The "Borat" films have presented a distorted view of Kazakhstan, a country that the average person likely knows little about.
It is the ninth-largest country in the world, and has stunning natural beauty from deserts to mountains.
Its capital, Nur-Sultan, is home to futuristic architecture and buildings designed by world-famous architects.
Insider spoke to four locals from Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, about what the country is really like.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kazakhstan is closed to foreigners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that "travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19."
