Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, located in Central Asia. It shares borders with Russia to the north, China to the east, and several Central Asian countries to the south. The capital city is Nur-Sultan, which was formerly known as Astana. The country is known for its vast steppes, mountains, and rich natural resources, including oil and minerals. The population of Kazakhstan is diverse, with ethnic groups such as Kazakh, Russian, and Uighur. The official language is Kazakh, while Russian is also widely spoken. Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since developed a growing economy and a unique cultural heritage.