Kazakhstan Economy and Problems

Kazakhstan Economy and Problems

Economy

Where do people work in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan consists mostly of dry steppe. But there are also more fertile areas. In the north of the country, for example, wheat is grown in large quantities and part of the income is exported. Other agricultural products include fruits, sugar beets, vegetables, potatoes and cotton. The southern areas in particular are suitable for growing more demanding plants. In addition there is cattle breeding and thus the wool of the animals. In Kazakhstan, sheep are primarily bred, but also goats and cows and, traditionally, horses. The Kazakhs are considered to be a great equestrian people.

Natural resources and industry

Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, and oil and petroleum products in particular have made some people very rich. Lead, copper, gold and silver deposits were also discovered. By the way, almost all chemical elements can be found in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is not a poor country because of its natural resources, but not everyone benefits from it. That is why the differences between rich and poor are great in Kazakhstan.

Export = export

The main export goods in Kazakhstan are oil and petroleum products (62.4 percent) and metals and metal products (17.9 percent). Livestock products are also exported.

Kazakhstan Economy

Problems

Environmental degradation

As a country located in Asia according to hyperrestaurant, Kazakhstan is a long way away from Russia, which used to be part of the Soviet Union. The Russians found it good to test their nuclear weapons in a country that was ideally suited to do so due to its size and location. Almost 500 nuclear weapons were detonated by the Soviet Union in Kazakhstan and the residents can still feel the consequences today. Of these, 100 atomic bombs were tested above ground. The nuclear tests in Kazakhstan were only stopped in 1989. The number of babies born with genetic defects, that is, with diseases, has increased since 1949. There are no exact numbers of the victims, but people still suffer today.

Many children are still harmed and are born with disabilities. The radioactivity in the region is the reason for this. The radiation can no longer be seen today, but it is still there. Radioactive particles are still in the air. Parts of the soil have been removed, but the groundwater is often still contaminated.

The towns that were near the test site are almost deserted. But there are also places within the former restricted military area. People live there and many do not want to admit how dangerous it is to live there permanently. The consequences of these attempts will be felt for many years to come.

Effects of radioactivity

Radioactivity is very harmful to humans, nature and the environment. So-called “ionizing radiation” harms the body by triggering chemical chain fractions that lead to unnatural compounds in the body. This leads to radiation sickness, disabilities and cancer.

Traditions

Christmas and other festivals

Many Kazakhs profess Islam, but Kazakhstan is not a state in which Islam would be the state religion. The constitution speaks of the equality of religions. Sunni Islam and Orthodox Christianity are predominant in Kazakhstan. For example, the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in Kazakhstan. In addition to such religious festivals, Kazakhstan also celebrates Nouruz, a New Year and Spring Festival, for example.

What is polygamy?

Some men marry several women in Kazakhstan. There is well-paid work in the capital, Astana, so the men “afford” several wives. The Sharia allows up to four wives for a man. Many women are poor, their families are poor and so they marry a man who has already married one or more women and who can look after them. Polygamy is not officially allowed on the part of the state, but it is at least tolerated.

Women in Kazakhstan

Many Kazakh girls have a good education and then work in a profession. Especially in the north, women live very modern. Nevertheless, there are regions, especially areas that are more strongly influenced by Islam, in which girls and young women still have to assume their traditional roles. There are both developments in Kazakhstan.

The problem with many women is that they have a harder time finding a job to support themselves. If there are still children from a first marriage, the situation becomes even more difficult for many. Some see their “salvation” only in a new marriage, even if they then have to accept that they are “only” the second or third wife of a man. At least their care and the care of their child are guaranteed.