The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union from 1936 until its independence in 1991. It was located in Central Asia and covered a vast territory, making it one of the largest republics in the USSR. The capital was initially Alma-Ata, which later became known as Almaty. The economy was primarily based on agriculture and natural resources, including oil and minerals. During its time as a Soviet republic, the Kazakh SSR underwent significant industrialization and urbanization. The government promoted the Russian language and culture, which influenced the local population. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan emerged as an independent nation, marking the end of the Kazakh SSR.