Where is Kazakhstan located? Discover this fascinating country

where is kazakhstan

Have you ever wondered where is Kazakhstan located on the world map? If so, know that you are not alone. This gigantic country, both mysterious and fascinating, arouses many curiosities. In this article, I will answer you clearly and concisely, while sharing some interesting facts about this nation still unknown to many travelers.

Where is Kazakhstan located?

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, but with a particularity: part of its territory also extends into Europe. Yes, it is a transcontinental country. Its exact geographical position places it at the crossroads of several cultural and historical influences.

The country is bordered:

to the west by Russia,
to the southwest by the Caspian Sea,
to the south by Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan,
to the east by the China.

Its current capital, Astana (formerly called Nur-Sultan for some years), is located approximately 1,200 kilometers north of Almaty, the former capital which is still considered the cultural and economic heart of the country.

How big is it? A monumental country

To give you an idea, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world (i.e. without direct access to the sea or ocean). With an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, it is even the 9th largest country in the world, ahead of nations like Argentina or India.

It is a territory so vast that it includes:

infinite steppes, perfect for lovers of beautiful wilderness,
arid deserts, ideal for adventures off the beaten track,
snowy mountains, a paradise for hikers and skiers,
as well as the fascinating Caspian Sea, which is actually a giant lake.

A crossroads between Europe and Asia

What makes Kazakhstan’s location so specific is its role as natural bridge between Europe and Asia. Historically, it was an essential part of the Silk Road, this trade network that connected the East to the West for centuries. Even today, this strategic position influences Kazakh culture, at the crossroads of Asian and European traditions.

Kazakhstan on a map

To fully understand where the country is located, here are some interesting geographical location elements:

It covers a significant portion of the Eurasian steppe.
There Caspian Sea, although considered a “lake”, lies on its southwest edge.
The border with Russia is one of the largest shared land borders in the world.
It is approximately 5,000 kilometers of Paris, or approximately a direct flight of 6 to 7 hours.

If you want to visualize Kazakhstan on a map and plan a trip, I strongly recommend that you prepare your itinerary carefully given the gigantic size of the territory to explore.

Kazakhstan on a map

FAQ: Your questions about Kazakhstan

Why is Kazakhstan so big?

Its immense territory is the result of centuries of expansion under ancient empires and, later, boundaries established under the Soviet Union.

Is Kazakhstan a tourist country?

Absolutely, although it’s not yet a mainstream destination. Its varied landscapes attract more and more intrepid travelers.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (May) and autumn (September-October) are perfect for exploring its steppes and towns without suffering from extreme temperatures.

An immense territory that hides many treasures

Kazakhstan, although enigmatic for many travelers, offers a geographic and cultural wealth that is worth exploring. If you are looking for adventure and wide open spaces, this Central Asian country has something to meet all your expectations.

So where is Kazakhstan? Now you know exactly where to point on the map… and maybe soon where to put your bags!