Praying for the Kingdom: Kazakhstan

COUNTRY	Kazakhstan
DESCRIPTION	Kazakhstan is the second largest country among former Soviet republics, after Russia. Its president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been in office since Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991. Ethnic Kazakhs, who make up only a slight majority, practice Islam loosely. Other ethnic groups practice Sunni Islam, Russian Orthodoxy and Protestantism, among others. Category: Restricted Nation Religion: Muslim 53.7%, Christian 12.2% Ideology: Islam Head of State: President Nursultan A. Nazarbayev The country’s religion law includes strict registration procedures for churches and stiff penalties for noncompliance. Only the traditional religious groups may practice freely. Religious groups are required to register with the government, and unregistered religious activity, private religious education, proselytism and the production of religious literature are forbidden. Christian converts face harassment from authorities, devout Muslims and family members. VOM is involved with the printing and distribution of Christian literature.
RELATED LINKS	Persecution.com Story - Kazakhstan: Pastors Fined for Praying Persecution.com Story - Kazakhstan: New Anti-Religion Laws Persecution.com Story - Kazakhstan: Small Churches Banned Be-A-Voice Prayer Bulletin - Kazakhstan Be-A-Voice Prayer Bulletin - Kazakhstan Refugee