What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan's capital is Astana since 1997. This modern city with futuristic architecture replaced Almaty and briefly bore the name Nour-Soultan between 2019 and 2022.
Astana, capital since 1997
Astana became the official capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, succeeding Almaty which had held this role since the country's independence. This transition marked the government's desire to develop the center of the country and create a new national identity.
Modern architecture in the steppe
Located in the heart of the Kazakh steppe, Astana stands out for its spectacular futuristic architecture. The city is home to emblematic monuments such as the Bayterek Tower, the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, and numerous skyscrapers with avant-garde design that contrast with the vastness of the surrounding steppe.
The temporary name change
Between 2019 and 2022, the city was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. However, it officially returned to its name of Astana in September 2022, marking a new political milestone for Kazakhstan.