 Transport - Because of the very unusual geographic and economic features of Kazakhstan (vast space, low population density, rich mineral resources hauled over long distances, trade patterns inherited from the former Soviet Union, key location between Europe and Asia, etc), the economy of Kazakhstan is among the most freight intensive, and therefore the most dependent on efficient transport, in the world....more
 Agriculture - Agriculture has a significant potential in Kazakhstan and continues to be a priority area for the World Bank's support. Although this sector is experiencing overall growth, much of the rural population has yet to benefit from it.In addition, land privatization has not led to equitable land distribution, and access to basic services is poorer than in urban areas. Rural poverty is widespread especially in the south and south-west, where farm size is much smaller than in the north, and largely dependent on irrigation.
Natural Resources Management - Kazakhstan is endowed with environmental assets of global importance such as the Aral and Caspian Sea, extensive grasslands, and some unique biodiversity. These assets were neglected and partly depleted during the transition, but the Government is increasingly aware of its importance and has requested Bank assistance in determining the policies and action for their sustainable use.
HIV/AIDS - Kazakhstan has an HIV/AIDS prevalence higher than its four neighboring countries combined. As in most places of Central Asia, the vulnerable groups are mainly intravenous drug users, commercial sex workers, prisoners and youth in general. Factors such as poverty, high migration from neighboring areas of conflict and out of Kazakhstan, and involvement of the Army in regional peacekeeping missions compound the risk of rapid spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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