Independence Day

On 16 December 1991 the Supreme Soviet of Kazakhstan adopted the Constitutional Law on the State Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan was the last republic to leave the USSR, and Türkiye was the first country to recognise its independence.

During the years of independence Kazakhstan, the world's ninth-largest country, became the economic leader of Central Asia. The 91-metre Kazakh Eli monument in Astana and the Independence Monument in Almaty, crowned by the "Golden Man" on a winged snow leopard, are symbols of independence.

The main holiday

Independence Day is Kazakhstan's main state holiday and is celebrated on 16–17 December. State awards are presented, and concerts, sports events and fireworks take place across the country.