{"product_id":"2940152361445","title":"Kazakhstan in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Kazakh Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Customs, Rural and Urban Life, Almaty, Astana, Caspian, Aral Sea, Khanate, Russian","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Kazakhstan, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 1 * PROFILE * Introduction * Facts and Figures * CHAPTER 2 * GEOGRAPHY * Introduction * Location and Area * Geographical Regions and Features * Northern Steppes * Semi-Deserts and Deserts * The Caspian Depression * Mountains of the East and Southeast * Climate * Rivers * Bodies of Water * Caspian Sea * Aral Sea * Lake Balkhash * Other Major Lakes * Major Cities * Almaty (Alma-Ata) * Astana * Shymkent (Chimkent) * Qaraghandy (Karaganda) * Taraz (Zhambyl) * Atyrau * Environmental Issues * Nuclear Radiation * Pollution * Desertification * Natural Hazards * CHAPTER 3 * HISTORY * Introduction * Early History * The Saks (Scythians) * The Usun and the Huns * Turkic Tribes * The Mongol Empire * The Mongol Invasion * Mongol Rule * Decline * The Kazakhs * The Emergence of the Kazakhs * The Kazakh Khanate * The Three Hordes * The Decline of the Khanate * The Russian Empire * Russian Expansion into the Steppe * Annexation * Settlement * Growing Unrest and the Fall of Imperial Russia * The Soviet Era * Early Soviet Policy in the Steppe * Imprisonment, Exile, and Industry under Stalin * The \"Virgin Lands\" Campaign and Industrial Expansion * Kazakh Politics and Growing Nationalism * The Decline of the Soviet Union and the Emergence of an Independent Kazakhstan * The Independent Era * Development and Policy under Nazarbayev * Nazarbayev's Consolidation of Power * CHAPTER 4 * ECONOMY * Introduction * Energy * Oil * Natural Gas * Coal and Electricity * Industry and Natural Resources * Agriculture * Banking and Currency * Foreign Trade and Investment * Tourism * Transportation * Standard of Living * Outlook * CHAPTER 5 * SOCIETY * Introduction * Ethnic Groups * Languages * Religion * Traditions * Gender Issues * Cuisine * Traditional Dress * The Arts * Oral and Musical Tradition * Literature * Textiles and Jewelry * Sports and Recreation * CHAPTER 6 * SECURITY * Introduction * Military and National Security * Structure of the Armed Forces * Reform Efforts and Issues Affecting the Military * Defense Ties * U.S.-Kazakhstan Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * China * Kyrgyzstan * Russia * Turkmenistan * Uzbekistan * Water Security * Issues Affecting Stability * Terrorism * Religious Extremism * Ethnic Unrest * Corruption and Political Infighting * Outlook * CHAPTER 1 * COUNTRY PROFILE * Introduction * Area * Geographical Regions and Features * Northern Steppes * Semi-Deserts and Deserts * The Caspian Depression * Mountains of the East and Southeast * Climate * Bodies of Water * Rivers * Caspian Sea * Aral Sea * Lake Balkhash * Major Cities * Almaty (Alma-Ata) * Astana * Shymkent (Chimkent) * Atyrau * History * Ancient History * The Mongols * The Kazakhs * Russian Expansion * Russian Annexation and Settlement * Early Soviet Policy in the Steppe * The Soviet Era: Post-World War II * The Decline of the Soviet Union * Independent Kazakhstan * Economy * Industry * Agriculture * Trade and Foreign Investment * Government * Media * Ethnic Groups * Languages * CHAPTER 2 * RELIGION * Introduction * Folk Religion and Islam * Religion and the State * Religion and Daily Life * Religious Holidays * Orazai (Ramadan) * Uraza Bairam (Eid Al-Fidr) * Qurban Ait (Eid Al-Adha) * Mosque Etiquette * CHAPTER 3 * TRADITIONS * Introduction * Tribal and Clan Identity * Gender Roles and Relations * Traditional Economy * Greetings and Communication * Hospitality and Gift-giving * Eating and Drinking Habits * Tea and Bread * Meals * Cuisine * Dress Codes * Social Events\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Progressive Management","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47167003787504,"sku":"2940152361445","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940152361445_p0.jpg?v=1764019267","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940152361445","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}