Kazakhstan President N.Nazarbayev?s Address on beginning of National Census

ASTANA. February 25. KAZINFORM Kazinform disseminates the text of the Address of Head of the State N.Nazarbayev on the beginning of the National Census in Kazakhstan.

Dear compatriots! A very important campaign ? the National Census ? starts in Kazakhstan on February 25. This is the second census since Kazakhstan gained independence. The country underwent great changes over ten years after the first census. The market economy was strengthened. We managed to improve the demographic situation ? the birth rate increased. Many Kazakhstanis bettered their housing conditions. The welfare of the citizens increased, household income increased about fivefold. Over all those years the Government invested to the education, healthcare, system of social protection. As a result the human resources of the country increased. The country moved 20 points up in the Human Development Index. In accordance with the UNESCO, Kazakhstan takes the first place among 129 countries in the Education Development Rating. Today it is very important to know new parameters of human potential of Kazakhstan. By means of the census we hope to obtain accurate data about changes in the life of our people. The world crisis, which influenced Kazakhstan, presupposes radical renewal of all aspects of life of the society. People should renew, we need new creative generation. As you know, the state adopted a number of significant anti-recessionary measures to ease the crisis consequences, which can affect all of us. These measures are also directed on the country?s post-crisis development. Crises begin and end, but the common vector of our movement toward prosperous society is unchanged. We are going to join the 50 most competitive countries of the world. We speak about innovations, science. The state needs people for it. Through the census we want to learn the level of training of our citizens. I am sure that Kazakhstan can successfully overcome current difficulties. Besides, the human potential of the country plays a crucial part in the economy. Thus a ?collective portrait? of the population is the most valuable resource of Kazakhstan?s renewal. Furthermore, the census is an element of the World Programme of the United Nations. Dear compatriots! We hold a very important state campaign throughout the country. I call you to show your civil activity and help hold the census! Everyone should be involved. Dear compatriots, I call you to take part in the National Census ? to help people who realize this important state task!