Although families continue to cherish marriage traditions, a recent survey from Kazakh Institute for Public Development show that expensive marriages and outdated practices, such as the abduction of brides, have decreased significantly

A new nationwide coordination body has been set up to unite state agencies in the fight against drug addiction and drug-related crimes; it will focus on developing comprehensive prevention measures, improving treatment and rehabilitation programs

Negotiations are underway with potential suppliers, including China National Nuclear Corporation, for the construction of third nuclear power plant; Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency reports talks of development of high-power nuclear and small modular reactors

Foreign nationals from neighboring and distant countries have increasingly chosen Kazakhstan as a destination for medical care; key areas of medical tourism include high-tech treatments in neurosurgery, reproductive services, dental care and cosmetology