Astana

Astana. Astana, previously known as Nur-Sultan from 1997 to 2022, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, a landlocked country located in Central Asia. The city is situated in the north-central part of the country, on the Ishim River, and serves as the country's largest city, with a population of over 1.1 million people. Astana is a major hub for politics, business, and culture in Kazakhstan, and is home to many government institutions, including the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the Office of the President of Kazakhstan.

Etymology and History

The city was founded in 1830 as a fortress settlement, and was initially named Akmola. In 1862, it was renamed Akmolinsk, and served as the administrative center of the Akmolinsk Oblast. In 1997, the city was renamed Nur-Sultan and became the capital of Kazakhstan, replacing Almaty. The city retained this name until 2022, when it was changed back to Astana. The city's name is derived from the Kazakh language, with "Astana" meaning "city of politics".

Geography and Climate

Astana is located in the north-central part of Kazakhstan, in the Akmola Region, and serves as the administrative center of the region. The city is situated on the Ishim River, and has a total area of 710 square kilometers. Astana has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is -14°C, while the average temperature in July, the warmest month, is 20°C. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with temperatures sometimes dropping to -40°C in winter and rising to 35°C in summer.

Economy and Infrastructure

Astana is a major economic hub in Kazakhstan, with a diverse economy that includes oil and gas, manufacturing, and services. The city is home to many major companies, including KazMunayGas, Samruk-Kazyna, and National Bank of Kazakhstan. Astana has a well-developed infrastructure, with a comprehensive network of roads, highways, and public transportation. The city is also home to the Astana International Airport, which serves as a major hub for air travel in Central Asia.

Culture and Landmarks

Astana is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and is home to many museums, theaters, and cultural institutions. The city is known for its futuristic architecture, including the Bayterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Expo 2017 complex. Astana is also home to many parks and green spaces, including the Panfilov Park and the Nur-Sultan Park. The city hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including the Astana International Film Festival and the Kazakhstan Music Festival.

International Relations

Astana has played an important role in international relations, particularly in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The city has hosted many international events, including the Astana Expo 2017 and the Syrian peace talks. Astana has also been a major hub for diplomacy, with many embassies and consulates located in the city.

Education and Healthcare

Astana is home to many universities and research institutions, including the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and the Astana Medical University. The city has a well-developed healthcare system, with many hospitals and medical centers, including the National Research Cardiac Surgery Center and the Astana Medical Center. Astana has also been a major hub for medical tourism, with many patients traveling to the city for medical treatment. Category:Capital cities in Asia Category:Kazakhstan