Borat has got it all wrong. Kazakhstan is far more interesting and entertaining than he'd have us believe. In fact it's probably the most surprising country on earth, and certainly one of the most tolerant.

The only thing most people know about Kazakhstan is that it is homeland to Borat - and he isn't even real. Actually this vast place - the last unknown inhabited country in the world - is far more surprising and entertaining. For one thing, it is as varied as Europe, combining stupendous wealth, grinding poverty, exotic traditions and a mad dash for modernity. Crisscrossing a vanished land, Christopher Robbins finds Eminem by a shrinking Aral Sea, goes eagle-hunting, visits the scene of Dostoyevsky's doomed first love, takes up residence beside one-time neighbour Leon Trotsky and visits some of the most beautiful, unspoilt places on earth.

"...extremely entertaining and informative...hilarious." - Daily Telegraph

"Discovers a misunderstood and changing land ... a superlative addition to the literature of travel." - Observer

"Extremely entertaining and informative ... hilarious." - Independent

"... an entertaining and chatty guide to a country that has been shrouded in mystery." - Glasgow Herald

"A welcome antidote to the made up world of Borat." - The Times Magazine