.

2018: Increase in Foreign Direct Investment

In 2018, $24 billion of FDI was directed into Kazakhstan, a significant increase since 2012.

2018: Economic Freedom Index Ranking

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

2018: Kazakhstan GDP and Growth Rate

In 2018, Kazakhstan had a GDP of $179.332 billion and an annual growth rate of 4.5%. Per capita GDP stood at $9,686.

2018: UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons

In 2018, Kazakhstan signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2018: Foreign Trade Turnover

In 2018, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover was $93.5 billion, which is 19.7% more than in 2017. Export in 2018 reached $67 billion (up 25.7% in comparison to 2017) and import was $32.5 billion (up 9.9% in comparison to 2017). Exports accounted for 40.1% of Kazakhstan's gross domestic product (GDP). Kazakhstan exports 800 products to 120 countries.

2018: Launch of Digital Kazakhstan Program

In 2018, the Digital Kazakhstan program was launched to boost the country's economic growth through the implementation of digital technologies.

2018: UN Security Council Term

Kazakhstan served on the UN Security Council from 2017 to 2018.

March 2019: Nazarbayev's resignation

Nazarbayev announced his resignation on 19 March 2019, after nearly three decades in power.

May 2019: Population Listed by US Census Bureau

In May 2019, the US Census Bureau International Database listed the population of Kazakhstan as 18.9 million.

June 2019: Reforms Initiated

In June 2019, following his election, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initiated reforms, including supporting a culture of opposition, public assembly, and loosening rules on forming political parties; also he established the National Council of Public Trust as a platform for government policies and reforms.

June 2019: Tokayev takes office and renames the capital

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took office on 12 June 2019, and his first official act was to rename the capital city to Nur-Sultan.

July 2019: Listening State Concept Announced

In July 2019, the President of Kazakhstan announced a concept of a 'listening state' aimed at quickly and efficiently responding to citizens' requests.

2019: Development of Export Markets

During the second five-year plan to 2019, the goal is to develop export markets for products from car manufacturing, aircraft engineering and the production of locomotives, passenger and cargo railroad cars.

2019: Astana renamed Nur-Sultan

In 2019, Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan.

2019: Leadership Change in Kazakhstan

In 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev succeeded Nursultan Nazarbayev as the leader of Kazakhstan.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Kazakhstan had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.23/10, ranking it 26th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Nazarbayev's Resignation Speech

In 2019, during his resignation speech, Nazarbayev projected that the people of Kazakhstan would speak three languages in the future: Kazakh, Russian, and English.

2019: Governmental Debt to GDP Ratio

In 2019, the ratio of total governmental debt to GDP rose to 19.2%.

2019: Resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev

Since the resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2019, who had led the country since independence, there have been incremental efforts at democratization and political reform in Kazakhstan.

2019: WEF Ranking of Kazakhstan

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

March 2020: Concept of Foreign Policy

On 6 March 2020, the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Kazakhstan for 2020–2030 was announced.

2020: Government's Tourism Target

As of 2020, the government had plans to increase tourism's contribution to 3% of GDP, after it accounted for 0.3% in 2014.

2020: Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020 Goals

By 2020, the "Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020" aimed for 300,000 new jobs in the tourism industry and investment of $4 billion in tourism clusters.

2020: Freedom House Rating

In 2020, Freedom House rated Kazakhstan as a "consolidated authoritarian regime", citing restrictions on freedom of speech and unfair electoral laws.

2020: Democracy Index Ranking

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

2020: World Bank Doing Business Report Ranking

In the 2020 Doing Business Report by the World Bank, Kazakhstan ranked 25th globally and as the number one best country globally for protecting minority investors' rights.

2020: Business 2020 Roadmap

The second five-year plan coincides with the development of the Business 2020 roadmap for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which makes provision for the allocation of grants to SMEs in the regions and for microcredit.

2021: Religious Demographics in Kazakhstan

According to the 2021 census, 69.3% of the population is Muslim, 17.2% are Christian, 0.2% follow other religions (mostly Buddhist and Jewish), 11.01% chose not to answer, and 2.25% identify as atheist.

2021: Language Usage in Kazakhstan

In 2021, a census indicated that 80.1% of the population proficiently spoke Kazakh, while 83.7% spoke Russian. However, only 63.4% of ethnic Kazakhs and 49.3% of the country's population were daily speakers of Kazakh.

January 2022: Large-scale protests due to fuel prices

In January 2022, Kazakhstan was gripped by large-scale protests following a sharp rise in fuel prices, leading to Tokayev assuming control of the Security Council.

February 2022: Independent Foreign Policy

Based on principles, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kazakhstan has increasingly pursued an independent foreign policy.

September 2022: Capital's name reverted back to Astana

In September 2022, the capital's name was reverted back to Astana.

September 2022: Decree limiting presidential tenure

On 17 September 2022, Tokayev signed a decree that limits presidential tenure to one term of seven years, while also announcing a new reform package to decentralize power.

2022: Almaty Bids for Winter Olympics

In 2022, Almaty submitted a bid to host the Winter Olympics.

2022: UN Population Estimate

The 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects, gave an estimate of 19,196,465 as the population of Kazakhstan.

November 2023: Official Population Estimate

As of November 2023, official estimates put the population of Kazakhstan at 20 million.

2023: Press Freedom Index Ranking

In 2023, Kazakhstan was ranked 134th in Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index.

2024: Global Peace Index Ranking

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Kazakhstan is the 59th most peaceful country in the world.

2024: Global Innovation Index

Kazakhstan was ranked 78th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

2024: Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index

Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index gave Kazakhstan a score of 40, ranking it 80th among 180 countries.

2025: Ethnic Composition of Kazakhstan

As of 2025, ethnic Kazakhs are 71.3% of the population, and ethnic Russians are 14.6%.

2025: Latin Alphabet to Replace Cyrillic

By 2025, according to a government announcement in January 2015, the Latin alphabet will replace Cyrillic as the writing system for the Kazakh language.

2030: Shift to a Green Economy

As part of the shift to a "green economy" by 2030, 15% of acreage will be cultivated with water-saving technologies.

2030: Text taken from UNESCO Science Report

In 2030, Text taken from UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030, 365–387, UNESCO, UNESCO Publishing.

2030: Concept of Foreign Policy until 2030

On 6 March 2020, the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Kazakhstan for 2020–2030 was announced.

2050: Renewable Energy Target

By 2050, Kazakhstan is committed to meeting 50% of its energy needs from alternative and renewable sources.

2050: Establishment of New Industries

During subsequent five-year plans to 2050, new industries will be established in fields such as mobile, multi-media, nano- and space technologies, robotics, genetic engineering and alternative energy.