Zhas Otan

Zhas Otan (Kazakh Жас Отан; жас (zhas) – young, youth, Отан (Otan) – Fatherland) – the youth wing of the Nur Otan People’s Democratic Party. Youth wing was created in the form of public unit at the I Congress of Zhas Otan which was held in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 14, 2008. The organization has branches in all provinces of Kazakhstan, cities of republican meaning Astana and Almaty, as well as branches in districts and cities. Central Council of Zhas Otan youth wing includes deputies of Mazhilis (lower house of parliament of Kazakhstan) and maslikhats (legislative bodies of administrative units) of all levels, leaders of youth NGOs, young athletes and cultural figures. Number of organization’s members is more than 200,000 (2012).