Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan, officially renamed from Nur-Sultan in 2022.
The city became Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997, replacing Almaty, the country’s largest city and former capital. Its location in the north-central steppe was chosen partly for strategic, economic and geographic reasons. Astana developed rapidly after the move, with major government buildings and modern towers reshaping the city.
The capital has had several names. It was known as Akmolinsk, Tselinograd and Akmola before becoming Astana in 1998. In 2019 it was renamed Nur-Sultan in honour of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, but the name Astana was restored in September 2022.
Astana sits on the Ishim River and is known for harsh winters, futuristic architecture and landmarks such as the Bayterek Tower. Almaty remains Kazakhstan’s largest urban centre and a major cultural and financial hub.