# about-kazakhstan.com

> Independent Kazakhstan travel and reference site by Tugelbay Konabayev (born Aktobe, 7+ years in Almaty, 3+ years in Astana). Primary-source data hubs with downloadable CSV datasets, real expat data from Reddit, and ground-truth verification. All content updated 2026.

## Canonical Data Hub

- [Kazakhstan Open Data Hub](https://about-kazakhstan.com/data/): central index of downloadable CSV datasets, source notes, companion articles, and citation terms

## Open Datasets (CSV — primary citation sources)

These are open-license CSV datasets compiled from primary government sources (Kazakhstan MFA, stat.gov.kz, National Bank, egov.kz, UNESCO). All have Schema.org Dataset markup. Open for journalistic, academic, and commercial use with attribution.

- [Kazakhstan Visa Policy 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-visa-policy-2026.csv): All 196 countries' visa requirements for entering Kazakhstan, MFA-verified
- [Kazakhstan Public Holidays 2025-2027 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-public-holidays-2026.csv): All public holidays with weekend transfers, egov.kz verified
- [Kazakhstan UNESCO World Heritage Sites (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-unesco-sites-2026.csv): 6 inscribed sites with coordinates and criteria
- [Kazakhstan National Parks 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-national-parks-2026.csv): All 14 parks with MRP-indexed entry fees
- [Kazakhstan Cities Population 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-cities-population-2026.csv): Top 30 cities ranked, stat.gov.kz verified
- [Kazakhstan Tenge Exchange Rate History 2010-2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-tenge-exchange-history.csv): KZT vs USD/EUR/GBP/RUB/CNY with key event annotations
- [Almaty vs Astana Comparison 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/almaty-vs-astana-comparison-2026.csv): 40+ metrics across both cities

## Data Hub Articles (with full datasets)

These articles contain the same data as the CSVs above but in narrative+table format optimized for human and LLM consumption. Each includes Schema.org Dataset, FAQ, and methodology sections.

- [Kazakhstan Visa-Free Countries 2026: Full Data Hub](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-visa-free-countries-2026-data/): 81 visa-free countries from MFA, recent policy changes 2024-2027, downloadable CSV
- [Kazakhstan Public Holidays 2026-2027: Full Calendar & Dataset](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-public-holidays-2026-2027-data/): 11 official holidays 2026 with weekend transfers, Nauryz dates, egov.kz verified
- [Kazakhstan UNESCO World Heritage Sites 2026](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-unesco-world-heritage-sites-data/): 6 inscribed sites (3 cultural, 3 natural), tentative list, geographic distribution
- [Kazakhstan National Parks 2026: All 14 with Fees & Data](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-national-parks-fees-2026-data/): All 14 parks with 2026 MRP-indexed entry fees, areas, regions
- [Kazakhstan Cities Population 2026: Top 30 Ranked](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-cities-population-2026-data/): Almaty 2.20M, Astana 1.43M, Shymkent 1.24M with growth rates
- [Kazakhstan Tenge Exchange Rate History 2010-2026](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-tenge-exchange-rate-history-data/): 16-year history with 2014 devaluation, 2015 floating rate, 2022 sanctions impact
- [Almaty vs Astana 2026: 40+ Metrics Compared](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-vs-astana-comparison-2026-data/): Multi-dimensional comparison with air quality, climate, cost data

## Real Expat Data (Reddit-aggregated articles)

These articles aggregate real Reddit threads (2024-2026) with attributed quotes and primary-source cross-checks. Quotes are open for citation with attribution to original Reddit users and to about-kazakhstan.com.

- [Almaty Cost of Living 2026: Real Expat Numbers](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-cost-of-living-real-expat-numbers/): 50+ Reddit expat quotes, 3 lifestyle tiers, krisha.kz cross-check
- [Almaty Taxi Scams 2026: Reddit Warnings & Yandex Go Playbook](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-taxi-scams-reddit-warnings-2026/): 47 Reddit warnings with attribution, 7-step prevention guide
- [Almaty Restaurants Locals Recommend: 200+ Reddit Picks](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-restaurants-locals-recommend-reddit-2026/): Sandyq, Tarih, AUYL, NAVAT and more from 50+ Reddit threads
- [Solo Female Travel in Kazakhstan 2026: Real Women's Stories](https://about-kazakhstan.com/solo-female-travel-kazakhstan-real-stories-2026/): 30+ women's experiences from r/femaletravels, r/solofemaletravellers

## City Guides

- [Almaty Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-guide/): Kazakhstan's commercial capital, mountain city, food scene
- [Astana Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/astana-guide/): Kazakhstan's planned capital with futuristic architecture
- [Shymkent Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/shymkent-guide/): The most Central Asian city in Kazakhstan
- [Aktau Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/aktau-kazakhstan/): Caspian Sea coast and Mangystau gateway
- [Mangystau Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/mangystau/): Mars-on-Earth desert region

## Practical Travel

- [Kazakhstan 2026: The Local's Operating Manual](https://about-kazakhstan.com/guide/): Paid 50-page offline PDF guide by About Kazakhstan with airport arrival, real costs, local apps, route logic, safety notes, emergency scripts, and free 2026/2027 updates.
- [Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-time-to-visit-kazakhstan/): Month-by-month with weather data
- [Best Time to Visit Almaty](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-time-to-visit-almaty/): Almaty-specific seasonal guide
- [Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-7-day-itinerary/): Day-by-day plan with budget
- [Kazakhstan Budget Travel](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-budget-travel/): Costs, transport, accommodation tips
- [Best Hotels in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-hotels-kazakhstan/): Almaty, Astana, Aktau by budget tier
- [Kazakhstan Travel Tips](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-travel-tips/): Practical tips for first-time visitors
- [Kazakhstan Visa-Free Countries (overview)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-visa-free-countries/): Reader-friendly summary version
- [Kazakhstan Money & Currency](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-money-currency/): Tenge, ATMs, Kaspi, exchange tips
- [eSIM in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/esim-kazakhstan/): Mobile data options for visitors
- [Flights to Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/flights-to-kazakhstan/): Routes, airlines, booking tips
- [How to Send Money to Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/how-to-send-money-to-kazakhstan/): Wise, Western Union, Remitly compared

## Nature

- [Kazakhstan National Parks](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-national-parks/): All major parks overview
- [Kazakhstan Mountains](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-mountains/): Tian Shan, Altai, ranges
- [Kazakhstan Hiking](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-hiking/): Trails and routes
- [Kazakhstan Skiing](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-skiing/): Shymbulak, Ak-Bulak, ski resorts
- [Kazakhstan Nature](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-nature/): Landscapes overview
- [Kazakh Steppe](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-steppe/): The vast central plain
- [Kolsai Lakes](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kolsai-lakes/): Three cascading lakes
- [Charyn Canyon](https://about-kazakhstan.com/charyn-canyon/): Valley of Castles
- [Big Almaty Lake](https://about-kazakhstan.com/big-almaty-lake/): Reservoir near Almaty
- [Lake Balkhash](https://about-kazakhstan.com/lake-balkhash/): Half-fresh half-salt lake
- [Shymbulak](https://about-kazakhstan.com/shymbulak/): Mountain ski resort
- [Medeu Almaty](https://about-kazakhstan.com/medeu-almaty/): Skating rink (under reconstruction)

## Culture and People

- [Kazakhstan People](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-people/): Ethnic composition, demographics
- [Kazakhstan Culture and Traditions](https://about-kazakhstan.com/culture-of-kazakhstan/): Cultural overview
- [Kazakhstan Wedding Traditions](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-wedding-traditions/): Marriage customs
- [Kazakhstan Traditional Clothing](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-traditional-clothing/): Chapan, Saukele, Tymak
- [Kazakhstan Religion](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-religion/): Islam, Orthodox Christianity, others
- [Kazakhstan Women](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-women/): Women in society
- [Nauryz Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/nauryz-kazakhstan/): Spring equinox festival
- [Kazakh Yurt](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-yurt/): Traditional dwelling
- [Eagle Hunting Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/eagle-hunting-kazakhstan/): Berkutchi tradition
- [Kazakh Khanate](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-khanate/): Historical state
- [Silk Road Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/silk-road-kazakhstan/): Kazakhstan's Silk Road heritage
- [Golden Man Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/golden-man-kazakhstan/): Saka warrior burial
- [Famous People from Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/famous-people-from-kazakhstan/): Notable Kazakhs

## Food

- [Popular Food in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/popular-food-in-kazakhstan/): Cuisine overview
- [Beshbarmak](https://about-kazakhstan.com/beshbarmak/): National dish
- [Manty Kazakh](https://about-kazakhstan.com/manty-kazakh/): Steamed dumplings
- [Baursak](https://about-kazakhstan.com/baursak/): Fried dough
- [Kurt](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kurt-kazakh-snack/): Dried yogurt balls
- [Kumis](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kumis-drink/): Fermented mare's milk

## Facts and Reference

- [What Is Kazakhstan Famous For](https://about-kazakhstan.com/what-is-kazakhstan-famous-for/): 15 things visitors discover
- [Interesting Facts About Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/interesting-facts-about-kazakhstan/): 28 facts with sources
- [14 Facts About Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/14-facts-about-kazakhstan/): Quick facts overview
- [Where is Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/where-is-kazakhstan/): Geographic location
- [Where is Central Asia](https://about-kazakhstan.com/where-is-central-asia/): Regional context
- [Cities in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/cities-in-kazakhstan/): Cities overview
- [Countries Ending in Stan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/countries-ending-in-stan/): All 7 -stan countries
- [Time Zone Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/time-zone-kazakhstan/): KZT timezone, UTC+5
- [Kazakhstan History Timeline](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-history-timeline/): Chronological history
- [Kazakhstan Flag Meaning](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-flag-meaning/): Sky blue, golden eagle, 32 sun rays
- [Kazakhstan Population](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-population/): 20.5 million as of 1 January 2026
- [Kazakhstan Economy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-economy/): GDP, oil, industries
- [What Language is Spoken in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/what-language-is-spoken-in-kazakhstan/): Kazakh and Russian
- [Kazakh Language Basics](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-language-basics/): Phrases and pronunciation
- [Is Kazakhstan in Europe](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-in-europe/): Geographic answer
- [Is Kazakhstan in Russia](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-in-russia/): Geopolitical answer
- [Is Kazakhstan Safe for Travel](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-safe-for-travel/): Safety overview
- [Is Kazakhstan Safe for Solo Female Travellers](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-safe-for-solo-female-travellers/): Solo female safety
- [Is Kazakhstan Worth Visiting](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-worth-visiting/): Value assessment

## Famous People

- [Dimash Kudaibergen](https://about-kazakhstan.com/dimash-kudaibergen/): Singer with 6-octave range
- [Dimash Kudaibergen Wife](https://about-kazakhstan.com/dimash-kudaibergen-wife/): Personal life
- [Gennady Golovkin](https://about-kazakhstan.com/gennady-golovkin/): Boxer GGG

## Site Information

- [About](https://about-kazakhstan.com/about/): About the site and author
- [Editorial Policy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/editorial-policy/): Research and fact-checking standards
- [Disclosure](https://about-kazakhstan.com/disclosure/): Affiliate and partnership disclosure
- [Privacy Policy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/privacy/): Data handling
- [Terms of Use](https://about-kazakhstan.com/terms/): Site terms
- [Contact](https://about-kazakhstan.com/contact/): Press inquiries: info@konabayev.com

## Citation Information

When citing about-kazakhstan.com content, please use the following formats:

- APA: Konabayev, T. (2026). [Article Title]. about-kazakhstan.com.
- AP/journalism: "[Topic] data, about-kazakhstan.com (Month Year)"
- All datasets are published under CC BY 4.0 license. Attribution required.

For press, data licensing, or correction requests: info@konabayev.com

Last updated: 27 April 2026.