At minimum some of the normally pro-Russian citizens of Kazakhstan are questioning the Putin government’s hard line against Georgia. TV in Kazakhstan has shown images of average Georgian citizens who are working illegally in Russia being forcibly removed from Russia.
One resident of Almaty I spoke with displayed an unusually critical opinion of Russia, “I […]
“Kazakhstan’s national railway has agreed to spend more than a half-billion dollars to outfit its trains with hundreds of new “environmentally clean” diesel locomotives built by General Electric Co. GE said Thursday the national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, will buy 310 new dual-cab locomotives between 2008 and 2012, in a contract worth more than […]
The disproportion between costs and incomes is becoming a real issue in Almaty. Paying $500USD as month for a flat in the city is no longer pricy. I recently heard of someone renting out their one room flat with separate washroom and kitchen for a $1000USD per month next to ramstor.
In proportion $1000 a […]
In the competitive exchange offices of Almaty a US dollar sells for only 119 Tenge today. 119 is significant as only a few months ago it was hovering around 130 Tenge. The US dollar being the currency of reference in Kazakhstan.
Why? A major reason is that the Tenge is an oil currency. Add the […]
There is a surprising diversity of cars in Kazakh cities. They range from refurbished German and Japanese cars to Soviet era Lada. Strong economic growth has lead to a surge in car ownership and when visiting a community cars are a quick indicator of the economic vitality of the community.
Andrei, an ethnic Russian from […]
While I earlier outlined that President Nazarbayev skilfully keeps control, using the title Nazarbayev writes Central Asia’s Machiavelli “The Prince” to spark discussion (May 18 & 27), he also has the quality of caring about the people. At least he gives than impression to the population.
Caring in itself is better than many other […]
A nation with strong economic growth and a majority Muslim population free of religious extremism. One that borders two major powers as well as nations with potentially radical religious movements. One with oil, and great possibility for much more, in a world economy handcuffed over black gold.
This island of stability is Kazakhstan. At least […]
In March the two main mobile phone operators in Kazakhstan (K-Cell and K-Mobile) began permitting SMS between networks. Previously one could only SMS to mobiles on the same network and to mobiles abroad where agreements existed.
This is a small example of the evolution of the Kazakh economy and its competition practises. Some food for […]
Yesterday’s orchestrated launch of the government’s new funding for science development is a good example of the intelligent approach Nazarbayev’s team has to governing.
Learn how a marshrutka gets you around, about Kazakh food and its Central Asian – USSR influence…
I run a podcast called Kazakhstan Stories:
“Life in Kazakhstan - from first hand accounts to the sounds of life (via minidisc) we will discover the joys, ingenuity and challenges from everyday life in this part of Central Asia.”
Access […]
