What is the Capital of Kazakhstan? Astana
Capital City of Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
City Overview
Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana and Akmolinsk, is the capital city of Kazakhstan. Located in the northern part of the country, it replaced Almaty as the capital in 1997. Nur-Sultan is a relatively young capital, having been officially designated as the nation’s capital after President Nursultan Nazarbayev moved the government from Almaty, which was more vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, to a location with a more stable environment. See Getzipcodes for other major cities in Kazakhstan.
Initially called Akmolinsk when it was founded in 1830, the city changed names several times. It was known as Tselinograd during Soviet rule, and then Akmolinsk after Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991. It was officially renamed Astana in 1998 to reflect its new status as the capital, and in 2019, it was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of the first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, after his resignation.
Nur-Sultan is known for its modern and futuristic architecture, including iconic landmarks like the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The city sits on the banks of the Ishim River and is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s ambitious development and modernization efforts. It has quickly transformed from a small provincial town to a sprawling, modern metropolis with world-class infrastructure.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, the city’s growth has been driven by both domestic and international investments, as well as the ongoing diversification of the Kazakh economy. Its planned urban design features wide boulevards, high-rise buildings, and expansive public spaces, creating a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Despite its relatively recent establishment as the capital, Nur-Sultan has become a hub for politics, business, and culture, playing a significant role in Kazakhstan’s national identity. The city’s development is also part of a broader effort to decentralize the nation’s economic and political activities away from Almaty, which had dominated the country since Soviet times.
City Facts
- Area: Approximately 722 km²
- Population: 1.2 million (2023 estimate)
- Time Zone: Kazakhstan Time (UTC+6)
- Highest Mountain: Mount Khan Tengri – Located on the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Mount Khan Tengri is the highest peak in Kazakhstan, rising to 7,010 meters (22,999 feet).
- Longest River: Irtysh River – The longest river in Kazakhstan, the Irtysh flows from the Altai Mountains in China, through Kazakhstan, and into Russia, spanning 4,248 km.
Nur-Sultan is a city that showcases Kazakhstan’s desire to modernize while also reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Its rapid growth has made it one of the most ambitious urban projects in post-Soviet states. The city continues to evolve, with major international conferences and events regularly held there, establishing it as a key player in Central Asia and the global arena.
Major Landmarks
Nur-Sultan is home to a range of landmarks that demonstrate both the country’s deep cultural traditions and its commitment to modernity and innovation.
1. Bayterek Tower
One of the most iconic structures in Nur-Sultan is the Bayterek Tower, standing at 97 meters tall. The tower represents a Kazakh legend of the tree of life, and the golden sphere at the top symbolizes the egg of a mythical bird. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
2. Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a striking pyramid-shaped building that serves as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to peace and dialogue among different religions. It houses a variety of international conferences and is a key architectural landmark in the city.
3. Hazrat Sultan Mosque
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque is the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and a major religious and cultural landmark in Nur-Sultan. The mosque’s grand design combines traditional Islamic architecture with modern elements and stands as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s Islamic heritage.
4. Expo 2017 Complex
In 2017, Nur-Sultan hosted the Expo 2017, a world exhibition that focused on the theme “Future Energy.” The complex features the Astana Expo 2017 Pavilion, which includes an enormous spherical structure called the Nur Alem, representing the theme of sustainable energy. It is now a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s technological and environmental progress.
5. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Another iconic building in Nur-Sultan is the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a massive shopping and entertainment complex housed under a translucent tent-like structure. It is one of the world’s largest tents and contains a variety of attractions, from shops to indoor beaches and amusement parks.
6. National Museum of Kazakhstan
The National Museum of Kazakhstan is a key institution that houses a vast collection of artifacts that trace the history and culture of the country, from ancient times to the modern era. The museum’s grand design is a fitting tribute to Kazakhstan’s history and aspirations for the future.
Climate Overview
Nur-Sultan has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Its location on the steppe contributes to its climate extremes, with temperature fluctuations of over 50°C between summer and winter. The city experiences a relatively short summer season, while winters are long and harsh, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing.
Monthly Climate Overview
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -14 | 19 | 6 |
| February | -12 | 17 | 7 |
| March | -3 | 18 | 11 |
| April | 7 | 22 | 16 |
| May | 14 | 25 | 20 |
| June | 20 | 35 | 23 |
| July | 23 | 31 | 25 |
| August | 21 | 30 | 24 |
| September | 13 | 21 | 18 |
| October | 3 | 19 | 10 |
| November | -5 | 20 | 5 |
| December | -11 | 19 | 5 |
Nursultan’s winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures in January and February hovering between -12°C and -14°C. Summers, by contrast, are warm, with temperatures in July reaching an average of 23°C. Precipitation is relatively low throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in the summer months.
Other Cities That Have Served as Capital in Kazakhstan’s History
Almaty (until 1997)
Almaty, located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, served as the capital of Kazakhstan from 1929 to 1997. Almaty is the country’s largest city and continues to be the economic and cultural hub of Kazakhstan. The city is famous for its proximity to the Tien Shan mountains, lush parks, and vibrant cultural life. Although no longer the capital, Almaty remains the country’s financial center and a key driver of Kazakhstan’s economy.
Country Facts: Kazakhstan
General Country Information
- Population: 19 million (2023)
- Area: 2,724,900 km²
- Largest City: Almaty
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
- Official Language: Kazakh (state language), Russian (official in use)
- ISO Country Codes: KZ (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), KAZ (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Independence: December 16, 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the ninth-largest in the world by land area. The country is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and minerals, making it an important player in the global energy market. Kazakhstan has vast steppe landscapes, mountains, and deserts, as well as a diverse culture shaped by its nomadic history.
