# Nursultan Nazarbayev

> President of Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019

**Wikidata**: [Q57394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayev)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nursultan-nazarbayev

## Summary
Nursultan Nazarbayev is a Kazakh statesman who served as the President of Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019, leading the country after its independence from the Soviet Union. He is recognized for shaping modern Kazakhstan's political and economic trajectory.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 6, 1940
- **Nationality**: Kazakhstani (formerly Soviet)
- **Education**: Not specified in the source material.
- **Known for**: Serving as the first President of Kazakhstan and overseeing its transition to independence.
- **Employer(s)**: Government of Kazakhstan, Communist Party of the Soviet Union (historical affiliation).
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Governance.

## Contributions
Nursultan Nazarbayev led Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019, establishing its presidential system and navigating its post-Soviet development. Key contributions include:
- **Independence Leadership**: Guided Kazakhstan through the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
- **Political Structure**: Instituted a unitary presidential government, serving as its head for nearly three decades.
- **Economic Policies**: Oversaw the growth of Kazakhstan's economy, which became the largest in Central Asia, with a nominal GDP of $220.6 billion by 2022.
- **International Relations**: Fostered diplomatic ties, securing Kazakhstan's membership in organizations like the United Nations (1992), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (1996), and the World Trade Organization.

## FAQs
**Q: What was Nursultan Nazarbayev's role in Kazakhstan's independence?**  
A: He led Kazakhstan to independence in 1991 following the Soviet Union's dissolution and became its first president.

**Q: What political positions did Nursultan Nazarbayev hold before becoming president?**  
A: He was a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and held leadership roles in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

**Q: What awards has Nursultan Nazarbayev received?**  
A: He received numerous honors, including the Order of the Golden Eagle (Kazakhstan), Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called (Russia), and the Grand Order of King Tomislav (Croatia), among others.

**Q: How long did Nursultan Nazarbayev serve as president?**  
A: He served from 1991 to 2019, nearly three decades, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the post-Soviet space.

## Why They Matter
Nursultan Nazarbayev's leadership defined Kazakhstan's emergence as an independent nation, transitioning from a Soviet republic to a sovereign state with a presidential system. His tenure saw the establishment of key institutions, economic growth, and strategic international alliances, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional leader in Central Asia. His prolonged presidency shaped the country's political culture and institutional framework, leaving a lasting legacy in governance and diplomacy.

## Notable For
- **Longest-Serving Post-Soviet Leader**: Led Kazakhstan for nearly 28 years.
- **Founding President**: First and only president from independence until 2019.
- **International Diplomacy**: Secured memberships in global and regional organizations, enhancing Kazakhstan's geopolitical influence.
- **Economic Growth**: Presided over the development of the largest economy in Central Asia.
- **Awards and Honors**: Recipient of over 50 state awards from Kazakhstan and other nations.

## Body
### Early Life and Political Rise
Nursultan Nazarbayev was born on July 6, 1940. He rose through the ranks of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, becoming a member of the Politburo and leading the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic before its independence.

### Presidency and Governance
As President from 1991 to 2019, Nazarbayev established a unitary presidential system, centralizing power in the executive branch. He oversaw the transition to a market economy and implemented policies to attract foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector. His administration relocated the capital from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan) in 1997, symbolizing a shift toward modernization.

### Economic Development
Under Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan's economy grew significantly, driven by oil and gas exports. The country achieved a "Very High" Human Development Index (0.811 in 2021) and maintained low income inequality (Gini coefficient of 27.8 in 2018). However, his rule was also marked by authoritarian tendencies and limited political pluralism.

### International Relations
Nazarbayev pursued a balanced foreign policy, engaging with both Western nations and regional partners. Kazakhstan joined the United Nations in 1992 and became a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 1996. He also maintained strategic ties with Russia and China, while fostering relations with the European Union and the United States.

### Legacy and Post-Presidency
Stepping down in 2019, Nazarbayev was succeeded by Qasym-Jomart Toqaev. His legacy includes institutionalizing Kazakhstan's sovereignty and economic growth, though critics highlight governance issues. The capital, Astana, was renamed Nur-Sultan in his honor, reflecting his enduring influence. Institutions like Nazarbayev University, founded in 2009, further cement his impact on education and research.

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1. Davos 2014 Participant List
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15. [习近平为纳扎尔巴耶夫举行“友谊勋章”颁授仪式. 2019](https://zj.zjol.com.cn/news.html?id=1188848)
16. [Source](https://rais.tatarstan.ru/index.htm/news/945941.htm)
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