Kazakhstan [Updated June 21, 2019]   [open pdf - 452KB]

From the Overview: "Kazakhstan, a U.S. partner in areas such as counterterrorism, regional security, and nuclear nonproliferation, is a strategically situated country endowed with significant hydrocarbon and mineral resources. It shares long borders with Russia to the north and China to the east. Although sparsely populated, Kazakhstan is the world's ninth largest country by area. Previously a republic of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan became independent in 1991. Since then, the country's authoritarian government has introduced significant market reforms, developed the energy sector, and moved to diversify its economy. Kazakhstan pursues a 'multi-vector' foreign policy, seeking to balance relations with major powers while actively participating in international organizations."