Macroeconomic Data 2007
Population 14,711,068
GDP (real growth rate) 8.7%
Unemployment 7.3%
Inflation rate 10.8%
Export volume USD 44.88 billion
Import volume USD 29.91 billion
Kazakhstan: Economic Figures
Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a country in Central Asia and Europe. Ranked as the 9th largest country in the world as well as the world’s largest landlocked country, it has a territory of 2,727,300 sq. km (greater than Western Europe). It is bordered by Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China. The country also borders on a significant part of the Caspian Sea.
Although the capital city is now Astana (since July 1998), Almaty remains the largest city in Kazakhstan and represents the economical, financial, and cultural center of the country.
Kazakhstan is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. Growth is driven by oil, which has boosted exports, domestic demand and investment. Kazakhstan has the highest FDI (foreign direct investment) per capita in CIS at USD 1,170, well over 80% of all FDI in Central Asia. However the bulk of this investment is in the oil sector.
Kazakhstan holds a leading position in Central Asia on the socio-economic development level. Its investment market can be characterized as dynamically growing: during the last 5 years GDP has increased by more than 9%, while inflation stayed at a low level.
The flow of direct investment into the economy of the Republic from 1993 to 2005 amounts to USD 40.5 bln. The main investor is the USA, comprising about one third of international investments, with most of these being in the oil and gas sector. Such countries as the Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, and China are also significant investors. Among CIS countries the leading investors are Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine.
The economy is dependent on imports, as domestic wares are often not competitive enough. Import demand is growing.
VAT (value added tax) in Kazakhstan is 13%.
