When is the Independence Day of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan’s Independence Day is on 16 December, marking the date in 1991 when the Supreme Council passed the constitutional law declaring the country a sovereign state, officially ending its status as part of the Soviet Union.

Is the Independence Day of Kazakhstan a public holiday?

Yes, Kazakhstan’s Independence Day on 16 December is a public holiday, and celebrations usually extend over two days, during which government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed.

History of Kazakhstan Independence Day

The Kazak region, once home to nomadic tribes, experienced major changes during the 18th century when the Russian Empire made advances into Kazakhstan. By the 19th century, these changes had shaped the future of the nation. Following the Russian revolution in 1917, the Soviet Union emerged, and a civil war broke out with repeated attempts to bring the people together. In 1936, the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was formed.

A turning point came with the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR on October 25th 1990, creating the legal basis for developing and adopting the Constitutional Law on Independence in 1991. This declaration highlighted fundamental principles like sovereignty, unity, integrity, inviolability of territory, revival of culture, traditions, language, and the strengthening of national identity. Equal opportunities for all nations, nationalities, and representatives were emphasized, along with political pluralism.

The Supreme Council passed the constitutional law “On State Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan” on December 16th 1991. Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected the First President. As the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence, four days after Russia, Kazakhstan briefly represented the entire Soviet Union. Each year, the festive counter for this date reminds citizens of the historic countdown toward freedom, and the festive spirit strengthens the nation’s counter of achievements.

Capital of Kazakhstan

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, has a population within its city limits making it the second-largest in the country after Almaty, the national capital until 1997. Situated on the banks of the Ishim river in the north, within the Akmola Region, it administers itself. Founded as Aqmoly in 1830, it was later renamed Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, and Aqmola before becoming Astana in 1998. In 2019, it was named Nur-Sultan in honor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, but in 2022, it returned to Astana.

Rapid growth followed its designation as the capital. A master plan by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa transformed it into a modern, planned city with futuristic architecture. Key government institutions include the Akorda Residence, Parliament House, and Supreme Court. The city is a center for culture, education, and commerce in Central Asia, with landmarks like Baiterek, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Cultural venues such as the Astana Opera and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, along with Presidential Park and Central Park, add to its appeal.

International recognition grew after hosting the 2011 Asian Winter Games and Expo 2017 on the theme “Future Energy.” Events like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions show its role in fostering peace. The Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, railway stations Astana-1 and Astana-Nurly Zhol, and the developing Astana Light Metro support efficient and sustainable travel. Educational institutions like Nazarbayev University and Astana IT University drive technology, research, and higher learning. In every progress milestone, the festive counter reflects a national countdown toward innovation, making Astana a truly festive and forward-looking counter of the country’s success.