I’m sure many of you started in the country you knew you were adopting from, for me, I’ve always been paper ready for one country (all three adoptions) and adopted from another country. I did not know of Albania or Kazakhstan prior to either of my adoptions. And unfortunately with having a teacher who “napped” – honestly – she napped – during my history and geography class – I even had to learn their locations. I’ve also learned over the years that MANY people do not know where Kazakhstan is, how to pronounce it - but always ask. So when I ran across this article – A 60-Second guide to Kazakhstan, I read it with enthusiasm. I know for my son’s preschool – they said to keep our mission to 1 to 2 minutes to “sell” a potential supporter (we are a non-profit). It made me think – this is a nice tool to have for ourselves and our children who are older – so they have a quick and easy reference to take the opportunity to educate those who inquire and ask.

I haven’t followed along with the whole Borat discussion and really need to read and see both sides of the discussion – because I know it will bring Kazakhstan into many people’s life and if it is portrayed negatively – I want to have some “answers” ready.

Below is the link to the original article and a cut and paste for those who can make the link work or if the link expires – you’ll have the article to read still.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/travel/story/0,,1933624,00.html

A 60-second guide to Kazakhstan
Gemma Bowes
Sunday October 29, 2006

Observer

Basics
The Republic of Kazakhstan covers an expanse of central Asia the same size as Western Europe, making it the ninth-largest country in the world. Its population of 15.3 million is 60 per cent Kazakh, 25 per cent Russian, with smaller proportions of Ukrainians, Uzbekis and Germans. Not much creative thought went into the naming of the capital, Astana, which literally means 'capital'.

History
Kazakhstan was a former republic of the Soviet Union but was established as its own country in 1991. Historically it's been run by the Persian and Mongol empires before becoming the territories of Kazakh Khanate in the 13th century, when lots of tribes were organized into a single 'Kazakh' tribe.

Politics
The president and head of state, Nursultan Nazarbayev, right, has been in power since independence. The elections in 1999 and 2005 fell short of international standards according to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Intimidation and suppression of political opponents is common.

The future
Despite spelling the word 'bank' wrong on its new bank notes, it is becoming a major economic powerhouse, thanks largely to huge reserves of crude oil and natural gas. Tourism is hoped to become more important, hence the government's dismay at Borat's negative portrayal.

Geography
Vast, open and remote, consisting mainly of grassy, sandy steppe with the odd industrial town. Major features include the northern Ertis river, Lake Balkhash in the south east, the Aral Sea which borders Uzbekistan, the Caspian and 'singing' sand dunes. Summers hit 32C, the January average is 15 below zero.

Food
Horse flesh, boiled pelvic bones and cervical vertebrae ... squeamish types might turn their noses up at Kazakhstan's traditional dishes. But mutton and beef are as popular as horse, and the flat breads, fish cakes and soups will tempt more nervous visitors.

Culture
Folk singing, training golden eagles and equine sports - including 'overtake the girl', in which boys rip a headscarf from a female rider's teeth while she whips him - and a form of polo played with a dead goat... a lot of Borat rings true. But there's also a modern art scene and a new Intercontinental hotel in the capital.

Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006