Kazakhstan's Experience: 20 Years of Independence

The acclaimed British writer and politician Jonathan Aitken, the author of "Nazarbayev and the Making of Kazakhstan", describes the young country in glowing and optimistic terms: "My personal impression is that Kazakhstan is a miracle. No one knew anything about the country just 20 years ago. But today the whole global community is talking about its success. Nursultan Nazarbayev has played no less a role in the success of his nation than Churchill played in the history of Britain".

Is there any other state in the world that over 20 years, a rather short time period in terms of historical development, reached such a level as Kazakhstan did? No.

In just 20 years, Kazakhstan has developed progressive policies advocating inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogue and nuclear disarmament. New political and economic systems had to be developed, and chairmanship of many international organizations, including the OSCE, has earned the republic significant kudos. Also worth noting the fact, that in the current year the country has successfully headed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIF).

Political stability in the society has been a priority, and one that has proven to be sound.

"The history of the 20th anniversary of independence is the history of stability of the state, friendship and consent of Kazakhstan's people", - said Nursultan Nazarbayev. "Two decades of accomplishments that eluded our nation for many centuries" is how the president sums up the achievements of his people. "Let's build the future together!" is his call to arms.

One of the first decisions of the Kazakh President after the republic gained its independence was the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which was highly appreciated by the entire world community. The former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said that Kazakhstan was a country listening to reason and called it an example of how people should live and look to the future with hope.

Economic growth in Kazakhstan has been highly impressive, especially when placed in the context of the current economic crisis. "In 1994 per capita GDP was just a little more than seven hundred dollars" said Nazarbayev. "By January 1, 2011 it has grown by over 12 times and now exceeds $9 000. We expected to achieve this level only by 2015. World experience shows that no country could boast such a result in the first 20 years of independence. For instance, in the first twenty years of sovereign development per capita GDP in South Korea tripled, in Malaysia doubled, in Singapore and Poland quadrupled, and in Hungary quintupled.

" Education has also been prioritized, with spending on the sector increasing by 7.5 times in 20 years. According to UNESCO, Kazakhstan ranks fourth among 129 countries in its Education Development Index. In terms of literacy it is in the 14th out of 177 countries.

Language is another priority, with the Kazakh tongue assuming equal status with Russian, and English being widely taught as the language of international business.

Kazakhstan can be proud of the 20-year-long road of independence. Transition from totalitarianism could never be easy, but of the 15 former soviet republics, the country has grown into a regional leader, consistently defending its own interests, whilst being guided by the principles of tolerance and security.

Kazakhstan for 20 years of independence achieved good results in the economy. It's no secret that today Kazakhstan is not only one of the fastest growing states of the former Soviet Union, but is an economic leader in its region. This is clearly seen in rising living standards - in recent years wages have increased by 5-6 times, and the average pension has quadrupled. Poverty levels have declined from 50 to 13%, at a time when they are rising even in many EU countries.

Neither Kazakhstan nor President Nazarbayev are resting on their laurels. Their is still work to do, but the nation is determined to carry on the impressive work that has been carried out, and that has made this young country a bridge between east and west, and also between the past and the future.