Qaraganda

Qaraganda, also transliterated Karaganda, is a city in central Kazakhstan. It is the administrative center of Karaganda Region and one of the country’s largest industrial and cultural hubs. The city sits in the Karaganda Basin, a coal-rich area that has shaped its economy and growth. The population is around 500,000.

The city began to grow in the 1930s after large coal deposits were developed, and it expanded rapidly as a center of mining and heavy industry during the Soviet era. It was also the site of the Karlag penal labor camp complex, part of the Gulag system, which operated there from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Economy and institutions: The economy centers on coal mining, metallurgy, and chemical production, with supporting industries and energy generation. Karaganda is home to several higher education institutions, including Satbayev University, a major technical university, and Karaganda State University, along with cultural and research facilities.

Transport and climate: Karaganda is connected by rail and road to other Kazakh cities and is served by Sary-Arka Airport. The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The city features museums, theaters, and parks, reflecting its role as a regional cultural center.