Belarus vs. Kazakhstan

Attribute	Belarus	Kazakhstan
Capital	Minsk	Nur-Sultan
Official Language	Belarusian, Russian	Kazakh
Population	9.4 million	18.6 million
Area	207,600 sq km	2,724,900 sq km
GDP (nominal)	$59.9 billion	$180.5 billion

Geography

Belarus and Kazakhstan are both landlocked countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, respectively. Belarus is located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the north. On the other hand, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, situated in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west.

Climate

Belarus has a temperate continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. The average temperature in January is around -6°C, while in July it is around 18°C. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has a diverse climate due to its vast size, with temperatures ranging from -40°C in the winter to 40°C in the summer. The southern regions of Kazakhstan have a desert climate, while the northern regions experience a continental climate.

Population

Belarus has a population of around 9.5 million people, with the majority of the population being ethnic Belarusians. The country is relatively homogenous in terms of ethnicity, with Belarusians making up around 83% of the population. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has a population of around 18 million people, with a diverse ethnic makeup. Kazakhs are the largest ethnic group, making up around 67% of the population, followed by Russians at around 20%.

Economy

Belarus has a mixed economy with a strong state sector, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The country has a high level of economic integration with Russia, its largest trading partner. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has a market economy with a focus on natural resources, particularly oil and gas. The country is one of the top oil producers in the world and has attracted significant foreign investment in its energy sector.

Politics

Belarus is a presidential republic with a strong centralized government led by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. The country has been criticized for its lack of political freedoms and human rights abuses. On the other hand, Kazakhstan is also a presidential republic, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev currently in power. The country has made efforts to diversify its economy and improve its human rights record in recent years.

Culture

Belarus has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both Eastern Europe and Russia. The country is known for its traditional folk music, dance, and art, as well as its literature and theater. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has a diverse cultural heritage due to its history as a crossroads of different civilizations. The country has a rich tradition of nomadic culture, as well as influences from Persian, Turkic, and Russian cultures.

Education

Belarus has a well-developed education system with a high literacy rate of over 99%. The country has a strong emphasis on science and technology education, with a number of prestigious universities and research institutions. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has also made significant investments in education in recent years, with a focus on improving access to higher education and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Infrastructure

Belarus has a well-developed infrastructure with a modern transportation network, including highways, railways, and airports. The country has also invested in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has made significant investments in infrastructure in recent years, particularly in transportation and energy. The country is a key transit hub for goods moving between Europe and Asia.

Tourism

Belarus is known for its picturesque countryside, historic castles, and vibrant cities such as Minsk and Brest. The country has been making efforts to attract more tourists in recent years, with a focus on cultural and eco-tourism. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has a diverse range of attractions, including the Altai Mountains, the Charyn Canyon, and the city of Almaty. The country has been promoting tourism as a key sector for economic development.