Adopted in 1992
| Capital | Astana |
|---|---|
| Population | 20 592 571 inh. |
| Area | 2 724 900 km² |
| Population density | 7.6 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Kazakh, Russian |
| Political system | Unitary dominant-party presidential republic |
| National anthem | My Kazakhstan |
| Currency | Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) |
| Land borders | Russia, Uzbekistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan |
| Maritime borders | Caspian Sea, Aral Sea |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
The flag of Kazakhstan was adopted on 4 June 1992, a few months after the country declared independence on 16 December 1991. It is generally attributed to the artist Shaken Niyazbekov, winner of the competition held to choose it.
It replaced the flag of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, which was red with a blue stripe and the hammer and sickle.
The flag is sky blue, with a golden sun with 32 rays in the centre, a steppe eagle soaring beneath it, and a band of traditional ornament at the hoist.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The elements of the Kazakh flag have a precise meaning:
- Sky blue: the boundless sky, peace, and the unity of the Turkic peoples.
- Sun: life, energy and prosperity.
- Steppe eagle (berkut): freedom, power and the country's drive towards the future.
- Ornament: the traditional art and culture of the Kazakh people.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
4 June, the anniversary of the flag's adoption, is the Day of State Symbols in Kazakhstan.
Eagles are also used in traditional hunting, still practised by Kazakh falconers (berkutchi) in western Mongolia and in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh flag is one of the few national flags to depict an animal, along with those of Albania, Mexico, Uganda and Sri Lanka.
Flags of Neighbouring Countries
Sport and history
Athletes
Olympic Games
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan.
What do the colours of the flag of Kazakhstan mean?
The elements of the Kazakh flag have a precise meaning: Sky blue: the boundless sky, peace, and the unity of the Turkic peoples. Sun: life, energy and prosperity. Steppe eagle (berkut): freedom, power and the country's drive towards the future. Ornament: the traditional art and culture of the Kazakh people.
Which countries border Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan shares land borders with: Russia, Uzbekistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan.