Semey

Oblast (region) in northeastern Kazakhstan, bordered on the north by the Russian Federation and on the southeast by China; area 179,600 sq km/69,344 sq mi; population (1996) 842,000. The capital is Semey. Wheat and millet are grown, and there is stock-breeding. Metals, including gold and uranium, are mined.

The region contains extensive steppe lands. The Chingiz-Tau hills are in the centre, and lakes Sasykkol and Ayakol lie in the south. The region is drained by the Irtysh and Ayaguz rivers. It is traversed north-south by the Turksib railway. Cities include Charsk and Ayaguz.

The Semey region was the site of the main testing ground (at the ‘Polygon’, in the west of the oblast) for the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons; tests were abandoned after popular protest in 1989. Since independence, Kazakhstan declared itself a non-nuclear power.