The Kazakh steppe covers almost 804,500 square kilometres and makes up one third of the country. One of the most extreme environments in the world, this wild, harsh grassland has no natural shelter from the strong winds and bitter cold that come from the north. Temperatures in the winter drop to a freezing -35 C and in the Summer it can get as hot as 35 C.
Despite the difficult climate, the steppe is a treasure of agricultural products and natural resources. From meat, milk, grain and vegetables to the raw materials for industry such as coal, zinc and lead, it provides everything necessary for Kazakhstan's cities.
The steppe is also the habitat of a lot of different unique species of wildlife, from the steppe pika to the critically endangered Saiga antelope. The steppe winds even bring fresh clean air that clears away the pollution in the cities. The steppe is the birthplace of Kazakh culture. The difficulties people faced throughout the years living on the steppe and adapting to its environment and temperatures shaped their deep respect for nature. But like a lot of places in the world, the steppe now faces the challenge of climate change. However, the importance of the steppe to their identity continues to inspire the Kazakhs to preserve it for future generations.