Kazakhstan celebrates Gratitude Day on March 1. International experts view the country as an example of a state where ethnic diversity has become a source of social stability rather than conflict. Today, Kazakhstan is perceived not merely as a multiethnic space, but as a model of cultural coexistence shaped by history and shared social values.

The secret of Kazakhstan’s success lies in the organic combination of a tragic historical context and the traditional steppe code of hospitality. Unlike many Western states, Kazakhstan is seen on the global stage not just as a territory with ethnic diversity, but as a platform where cultures complement one another harmoniously.

Country where dozens of peoples met

The historical foundation of today’s diversity was laid during the harsh years of the last century. Mass deportations of various ethnic groups turned the Kazakh steppes into a place of forced resettlement for millions. It was during this period that ethnographers recorded a phenomenon unusual for world history: instead of the expected interethnic tension, a deep culture of survival through mutual support emerged.

Kazakh families have opened their homes to welcome displaced persons and families. This historical test of humanity shaped the modern national identity, where a culture of gratitude and mutual respect is a natural state of society. Today, experts emphasize that the survival and subsequent prosperity of many ethnic groups became possible precisely due to the openness and generosity of the indigenous population.

Preserving differences without losing unity

A distinctive feature of Kazakhstan is that cultural diversity here has not disappeared under the pressure of integration. National languages, customs, cuisine, music, and holidays continue to develop and remain part of everyday life.

Ethnocultural associations, national centers, educational programs, and public initiatives help preserve the identities of different peoples. According to sociological surveys, over 95% of citizens consider interethnic relations in the country to be stable, confirming the effectiveness of the chosen course toward preserving the uniqueness of every people.

Rare ethnic groups few people know about

Representatives of 122 ethnic groups officially live in Kazakhstan. With a total population of just over 20 mln, Kazakhs make up 71 %, Russians nearly 3 million, Uzbeks more than 678,000, and Ukrainians 364,000.

According to the latest census, only two Koryaks remain. There are also two Kets, and three representatives each of the Ulta and Selkup people. These are the last descendants of small indigenous peoples of the North who ended up in Kazakhstan as a result of Stalin-era and remained here for the rest of their lives.

There are about 350 Assyrians in Kazakhstan, living mainly in Almaty and the surrounding region. They are a Christian people with an ancient history who speak Neo-Aramaic - the language traditionally believed to have been spoken by Jesus Christ.

There are several thousand Yazidis in the country - an ethno-confessional Kurdish group practicing an ancient religion unrelated to either Islam or Christianity. There are also Greeks who were deported from the Black Sea coast.

A separate story is that of the Koreans. They were deported from the Far East in 1937, and today over 100,000 people of Korean origin live in Kazakhstan. They have built one of the most successful diasporas. In Almaty, the Korean Theatre still - the only national Korean theatre in the post-Soviet space outside Korea operates.

There are currently about 223,000 ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan, although before the collapse of the USSR there were nearly a million. After German reunification, most moved to their historical homeland, but many later returned, having failed to fully adapt. Those who remained carefully preserve their culture; in some villages, German speech can still be heard.

International experience 

Malaysia is the closest analogue to Kazakhstan in terms of ethnic structure. Malays make up about 60-70 %, Chinese 20-25 %, Indians around 7 %, along with numerous smaller indigenous groups.

Singapore although a city-state, demonstrates a similar three-part model: Chinese account for about three quarters of the population, Malays around 15 %, and Indians about 9 %. The authorities pursue an active multicultural policy, ensuring that no ethnic group feels marginalized.

Why Kazakhstan’s experience is studied worldwide

Interest in the Kazakhstani model is linked to global migration processes and the growing number of interethnic challenges in many regions of the world. Against this backdrop, the country’s experience shows that diversity can become a factor of development when supported by social dialogue and cultural respect.

Kazakhstan demonstrates an approach in which different traditions do not compete but coexist within a single social space. For the younger generation, this shapes a new identity - openness to the world while preserving traditional values.