Kazakhstan

Capital: Astana (formerly Aqmola) became the official capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 succeeding Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) and moving the national government from the far southeast to the industrial north. Other Major Cities: Almaty Karaganda Oskemen Pavlodar Shymkent and Taraz. Independence: The recognized date of independence is December 16 1991 when the Republic of Kazakhstan split from the Soviet Union. Public Holidays: The national holiday is October 25 Republic Day. Other holidays are International Women's Day (March 8) Novruz (spring equinox March 21-22) Unification Day (May 1) Victory Day (May 9) Constitution Day (August 30) and Independence Day (December 16). Russian Orthodox citizens celebrate Christmas on January 7.