Kazakhstan civics quiz: questions and answers
All 22 general civics quiz questions about Kazakhstan with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Constitution and government 6 questions
Head of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.
Practise only: Constitution and government →
When was Kazakhstan’s current Constitution adopted?
30 August 1995
Constitution Day is 30 August; the Constitution was amended by referendum in June 2022.
Since the 2022 constitutional reforms, how long does the President of Kazakhstan serve?
A single seven-year term
The September 2022 amendment to Article 41 introduced a single seven-year term.
What are the two chambers of Kazakhstan’s Parliament?
The Senate and the Mazhilis
Article 50 of the Constitution establishes the Senate and the Mazhilis.
Which city was Kazakhstan’s capital before Astana?
Almaty
Almaty was the capital until 1997, when the capital moved to the city now called Astana.
Besides Kazakh and the Constitution, what does the citizenship exam test?
History of Kazakhstan
Since 2024 the exam has covered the Kazakh language, the Constitution and the history of Kazakhstan.
Who makes the final decision on granting citizenship of Kazakhstan?
The President
After checks by the police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, applications are decided by the President.
History and national symbols 8 questions
Independence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.
Practise only: History and national symbols →
On what date did Kazakhstan declare independence?
16 December 1991
Independence Day is celebrated on 16 December.
Which bird appears under the golden sun on Kazakhstan’s flag?
A steppe eagle (berkut)
The flag adopted on 4 June 1992 shows a sun and eagle on sky blue with a national ornament at the hoist.
What is the central element of Kazakhstan’s state emblem?
The shanyrak, the crown of a yurt
The shanyrak symbolises home, family and unity.
In roughly which year was the Kazakh Khanate founded?
1465
Kerei and Zhanibek founded the Kazakh Khanate; its 550th anniversary was celebrated in 2015.
Which two leaders are traditionally credited with founding the Kazakh Khanate?
Kerei and Janibek
Kerei and Janibek founded the Kazakh Khanate in the 15th century, traditionally dated to 1465.
Which 19th-century poet and thinker wrote the ‘Book of Words’?
Abai Kunanbaiuly
Abai Kunanbaiuly (1845 to 1904) is regarded as the founder of modern Kazakh written literature. The 'Book of Words' is his best-known prose work.
Which Soviet nuclear test site in Kazakhstan was closed in 1991?
Semipalatinsk
The Semipalatinsk test site in north-east Kazakhstan was closed in August 1991 after hundreds of Soviet nuclear tests.
From which cosmodrome in Kazakhstan did Yuri Gagarin launch in 1961?
Baikonur
Gagarin's flight, the first human spaceflight, was launched from Baikonur in southern Kazakhstan on 12 April 1961.
Geography and society 7 questions
Capital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.
Practise only: Geography and society →
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Astana
The capital was called Nur-Sultan from 2019 to 2022 and reverted to Astana in September 2022.
What is the state language of Kazakhstan?
Kazakh
Kazakh is the state language; Russian is used officially alongside it (Constitution, Article 7).
Kazakhstan is the world’s largest what?
Landlocked country
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country overall and the largest without access to the sea.
When is Nauryz celebrated in Kazakhstan?
21 to 23 March
Nauryz, the spring new year, is marked by public holidays on 21–23 March.
What appears above the soaring eagle on Kazakhstan’s flag?
A golden sun
The sky-blue flag shows a golden sun above a soaring steppe eagle, with a national ornament along the hoist.
Which large lake in Kazakhstan is half freshwater and half saltwater?
Lake Balkhash
Lake Balkhash is divided by a narrow strait. Its western part is almost fresh and its eastern part is salty.
Which spring festival is celebrated in Kazakhstan on 21 to 23 March?
Nauryz
Nauryz marks the spring equinox and the new year. It is a public holiday in Kazakhstan from 21 to 23 March.
Naturalisation rules 1 questions
What the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.
Practise only: Naturalisation rules →
What is the overall pass mark on Kazakhstan’s citizenship test after the 2025 revision?
50 out of 100
Minimums of 15 (language), 20 (Constitution) and 15 (history) and at least 50 points in total.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Kazakhstan Citizenship Test format.