§ 1. Economic-isographic position of kazakhstan

Economic-geographical position (EGP) of republic is characterised ­ in the textbook in the following plan: 1) the geographical position­; 2) the adjacent countries; 3) position from positions of raw and fuel and energy resources; 4) position concerning the ­ major transport highways; 5) changes in the countries EGP; 6) a conclusion about influence of a geographical position of the country on development of its economy.

During theme studying it is necessary to address to physical, economic and political maps that will help to define dependence of economic development of Kazakhstan on its geographical position­.

Kazakhstan is in the central part of the Euroasian continent­: in the west - a part of Near-Caspian and Turan lowlands, in the central part - Kazakh shallow hill, in the north - southern suburb of West Siberian plain, in the east and the southeast - mountains of Altai, Tarbagatai, Zhongar Alatau and Tien-Shan. The ­ republic territory ­ is 2 724,9 thousand km² that makes 2 % of all area of globe, 6,1 % - Asia, 12,1 % - the CIS countries. On size of the occupied area Kazakhstan is on 9th place in the world after Russia, China, the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India­, Australia and surpasses in the area of 12 countries of the European Union.

Extent of frontier of republic from them passes of 13 994 km overland: in the west, the northwest and the north Kazakhstan borders on the Russian Federation (7 591 km), in the south - with the Central Asian states: Turkmenistan (380 km), Uzbekistan (2 300 km), Kyrgyzstan (980 km), in the southeast - with the Chinese National Republic (1 460 km). The length ­ of sea border which passes across the Caspian Sea is equal 600 km.

Kazakhstan is located in the central part of continent and is remote ­ from oceans that was at the bottom of insufficiency of water resources. In these conditions can develop pasturable animal industries ­ and branches of irrigation agriculture. Deficiency of water resources constrains development of water capacious manufactures black and nonferrous metallurgy.

It testifies that Kazakhstan is in unprofitable economic-geographical position.

On a variety of natural resources and stocks Kazakhstan is one of rich regions of the world.

Bowels of Kazakhstan are rich with natural resources among which the ­ major are raw and fuel and energy. The reconnoitered geological stocks of coal make 176,6 billion t. Huge stocks of oil and gas are concentrated in Mangistau, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Aktobe and Kyzylorda areas.

A modern economic-geographical position republic is the basis for creation on extensive Euroasian space ­ of uniform transport and communication systems of highways­. Kazakhstan becomes the binding bridge between Europe and Asia with its developed technology rich with natural resources.

That circumstance that Kazakhstan occupies extensive territory ­ of the central part of the Euroasian continent, and also flat ­ character of its relief causes a concentration here large transport highways. Not without reason in the past on territory of the country ­ there passed uniting Europe and Asia road Zhibek zholy - the Great Silk way.

In air space of Kazakhstan 72 international ­ aviation lines are crossed­. From 51 airports of the country 13 serve the ­ international flights.

With expansion of the foreign trade communications between the countries of Europe ­ and Asia by transportation cargoes through territory of Kazakhstan in our country railway transportation corridors are formed­: "the East - the West" (China - Kazakhstan - Russia - Europe); "the North - the South" (Russia (St.-Petersburg) - Kazakhstan (port Aktau) - Iran (Persian gulf) - India);" Europe - Caucasus - Asia "(Europe - Azerbaijan (Baku) - Kazakhstan (port Aktau) - China (Friendship).

In the beginning of XX century the economy of Kazakhstan was in a backward condition. In the absence of the roads connecting Kazakhstan with industrially developed countries, manufacture growth was contained.

Active development of mineral deposits ­ that has created favorable conditions ­ for growth of economy of republic has begun with the middle of the last century­­. Along with the USA and countries of Western Europe for today Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Japan ­ and China show huge interest to Kazakhstan. It is connected with presence of strategic natural resources, first of all – high potential oil and gas. Intensive economic development ­ of neighbouring countries also has made positive impact on development of an economy of Kazakhstan.

Historical and economic contacts to the next states ­ - Russia and China, passing through territory of sovereign ­ Kazakhstan in the field of economy more than with 120 countries have strengthened large transit highways, an establishment of communications economic-geographical position our republic.

From the economic-geographical point of view Kazakhstan has following ­ advantages:

1. The neighbourhood with the historical-economic developed countries (Russia, China, the countries of the Central Asia).

2. Placing on transit lines.

3. The major part of the relief of territory are plains in Kazakhstan.

4. Large supplies of mineral resources.