Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a vast, landlocked country situated in Central Asia, with a small extension into Eastern Europe. It is the world's ninth-largest country by area, boasting a diverse geography that ranges from arid steppes and deserts to fertile agricultural lands and the massive Caspian Sea coast. Bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, its history is marked by nomadic traditions, imperial influence, and a modern push for economic diversification. The population, estimated at around 18.7 million, is ethnically diverse, with Kazakhs forming the majority and Russians constituting a significant minority. The country's economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly oil and gas.