Ancient Kazakhstan was part of the legendary Great Silk Road.
It was the birthplace of ancient Eurasian civilizations and the motherland of most nomadic peoples. The country is situated between Asia and Europe. The two main religions are Islam and Christianity.
The history of the flag goes back to the 1930’s when the nation was part of the Soviet Union and the flag represented the communist rule.
The first flag used by Kazakhstan while under Soviet rule was red with a gold hammer and sickle (communist symbol) in the upper left portion of the flag and some lettering beneath the emblem was in use from 1937 to 1940.
At this time the lettering was moved to be alongside the hammer and sickle along the top of the flag. This flag was replaced in 1953. The hammer and sickle was retained and there was a blue band near the bottom of the flag.
Independence from the Soviet Union was granted on 16 December 1991. In 1992 the flag was changed to a blue base with a red webbed band down the left/hoist side of the flag. There is a gold sun with 32 rays and beneath the sun is a golden steppe eagle.
The red web design was changed to gold. Kazakhstan is a presidential democracy and a stable secular state. The state government is led by the president and a two house parliament.
Would you like to know an interesting fact about the Kazakhstan flag? The flag was designed by Shaken Niyagbekov. The 32 rays of the sun represent the source of life and joy.