FACTS

• Kazakhstan is a large Central Asian country and the ninth‑largest in the world by land area, spanning vast steppe, desert, and mountain regions.
• The capital city is Astana (formerly Nur‑Sultan), and Almaty is the largest city and cultural center.
• Population: Around 19 million people as of the 2021 census, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups including Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, and others.
• Official status & society: Kazakhstan is a secular republic whose constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. Religious associations operate legally under government regulation.
• Religion: According to the 2021 national census, about 69.3% of the population identify as Muslim, predominantly Sunni of the Hanafi school, while roughly 17–17.2% identify as Christian (mainly Eastern Orthodox). Smaller percentages follow other religions, identify as non‑religious, or declined to state.
• Although Islam and Christianity are numerically dominant faiths, many people’s religious practice is cultural or nominal, reflecting the long influence of Soviet‑era secularism in Kazakh society.
• Within Kazakhstan’s Christian population, Eastern Orthodox traditions are the largest group, with smaller communities of Catholics and Protestant believers present.

WHY WE GO

Kazakhstan is home to both Muslim and Christian communities, but for many people faith is more cultural than personal. Discipleship, biblical understanding, and a lived-out faith are still limited—especially among ethnic Kazakhs and other people groups who live there.

Christians, particularly Protestant and Evangelical believers, make up only a small portion of the population. Many experience social pressure or legal limitations, especially when gathering outside of registered churches, despite constitutional protections for religious freedom.

Decades of Soviet rule left a lasting impact, with many people identifying with a religion but having little connection to the church or understanding of the gospel. This creates a strong need for patient, relational evangelism and intentional discipleship.

While Kazakhstan promotes religious tolerance, ministry requires wisdom and sensitivity.

The country’s ethnic diversity—including Kazakh, Russian, and many other groups—shapes how people view faith and the gospel. This diversity presents both challenges and meaningful opportunities for ministry.

There is a deep need for prayer—for spiritual awakening across the nation, for strong and equipped local church leaders, for unity among believers from different backgrounds, and for wisdom and compassion as the gospel is shared in culturally respectful ways throughout Kazakhstan.