a republic in central Asia: conquered by Mongols in the 13th century; came under Russian control in the 18th and 19th centuries; was a Soviet republic from 1936 until it gained independence in 1991. It has rich mineral deposits and agriculture is important. Official language: Russian; Kazakh is also spoken. Religion: Muslim majority, Christian minority. Currency: tenge. Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana, Akmola, Akmolinsk, or Tselinograd); capital functions moved from Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) in 1997. Pop: 18 204 499 (2017 est). Area: 2 715 100 sq km (1 048 030 sq miles)