Qaraghandy

Alternate Form: Karaganda

Location

Qaraghandy is located in central Kazakhstan on the Trans Kazakhstan Rail Road.

Population

approx 596,000 (est 1993)

There are about 50 coal mining settlements scattered around the central part of the city. It is a leading cultural and industrial center, with major industries including: iron and steel plants, flour mills, food and beverage plants, factories that produce mining equipment, building materials, machinery and footwear.

Overview

The city was founded in 1857 as a copper mining settlement. The Qaraghandy coal basin was developed in the late 1920's which has made Qaraghandy a major producer of bituminous coal. The Irtysh-Qaraghandy Canal supplies the city with water, which is a local landmark.