Zhanaozen

History

The town of Zhanaozen was founded in 1964, after the opening of an oil field in Uzen. On 21 October 1968 Novy Uzen took the status of a settlement of town type, and since March 20, 1973 the status of a city of regional significance. June 1989 saw large disorders. Novy Uzen was renamed Zhanaozen in October 1993.

2011 oil strike

In May 2011, workers from the Ozenmunaigas oil field went on strike over pay. The strike was declared illegal by local courts and the state oil company sacked nearly 1000 employees. Some of the sacked workers then occupied the town square in protest. On 16 December 2011 police were accused of firing on them. Fifteen people (workers and police officers) were killed according to government officials, though opposition sources put the death toll in the dozens. In disturbances that day local government offices, a hotel and an office of the state oil company were set on fire, according to General Prosecutor Askhat Daulbayev. Eighty-six people were injured in the clashes – according to the authorities – and due to shortage of hospital beds in Zhanaozen, many were taken to be treated in the regional capital Aktau, about 150 km away.

A state of emergency was declared on December 17, roads into Zhanaozen were blocked, and the local airport was closed for incoming flights. Mobile phone coverage was blocked, as were internet connections.

Trials and allegations of torture and abuse

A trial of protesters began in Aktau in May 2012. Many defendants complained that they had been physically abused, and some even tortured, while in police custody and during interrogation. Some witnesses also claimed they had been threatened by police into giving false testimony.

Two further trials of security officials are taking place.

In the media

Popular Kazakh singer Bavyrjan released a song which openly criticised president Nazarbayev for not listening to the complaints of Zhanaozen's demonstrating workers. The song was banned by the government.

Location and geography

Zhanaozen is located in the desert on Mangyshlak Peninsula. The town costs in the desert, weak hill district.

Climate

Climate of the town sharply-continental. Strong winds are present on a big extent of year. Winters not long, but rather frosty. Average winter temperature -5 -7 degrees Celsius, can sometimes reach -15 -17 degrees Celsius. Snow cover low power. Strong winds cause long snowstorms. Summer always hot, droughty and long. Average summer temperature +34 +36 degrees Celsius, can sometimes reach +45 degrees Celsius. The extremely rare rains have storm character. Average annual amount of precipitation of 120 mm. Rainfall is evenly distributed for all year slightly the increase in rainfall is observed during the spring period.

Economy

The town is the monotown. A primary branch is oil and gas industry. The town - forming enterprises are - JSC "Ozenmunaigas" and "KazGPZ" LLP which are engaged in oil and gas production. For last year by the industrial enterprises of the town it is made production for 141,9 billion tenge. In a total amount of industrial production on area about 6,2 percent fall to the share of the town. For last year it was constructed howsing with a total area of 86,3 thousand square meters. Average monthly nominal earnings of 230 000 tenge (or 1300 $). A high wage level at workers of oil and gas industry.

Population

Population of the town with adjacent villages Kyzylsay (3,500 people), Tenge (18,700 people) and Rakhat (30,800 people) for the end of the reporting periode made 129,600 people or 22.2% of all population of region. In comparison of 2012 the population increased on 4,500 people due to birth rate growth. National structure - Kazakhs, Russians, Karakalpaks and other nations.

Sports clubs

Futsal club of Munaishy acting in the championship of Kazakhstan on a futsal.

Sports constructions

Transport

Zhanaozen is a terminal station at the railway connecting it to Gorgan (Zhanaozen — Gyzylgaya — Bereket — Gyzyletrek — Gorgan).

The city transport is presented by generally passenger "GAZellees" (12 routes, apprx. 120 units) and private taxi. The cost of passenger journey — 40 tenge's (children's — 20 tenges), and a taxi — 150 — 300 tenge's.

Famous residents