Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a huge country in Central Asia. It is the largest landlocked country in the world, meaning it has no coastline. Kazakhstan has vast steppes, deserts, and mountains. It is where many space rockets launch from.

Land and People

About 19 million people live in Kazakhstan. The capital is Astana. The country has flat grasslands called steppes, snowy mountains, and the Charyn Canyon that looks like a mini Grand Canyon. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world.

Culture and Fun Facts

Kazakhstan has a tradition of horseback riding and eagle hunting. Beshbarmak, which means five fingers because you eat it with your hands, is the national dish. The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan is where Russia launches its astronauts into space.

Fun Facts

• Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world.
• The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan has launched more space missions than anywhere else.
• Apples are believed to have originated in the mountains of Kazakhstan.

Did You Know?

Scientists believe that the first apples in the world grew in the mountains of Kazakhstan. The city of Almaty even means Father of Apples. Wild apple trees still grow in the forests there, and some say the apples taste like every variety mixed together.