Kazakhstan, one of the largest countries on earth, was long hidden from the rest of the world behind the Iron Curtain, and continued to remain unnoticed among the “stans” of Central Asia that gained independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Now, twenty years later, it has emerged as a modern state with far-reaching ambitions. It has developed rapidly over the last decade, raising a brand-new capital in the middle of its vast, empty grasslands, and stepping up to take the leading position in the region. Blessed with great reserves of oil, gas, and mineral resources, it is politically and economically stable, and the richest country in Central Asia. The seemingly endless expanse of the Kazakh Steppe takes visitors by surprise. In the east and southeast the terrain eventually changes to picturesque highlands and mountains, providing natural habitats for a number of rare animal and bird species. Once home to ancient civilizations, this immense land has yielded a wealth of archaeological artefacts. The modern Kazakh people emerged from the rise and fall of a succession of medieval Turkic states before being absorbed into the Russian Empire. They were pastoral nomads, self-sufficient, free, and famously adaptable. Their openness and generosity of spirit have survived against all the odds of a grim history. Today Kazakhstan is open for business, and receptive again to outside cultural influences. Culture Smart! Kazakhstan introduces Western readers to this complex, unknown people. It guides you through their traditions, customs, and social values. It describes how they behave at work, at home, at leisure, and on the street, and what they eat and drink. There are vital tips on communicating, and invaluable insights into Kazakhstan’s dynamic business culture and economy.

哈萨克斯坦是地球上最大的国家之一，长期以来被隐藏在铁幕之后，不为世界其他国家所知，并在1990年代初从苏联获得独立的中亚 "斯坦 "中继续保持不被注意。二十年后的今天，它已成为一个具有深远野心的现代国家。在过去的十年里，它发展迅速，在广袤而空旷的草原上建立了一个全新的首都，并在该地区占据了领先地位。它拥有巨大的石油、天然气和矿产资源储备，政治和经济稳定，是中亚地区最富有的国家。哈萨克大草原看似无边无际的广阔，让游客感到惊讶。在东部和东南部，地形最终转变为风景如画的高原和山脉，为许多珍稀动物和鸟类提供了自然栖息地。这片巨大的土地曾经是古代文明的家园，产生了大量的考古文物。现代哈萨克人是在中世纪突厥国家的兴衰过程中出现的，后来被俄罗斯帝国吸收。他们是牧民，自给自足，自由自在，并以适应性强而闻名。他们的开放和慷慨精神在严峻的历史中历经磨难而幸存下来。今天，哈萨克斯坦对商业开放，并再次接受外来文化的影响。聪明文化! 哈萨克斯坦》向西方读者介绍了这个复杂的、未知的民族。它引导你了解他们的传统、习俗和社会价值观。它描述了他们在工作、家庭、休闲和街上的行为方式，以及他们的饮食。书中有关于沟通的重要提示，以及对哈萨克斯坦动态商业文化和经济的宝贵见解。