Kazakhstan

Flag Description Sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on the hoist side is a "national ornamentation" in gold. Currency Tenge. Astronomy Today's date is May 17, 2008. There is currently a First Quarter Moon. Location Central asia, northwest of china; a small portion west of the ural river in eastern-most europe. Climate Continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid. Terrain Extends from the volga to the altai mountains and from the plains in western siberia to oases and desert in central asia. Elevation Extremes The lowest point is at Vpadina Kaundy -132 m. The highest point is at Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m.

Nature & Science News

'Effective chemicals may be lost' - It is claimed tighter rules on pesticide use in Europe could lead to reduced yields and increases in food costs.

Wildlife populations 'plummeting' - Between a quarter and a third of the world's wildlife has been lost since 1970, says the Living Planet Index.

Small biomass option concern - Small-scale biomass power plants can have bigger enviro-impacts than other renewables, a study says.

Asbestos cancer chemo doubts - Chemotherapy does not help people with asbestos-related cancer, according to UK researchers.

Evolution rolls on for Mars rover - The wheels continue to turn on Europe's billion-euro project to put a robotic rover on the Red Planet's surface.

Mars probe set for risky descent - Scientists prepare for "seven minutes of terror" as the Phoenix spacecraft attempts to land on the surface.

Kazakhstan

This is a map of Kazakhstan. The map illustrates the location of Astana and its proximity to Qostanay, Semey, Qyzylorda, and the Caspian Sea.

Other countries on this map include: Russia / China / Uzbekistan

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