Following independence from the Soviet Union a major economic depression cut "public financing" for education in Kazakhstan, "which dropped from 6% of gross domestic product in 1991 to about 3% in 1994, before rising to 4% in 1999."
Kazakh Tenge (KZT; symbol лв). Notes are in denominations of лв 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of лв 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
A reflection of country's unique ethnic and religious composition can be found in most of the festivals in Kazakhstan. The customs of the nomadic people and the Middle Eastern influences can be easily recognized while enjoying the traditional festivals of the country.