Kazakhstan

A large-scale mural by surrealist artist Adil Aubekerov, measuring 36 meters by 6, was unveiled on 7 November in the Shymbulak Mountain Resort in Almaty, at an altitude of 3.200 meters, to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations

Fossils of a woolly mammoth estimated to have lived between 40.000 and 15.000 years ago have been discovered near Novobratskoye village, Bulandy district on the bank of the Konyr River; the discovery contributes to the study of Ice Age fauna in Kazakhstan

An 11.000-seat UEFA-standard stadium has opened in Kyzylorda; the Kaisar Arena, a new multifunctional complex, includes venues for boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting and facilities for people with special needs

A Potter Train, a new cultural and entertainment show will debut on 5 October; For the first time in Kazakhstan, a theatrical performance will be held aboard a commuter train, with actors dressed as characters from the Harry Potter universe

7,5 million foreign tourists entered Kazakhstan in the first half of this year, with overall revenues from tourist accommodation rising by 25%

Citizens from 14 countries have received Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa since its introduction last year; citizens of the United States, Canada and France are the largest number

In Shymkent, public toilets are attracting international attention for their creative use of technology and design: the facilities open with a QR code or facial recognition scan, are brightly colored, clean, fully accessible for people with disabilities

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

Five major initiatives with a total investment of around $19.5 billion in the metallurgical and petrochemical sectors are being implemented, expected to create over 8.000 permanent jobs; the news was reported during a May 21 government meeting