View source for Astana

{{short description|Capital of Kazakhstan}}
{{Redirect|Nur-Sultan|the given name|Nursultan}}
{{redirect|Akmola|the region that surrounds Astana|Akmola Region}}
{{other uses}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{AI-generated|date=October 2025}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2025}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Astana
| native_name        = {{lang|kk|Астана}}
| settlement_type    = [[Capital city]] and [[City of republican significance (Kazakhstan)|City of republican significance]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/1
|border = infobox
|total_width = 300
|image1 = Baiterek monument at night.jpg
|caption1 = [[Baiterek (monument)|Baiterek tower]]
|image2 = Aibek Yusupov Expo Center.webp
|caption2 = AI Alem museum
|image3 = Abu Dhabi plaza view by Aibek Yusupov.webp
|caption3 = Sauran street
|image4 = Khan Shatyr shopping mall by Dauren Nabijan.jpg
|caption4 = [[Khan Shatyr]]
|image5 = Astana Botanical Garden View (Aibek Yusupov).webp
|caption5 = Botanical Garden
|image6 = Astana SAM 0056 (15120213712).jpg
|caption6 = [[Astana Opera]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Astana, Kazakhstan (latin).svg
| flag_link          = Flag of Astana
| image_shield       = Emblem of Astana (latin).svg
| shield_link        = Coat of arms of Astana
| pushpin_map        = Kazakhstan#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| image_map          = 
| mapsize            = 230px
| map_caption        = 
| coordinates        = {{Coord|51|8|N|71|26|E|region:KZ|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 8th century (as Bozok){{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}}<br/>18 June 1830 (modern settlement)
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
| governing_body     = [[Astana City Mäslihat|City Mäslihat]]
| leader_title       = [[Äkim of Astana|Äkim]]
| leader_name        = [[Jenis Qasymbek]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.akorda.kz/ru/o-naznachenii-kasymbeka-zhm-8111946|title=О назначении Касымбека Ж.М.|language=ru|publisher=akorda.kz|date=2022-12-08|access-date=2022-12-08}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 810.2
| elevation_m        = 347
| population_total   = 1,622,245<ref>{{cite web | url=https://stat.gov.kz/en/region/astana/ | title=Astana city - Statistics of the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Agency for Strategic planning and reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bureau of National statistics }}</ref>
| population_as_of   = 1 November 2025
|population_rank = [[Central Asia#Cities in Central Asia|3rd in Central Asia]]<br/>[[List of most populous cities in Kazakhstan|2nd in Kazakhstan]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="stat.gov.kz"/>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = 4550
| population_metro   = 1,650,000
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="informburo"/>
| population_demonym = {{native name|en|Astanan, Astanans}}<br>{{native name|kk|Астаналық, Astanalyq}}
| demographics_type2 = GDP {{Nobold|(Nominal, 2024)}}
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name=":dosm">{{Cite web |last=DOSM |title= Gross domestic product by region for January-December 2024 (GRP) |url= https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/economy/national-accounts/publications/367813/|website=stat.gov.kz}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = City proper
| demographics2_info1 = [[Kazakhstani tenge|KZT]] 15,485 billion<br />([[US$]] 32.517 billion) · [[List of regions of Kazakhstan by GDP|2nd]]
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = KZT 10,466,300<br />(US$ 21,980) · [[List of regions of Kazakhstan by GDP|4th]]
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 010000–010015<ref>{{cite web |url=http://postalcodedb.com/AlphabeticSearch.aspx?country=Kazakhstan&city=Astana |title=Postal Code for Astana, Kazakhstan |access-date=10 March 2015 |publisher=Postal Codes Database |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105648/http://postalcodedb.com/AlphabeticSearch.aspx?country=Kazakhstan&city=Astana |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_code          = 7172<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/country.php?country=Kazakhstan |title=Kazakhstan Country Codes |access-date=9 March 2015 |publisher=CountryCallingCodes.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210724/http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/country.php?country=Kazakhstan |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| website            = {{Official URL}}
| timezone           = [[Time in Kazakhstan|Kazakhstan Time]]
| utc_offset         = +05:00
| blank_name         = [[ISO 3166-2]]
| blank_info         = AST<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geonames.org/KZ/administrative-division-kazakhstan.html |title=ISO Subentity Codes for Kazakhstan |access-date=10 March 2015 |publisher=GeoNames.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226163300/http://www.geonames.org/KZ/administrative-division-kazakhstan.html |archive-date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[License plate]]
| blank1_info        = [[Vehicle registration plates of Kazakhstan|01, Z]]
| total_type         = City proper
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2023)
| blank_info_sec1    = 0.823<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=2021-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/>{{color|green|high}} · [[List of regions of Kazakhstan by Human Development Index|5th]]
| image_map1         = Astana in Kazakhstan.svg
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 8
| mapframe-point = none
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
}}
'''Astana'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|s|t|ɑː|n|ə|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Astana.wav}} {{respell|ə|STAH|nə}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|æ|ˈ|s|t|ɑː|n|ə}} {{respell|a|STAH|nə}}, {{IPAc-en|UKalso|æ|ˈ|s|t|æ|n|ə}} {{respell|a|STAN|ə}};<ref name="MerWeb"/><ref>{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|Astana|access-date= 9 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/astana|title= Astana|work= [[Collins English Dictionary]]|publisher= [[HarperCollins]]|access-date= 9 April 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190513103737/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/amp/english/astana|archive-date= 13 May 2019|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>[https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/Astana "Astana"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513103737/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/Astana |date=13 May 2019}} (US) and {{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Astana |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726103809/https://www.lexico.com/definition/astana |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-07-26 |title=Astana |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> {{langx|kk|Астана}}, {{IPA|kk|ɑstɑnɑ|IPA|Kk-astana.ogg}}; {{langx|ru|Астана}}, {{IPA|ru|ɐstɐˈna|IPA}}.}} is the capital city of [[Kazakhstan]]. With a population of 1,622,245 within the city limits, it is the second-largest in the country after [[Almaty]],  the national capital until 1997.<ref name="stat.gov.kz2">{{cite web |title=Archived copy |url=https://stat.gov.kz/en/region/astana/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726100426/https://stat.gov.kz/region/268012?lang=en |archive-date=26 July 2020 |access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref> The city lies on the banks of the [[Ishim (river)|Ishim]] river in the north of Kazakhstan and is located within the [[Akmola Region]] but is self-administering. Initially founded as '''Aqmoly''' in 1830, the city was later renamed '''Akmolinsk''', '''Tselinograd''', and '''Aqmola''' before adopting the name ''Astana'' in 1998, or "capital" in Kazakh.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=20 March 2019 |title=Nursultan: Kazakhstan renames capital Astana after ex-president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47638619 |work=[[BBC News]] |location= |publisher= |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> In 2019, the city briefly adopted the name '''Nur-Sultan''' in honor of former president [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]], but it reverted to the name ''Astana'' in 2022.

Astana's history has been marked by rapid growth, especially after becoming the capital.<ref name="jtmodern2">{{cite news |last=Hari |first=Kurniawan |date=July 7, 2017 |title=Astana, a city of modern structures |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/07/07/astana-a-city-of-modern-structures.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617065756/http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/07/07/astana-a-city-of-modern-structures.html |archive-date=17 June 2018 |access-date=17 June 2018 |agency=Jakarta Times}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Rowan |date=7 Aug 2010 |title=Astana, Kazakhstan: the space station in the steppes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/astana-kazakhstan-space-station-steppes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221005957/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/astana-kazakhstan-space-station-steppes |archive-date=21 February 2017 |access-date=20 February 2015 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Its transformation into a modern and [[planned city]] was guided by the Japanese architect [[Kisho Kurokawa]].<ref name=":3" /> Today, Astana is renowned for its futuristic architecture, housing key government institutions, including the [[Akorda Residence]], the Parliament House, and the [[Supreme Court of Kazakhstan|Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Steven Lee |date=13 October 2006 |title=Kazakhstan's Futuristic Capital, Complete With Pyramid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/13/world/asia/13astana.html?_r=0 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719005212/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/13/world/asia/13astana.html?_r=0 |archive-date=19 July 2016 |access-date=6 October 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Rowan |date=8 August 2010 |title=Astana, the futuristic frontier of architecture |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2010/aug/08/architecture-kazakhstan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009144338/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2010/aug/08/architecture-kazakhstan |archive-date=9 October 2014 |access-date=6 October 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Carrington |first=Daisy |date=13 July 2012 |title=Astana: The world's weirdest capital city |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/world/asia/eye-on-kazakhstan-astana/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009105840/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/world/asia/eye-on-kazakhstan-astana/index.html |archive-date=9 October 2014 |access-date=6 October 2014 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> It has become an important center for culture, education, and commerce in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The city is renowned for its modern landmarks, including the [[Baiterek (monument)|Baiterek]], which symbolizes Kazakhstan's independence, the [[Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center]], and the [[Hazrat Sultan Mosque]], one of the largest in [[Central Asia]]. The [[Palace of Peace and Reconciliation]], designed to host cultural and interfaith events, highlights the city's role as a hub for dialogue and cooperation. In 2021, Astana was recognized as one of Kazakhstan's 10 priority tourist destinations. Visitors can explore cultural venues such as the [[Astana Opera]] and the [[National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan]], alongside parks like [[Presidential Park]] and Central Park, which offer recreational spaces along the Ishim.

Astana gained international recognition when it hosted the [[2011 Asian Winter Games]], an event that showcased the city's ability to organize large-scale sporting events. The city also hosted [[Expo 2017]], a major international exhibition focused on the theme of "Future Energy," which brought global attention to its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Astana is also home to the [[Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions]], a prominent event that brings together religious leaders from around the world to foster mutual understanding and peace.

The city's transport infrastructure includes the [[Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport]], a key hub for both domestic and international flights. Astana is also well-connected by two railway stations, [[Astana-1 station|Astana-1]] and [[Astana-Nurly Zhol station|Astana-Nurly Zhol]], which provide services to major cities across Kazakhstan and beyond. The city's public transport system includes buses, and [[Astana Light Metro]] system, opened on May 16 2026, is expected to significantly enhance the city's transport network, offering efficient and sustainable travel within the city.

Astana is home to notable educational institutions, such as [[Nazarbayev University]], [[L. N. Gumilev Eurasian National University|L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University]], and Astana IT University, contributing to its role as a hub for education and innovation. These institutions support the city's growth in technology, research, and higher learning, making Astana an increasingly important center for knowledge and progress in the region.

== Names ==
The settlement of Akmoly was founded in 1830, possibly named after a local landmark. "Ақ мола" (Aqmola) literally means "white grave" or "white tomb" in [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]],<ref>{{cite book |title=Russia and Eurasia 2020–2022 |date=15 September 2021 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4758-5628-6 |page=268 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QX1EEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> although this theory is not universally accepted.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} In 1832, it was granted town status and renamed Akmolinsk.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} In 1961, under [[Nikita Khrushchev]], it was renamed Tselinograd, Russian for "City of [[Tselina|Virgin Lands]]".<ref name=":1" /> In 1991, following Kazakhstan's independence, the name was changed to Akmola.<ref name=":1" />

In December 1997, the city replaced [[Almaty]] as the capital of Kazakhstan, and in May 1998, it was renamed Astana, which means "capital city" in [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]].<ref name="The history of Astana">{{cite web |publisher=Akimat of Astana |title=The history of Astana |url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/42 |date=19 January 2013 |access-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007033517/http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/42 |archive-date=7 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In March 2019, the capital was renamed to Nur-Sultan ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|n|ʊər|s|ʊ|l|ˈ|t|ɑː|n}};<ref name="MerWeb">{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Nursultan|access-date=13 May 2019}}</ref> {{langx|kk|Нұр-Сұлтан / Nūr-Sūltan}} {{IPA|kk|ˌnʊrsʊɫˈtɑn|}}) in honor of the long-ruling President [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]], shortly after his resignation.<ref name="Inform">{{cite web|title=Astana renamed as Nur-Sultan|url=https://www.inform.kz/en/astana-renamed-as-nur-sultan_a3510137|publisher=[[Kazinform]]|access-date=20 September 2022|date=23 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="DW">{{cite web |title=Nursultan, not Astana – Kazakhstan renames capital to honor Nazarbayev |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nursultan-not-astana-kazakhstan-renames-capital-to-honor-nazarbayev/a-47984590 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322130343/https://www.dw.com/en/nursultan-not-astana-kazakhstan-renames-capital-to-honor-nazarbayev/a-47984590 |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2022, President [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]] signed a constitutional amendment to revert to the name Astana.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 September 2022 |title=President: Kazakhstan's capital will again be called Astana |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2022/09/13/president-kazakhstans-capital-will-again-be-called-astana.html |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan's president signs decree to rename capital city to Astana |url=https://tass.com/world/1509213 |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=[[TASS]]}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, it holds the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for the capital city with the most name changes in modern times.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |title=Guess which city holds the record for the most name changes? |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2022/09/29/guess-which-city-holds-the-record-for-the-most-name-changes?ppccampaignID=17210591673&ppcadID=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7uyEv7uL-wIVVeOGCh1MzAqgEAMYASAAEgKDzvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds |access-date=31 October 2022 |newspaper=The Economist |date=1 October 2022 |pages=29}}</ref>

==History==
Many centuries ago, the Bozok settlement was located on the territory of modern Astana. It was a military fortress of the Steppe section of the [[Silk Road]]. The etymology of the Turkic word "Boz" carries several meanings, such as 'untouched earth', 'virgin soil', and 'feather grass'. It was a large settlement of the 12th-14th centuries. At present, Astana is expanding into the territory of ancient Bozok.<ref>{{cite web|author=From Bozok to a Modern Capital: the Long Journey Astana has Made Thus Far|title=From Bozok to a Modern Capital: The Long Journey Astana has Made Thus Far |url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/7144/|access-date=13 January 2015|publisher=e-history.kz}}</ref>

=== Early years (1830–1918) ===
The settlement of Akmoly was established on the [[Ishim (river)|Ishim]] river on 18 June 1830<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last1=Curtis |first1=Simon |title=The Belt and Road City: Geopolitics, Urbanization, and China's Search for a New International Order |last2=Klaus |first2=Ian |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |isbn=9780300266900 |location=New Haven and London |publication-date=2024}}</ref>{{Rp|page=19}} as the seat of an [[okrug]] by [[Fyodor Shubin]]. In 1832, the settlement was granted town status and named ''Akmolinsk''.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} The advantages of the town's strategic position were clear as early as 1863. It describes how picket roads and lines{{definition needed|date=June 2022}} connected this geographic center to [[Kargaly]] in the East, [[Aktau]] Fort in the South, and through [[Atbasar]] to [[Kokshetau]] in the West. In 1838, at the height of the great national and liberation movement headed by [[Kenesary Khan]], the Akmolinsk Fortress was burned.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=e-history.kz|title=Revolt of 1837—1849 under the leadership of khan Kenesary|url=http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/272|access-date=13 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114232603/http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/272|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the repression of the liberation movement, the fortress was rebuilt. On 16 July 1863, Akmolinsk was officially declared an [[uyezd]] town.<ref name="History of Astana">{{cite web|publisher=e-history.kz|title=History of Astana|url=http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/380|access-date=13 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114232709/http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/380|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> During the rapid development of the Russian capitalist market, the huge [[Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan|Saryarka areas]] were actively exploited by the colonial administration. To draft a Regulation governing the [[Kazakh steppe]], the Government of the [[Russian Empire]] formed the Steppe Commission in 1865.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2013 |title=The social and economic relations in Kazakhstan in the second half of the XIX century. |url=https://e-history.kz/en/history-of-kazakhstan/show/9580 |access-date=13 January 2015 |website=E-history.kz}}</ref>

In 1869, Akmolinsk's external district and department were canceled, and Akmolinsk became the center of the newly established [[Akmolinsk Oblast (Russian Empire)|Akmolinsk Oblast]]. In 1879, Major General Dubelt proposed to build a railway between [[Tyumen]] and Akmolinsk to the Ministry of Communications of Russia. In the course of the first 30 years of its existence, the population of Akmola numbered a trifle more than 2,000 people. Over the next 30 years, the city's population increased by three times according to the [[volost]]s and settlements of [[Akmola Region|Akmolinsk Oblast]]. In 1893, Akmolinsk was an [[uyezd]] with a population of 6,428 residents, three churches, five schools and colleges, and three factories.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

=== Soviet era (1918–1991) ===
During [[World War II]], Akmolinsk served as a route for the transport of engineering tools and equipment from evacuated [[Factory|plant]]s in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]], [[Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic|Byelorussian SSR]], and [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]] located in the [[oblast]]s of the [[Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic|Kazakh SSR]]. Local industries were appointed to respond to war needs, assisting the country to provide the battle and home fronts with all materials needed. In the post-war years, Akmolinsk became a beacon of economic revival in the west of the [[Soviet Union]] ruined by the war. Additionally, many [[History of Germans in Russia, Ukraine and the Soviet Union|Russian-Germans]] were resettled here after being [[Population transfer in the Soviet Union|deported]] under [[Joseph Stalin]]'s rule.<ref>{{cite web|author=S. Kurmanova|title=Deportation of Volga Germans to Kazakhstan: Causes and Consequences|url=http://e-history.kz/media/upload/1488/2014/06/26/18cc9c944aa4adcf1f67b8f1f45826ca.pdf|access-date=13 January 2015|publisher=e-history.kz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122234513/http://e-history.kz/media/upload/1488/2014/06/26/18cc9c944aa4adcf1f67b8f1f45826ca.pdf|archive-date=22 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1954, Northern Kazakh SSR oblasts became a territory of the [[Virgin Lands Campaign]], in order to turn the region into a second [[grain]] producer for the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Kazakhstan |date=7 September 2018 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides; Third edition |isbn=978-1784770921|page= 71|author1=Paul Brummell |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Ian MacWilliam|title=In Virgin Lands, a Dream Ends|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1994/4/article/in-virgin-lands-a-dream-ends/213516.html|date=20 April 1994|access-date=13 January 2015|newspaper=The Moscow Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114232557/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1994/4/article/in-virgin-lands-a-dream-ends/213516.html|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 2, 1959, a [[Akmola tragedy|tragedy]] occurred, 143 people died in the collapse of the Yesil Bridge. The only police officer, [[Nurmukhambet Kozhakhmetov]], saved 40 people.

In December 1960, the [[Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union|Central Committee]] made a resolution to create the Tselinniy Krai, which comprised five regions of the Northern Kazakh SSR oblasts.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=293}} Eventually, [[Akmola Region|Akmolinsk Oblast]] ceased to exist as a separate administrative entity.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=293}} Its districts were directly subordinated to the new [[krai]] administration, and Akmolinsk became the krai capital, as well as the administrative seat of the new Virgin Lands economic region.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=293}} On 14 March 1961, Khrushchev suggested the city should have a name corresponding to its role in the Virgin Lands Campaign.{{sfn|Khrushchev|2010|p=739}} On 20 March 1961, the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR renamed Akmolinsk to ''Tselinograd''.{{sfn|Khrushchev|2010|p=739}} On 24 April 1961, the region was reconstituted as ''Tselinograd Oblast''.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=293}} In the 1960s, Tselinograd was completely transformed. In 1963, work on the first three new high-rise housing districts began.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=295}} In addition, the city received a number of new monumental public buildings, including the Virgin Lands Palace, a Palace of Youth, a House of Soviets, a new airport, and several sports venues.{{sfn|Kozlov|Gilburd|2013|p=296}} In 1971, the Tselinniy Krai was abolished and Tselinograd became the oblast's new capital.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

=== Contemporary era (1991–present) ===
After the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] and the consequent independence of Kazakhstan, the city's original name was restored in the modified form ''Akmola''.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} On 6 July 1994, the [[Mazhilis|Supreme Council of Kazakhstan]] adopted the decree "On the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan".<ref name="Astana - the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan">{{cite web|publisher=e-history.kz|title=Astana – the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan|url=http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/378|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223121810/http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/378|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from [[Almaty]] to Akmola on 10 December 1997, the city was consequently renamed Astana in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1298395.stm |title=Timeline: Kazakhstan |work=BBC News |date=31 January 2012 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519165540/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1298395.stm |archive-date=19 May 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 June 1998, Astana was presented as the capital internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akorda.kz/en/category/astana |title=Astana – the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan |publisher=Official site of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan |access-date=10 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317063010/http://akorda.kz/en/category/astana |archive-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> Due to several determined advantages, Astana was chosen as the capital: large urban areas, favorable geographical position, proximity to the major economic centers of the region, considerable demographic capacity, good transportation facilities, and a relatively favorable climate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nur-sultan|url=https://samarkandtours.com/kazakhstan/nur-sultan/|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415101634/https://samarkandtours.com/kazakhstan/nur-sultan/}}</ref> On 16 July 1999, Astana was awarded the medal and title of the City of Peace by [[UNESCO]].<ref name="Astana - the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan" />

In March 2019, the Kazakhstani government renamed the city Nur-Sultan to honour the country's outgoing long-term authoritarian president, [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]].<ref>{{cite news |date=20 March 2019 |title=Nursultan: Kazakhstan renames capital Astana after ex-president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47638619 |access-date=21 September 2022 |language=en-GB |newspaper=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> In September 2022, after a number of controversies and [[2022 Kazakhstan unrest|unrest]] resulting in Nazarbayev's resignation from the [[Security Council of Kazakhstan]], the name of the capital was changed back to Astana.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 September 2022 |title=Kazakhstan to change name of capital from Nur-sultan back to Astana |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/14/kazakhstan-to-change-name-of-capital-from-nur-sultan-back-to-astana |access-date=21 September 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Astana (Kazakhstan), satellite image 2017-07-24.jpg|thumb|left|Satellite image of Astana and its vicinity]]

Astana is almost {{cvt|1,000|km}} from the country's largest city and former capital, [[Almaty]]. The nearest big cities are [[Karaganda]] ({{cvt|200|km|disp=sqbr}}) and [[Omsk]] in Russia ({{cvt|450|km|disp=sqbr}}).{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

===Topography===
Astana is located in central Kazakhstan on the [[Ishim River]] in a very flat, semi-arid steppe region which covers most of the country's territory. It is at 51° 10' north latitude and 71° 26' east longitude. The city encompasses {{convert|722.0|sqkm|1}}. The elevation of Astana is {{convert|347|m}} [[Metres above sea level|above sea level]]. Astana is in a spacious steppe landscape, in the transitional area between the north of Kazakhstan and the extremely thinly settled national centre, because of the Ishim River. The older boroughs lie north of the river, whilst the new boroughs are located south of the Ishim.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

=== Time ===
The [[UTC offset|time offset]] from the [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] used by Astana is 5 hours ahead of UTC, or [[UTC+05:00|UTC+5:00]].

===Climate===
Astana is the second-coldest national capital in the world after [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia, a position formerly held by the capital of Canada, [[Ottawa]], until Astana attained capital city status in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Mongolist|author=Brian White|title=Ulaanbaatar is the Coldest Capital|url=http://www.themongolist.com/blog/society/43-ulaanbaatar-is-the-coldest-capital.html|date=9 January 2013|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226225001/http://www.themongolist.com/blog/society/43-ulaanbaatar-is-the-coldest-capital.html|archive-date=26 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Canada.com |title=Still the third-coldest capital, despite balmy temperatures |url=http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=f23f6479-3274-493b-9f74-d8d8cb5418be |date=4 January 2007 |access-date=19 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606224805/http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=f23f6479-3274-493b-9f74-d8d8cb5418be |archive-date=6 June 2015 |df=dmy}}</ref> Astana has an extreme [[continental climate]] with warm summers (featuring occasional brief rain showers) and long, very cold, dry winters. Summer temperatures sometimes reach 35&nbsp;°C (95&nbsp;°F), while −30 to −35&nbsp;°C (−22 to −31&nbsp;°F) is common from mid-December to early March. Usually, the city's river remains frozen from the second week of November until early April. Astana has a well-earned reputation among Kazakhs for its frequent strong winds, which are especially noticeable in the rapidly growing but relatively open Left Bank part of the city.

Overall, Astana has a [[humid continental climate]] classification in the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen scheme]] (''Dfb'').<ref>[[commons:File:Asia Koppen Map.png|Updated Central, South, Southeast, and Eastern Asian and Siberian Map of the Köppen climate classification system.]]</ref> The average annual temperature in Astana is {{convert|3.9|C}}. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of {{convert|-14.5|C}} and record lowest is in January. 1893's cold wave reached temperatures down to {{convert|-51.6|C}}.<ref name="pogoda">{{cite web | url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/35188.htm | title = Weather and Climate-The Climate of Astana | access-date = 3 January 2022 | language = ru | publisher = Weather and Climate | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150208191629/http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/35188.htm | archive-date = 8 February 2015 | url-status = live}}</ref> July is the hottest month with an average temperature of {{convert|20.6|C}}.<ref name="pogoda"/>

{{Weather box
| width = 
| location = Astana (1991–2020, extremes 1881–present)
| metric first = y
| single line = y
| Jan record high C = 5.0
| Feb record high C = 8.2
| Mar record high C = 22.1
| Apr record high C = 29.7
| May record high C = 36.1
| Jun record high C = 40.1
| Jul record high C = 41.6
| Aug record high C = 38.7
| Sep record high C = 36.2
| Oct record high C = 26.7
| Nov record high C = 18.5
| Dec record high C = 5.2
| year record high C = 41.6
| Jan high C = -10.3
| Feb high C = -8.8
| Mar high C = -1.5
| Apr high C = 12.2
| May high C = 20.9
| Jun high C = 25.8
| Jul high C = 26.6
| Aug high C = 25.5
| Sep high C = 18.9
| Oct high C = 10.4
| Nov high C = -1.3
| Dec high C = -8.0
| year high C = 9.2
| Jan mean C = -14.5
| Feb mean C = -13.6
| Mar mean C = -6.0
| Apr mean C = 6.5
| May mean C = 14.5
| Jun mean C = 19.6
| Jul mean C = 20.6
| Aug mean C = 19.1
| Sep mean C = 12.6
| Oct mean C = 5.0
| Nov mean C = -5.2
| Dec mean C = -12.0
| year mean C = 3.9
| Jan low C = -18.7
| Feb low C = -18.0
| Mar low C = -10.4
| Apr low C = 1.2
| May low C = 8.2
| Jun low C = 13.4
| Jul low C = 14.9
| Aug low C = 13.0
| Sep low C = 6.8
| Oct low C = 0.5
| Nov low C = -8.7
| Dec low C = -16.0
| year low C = -1.2
| Jan record low C = -51.6
| Feb record low C = -48.9
| Mar record low C = -37.2
| Apr record low C = -27.8
| May record low C = -10.8
| Jun record low C = -1.5
| Jul record low C = 2.3
| Aug record low C = -2.2
| Sep record low C = -8.2
| Oct record low C = -25.3
| Nov record low C = -39.2
| Dec record low C = -43.5
| year record low C = -51.6
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 17.8
| Feb precipitation mm = 16.7
| Mar precipitation mm = 20.0
| Apr precipitation mm = 21.7
| May precipitation mm = 33.4
| Jun precipitation mm = 40.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 55.8
| Aug precipitation mm = 31.3
| Sep precipitation mm = 20.8
| Oct precipitation mm = 26.0
| Nov precipitation mm = 29.0
| Dec precipitation mm = 24.8
| year precipitation mm = 337.3
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 5.8
| Feb precipitation days = 5.0
| Mar precipitation days = 5.4
| Apr precipitation days = 5.3
| May precipitation days = 6.6
| Jun precipitation days = 6.6
| Jul precipitation days = 8.3
| Aug precipitation days = 5.4
| Sep precipitation days = 4.3
| Oct precipitation days = 5.7
| Nov precipitation days = 6.9
| Dec precipitation days = 7.1
| year precipitation days = 72.4
| Jan snow depth cm = 19
| Feb snow depth cm = 23
| Mar snow depth cm = 19
| Apr snow depth cm = 1
| May snow depth cm = 0
| Jun snow depth cm = 0
| Jul snow depth cm = 0
| Aug snow depth cm = 0
| Sep snow depth cm = 0
| Oct snow depth cm = 0
| Nov snow depth cm = 4
| Dec snow depth cm = 13
| year snow depth cm = 23
| Jan humidity = 78
| Feb humidity = 77
| Mar humidity = 79
| Apr humidity = 64
| May humidity = 54
| Jun humidity = 53
| Jul humidity = 59
| Aug humidity = 57
| Sep humidity = 59
| Oct humidity = 68
| Nov humidity = 80
| Dec humidity = 79
| year humidity = 67
| Jan rain days = 2
| Feb rain days = 2
| Mar rain days = 5
| Apr rain days = 9
| May rain days = 15
| Jun rain days = 13
| Jul rain days = 15
| Aug rain days = 13
| Sep rain days = 12
| Oct rain days = 10
| Nov rain days = 7
| Dec rain days = 3
| year rain days = 106
| Jan snow days = 25
| Feb snow days = 23
| Mar snow days = 19
| Apr snow days = 6
| May snow days = 1
| Jun snow days = 0.1
| Jul snow days = 0
| Aug snow days = 0
| Sep snow days = 1
| Oct snow days = 7
| Nov snow days = 18
| Dec snow days = 24
| year snow days = 124
| Jan sun = 103
| Feb sun = 147
| Mar sun = 192
| Apr sun = 238
| May sun = 301
| Jun sun = 336
| Jul sun = 336
| Aug sun = 294
| Sep sun = 230
| Oct sun = 136
| Nov sun = 100
| Dec sun = 94
| year sun = 2507
|Jand sun = 3.3
|Febd sun = 5.2
|Mard sun = 6.2
|Aprd sun = 7.9
|Mayd sun = 9.7
|Jund sun = 11.2
|Juld sun = 10.8
|Augd sun = 9.5
|Sepd sun = 7.7
|Octd sun = 4.4
|Novd sun = 3.3
|Decd sun = 3.0
|yeard sun = 6.9
| source 1 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref name="pogoda"/>
| source 2 = [[NOAA]] (sun, 1961–1990),<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_II/KS/35188.TXT |title=Akmola (Astana) Climate Normals 1961–1990 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |access-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171011222703/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/KS/35188.TXT |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=live | date = August 2010}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (daily sun 1961-1990)<ref>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_351880_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Astana (Akmola, Zelinograd, Akmolinsk) / Kasachstan
| publisher = Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
| access-date = September 17, 2016}}
</ref>}}

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations|1897|9688|1926|12781|1939|33209|1959|102276|1970|179514|1979|233638|1989|277365|1999|312965|2009|613006|2021|1234042|source=<ref>{{cite web|title=(USSR) Urban population of the union republics, and their territorial units|url=https://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/census.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cities & towns of Kazakhstan|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-cities.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Results of the National Population Census 2021
|url=https://stat.gov.kz/en/national/2021/|publisher=Bureau of National Statistics (Kazakhstan)}}</ref>}}

As of January 2025, the population of Astana is 1,528,703;<ref name="stat.gov.kz">{{cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kz/ru/industries/social-statistics/demography/publications/281562/|url-status=dead|title=Archived copy|access-date=8 May 2020|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726100426/https://stat.gov.kz/region/268012?lang=en}}</ref> more than triple the 2002 population of 493,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Население Астаны |url=http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/2009/0389/analit07.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113032320/http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/2009/0389/analit07.php |archive-date=13 January 2018 |access-date=31 December 2017 |website=www.demoscope.ru}}</ref>

As of 2026, ethnic [[Kazakhs]] made up 83% of the city population, representing a significant increase from only 17% at the time of the country's independence.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lillis|first=Joanna|url=https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2019/03/dark-shadows-inside-the-secret-world-of-kazakhstan.html|title=Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322144916/https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2019/03/dark-shadows-inside-the-secret-world-of-kazakhstan.html|archive-date=22 March 2019|url-status=dead|date=20 March 2019}}</ref><ref>https://stat.gov.kz/api/iblock/element/336994/file/ru/</ref>

Ethnic groups (2026):<ref>{{cite web |title=Численность населения Республики Казахстан по отдельным этносам на начало 2025 года |url=https://www.stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT355258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527204929/https://www.stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT355258 |archive-date=27 May 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |publisher=Stat.kz}}</ref>
* [[Kazakhs|Kazakh]]: 83%
*[[Russians in Kazakhstan|Russian]]: 8%
*[[Ukrainians in Kazakhstan|Ukrainian]]: 1.4%
*[[Ethnic demography of Kazakhstan|Tatar]]: 1%
*[[Ethnic demography of Kazakhstan|Uzbek]]: 0.6%
* Others: 6%

In 1989, Tselinograd had a population of 281,000. The ethnic mix was about 17.7% [[Kazakhs|Kazakh]], 54.1% [[Russians|Russian]], and 28.2% other ethnic groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angelfire.com/rnb/bashiri/Astana/Astana.html |title=Astana |publisher=Angelfire.com |access-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108032824/http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/bashiri/Astana/Astana.html |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

By 2007, Astana's population had more than doubled since becoming the capital, to over 600,000, and it topped 1 million in 2017. Migrant workers—legal and illegal—have been attracted from across Kazakhstan and neighbouring states such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and Astana is a magnet for young professionals seeking to build a career.<ref name="eurasianet.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav070907.shtml |title=Kazakhstan's Capital Holds a Lavish Anniversary Celebration |publisher=EurasiaNet.org |date=9 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013185417/http://eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav070907.shtml |archive-date=13 October 2007 |access-date=9 July 2007}}</ref> Most of the immigrants in Astana are Russian.

=== Religion ===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Astana (2021)<ref name="census2021">{{cite web |url=https://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT464825 |title=2021 жылғы Қазақстан Республикасы халқының ұлттық санағының қорытындылары |trans-title=Results of the 2021 national census of the Republic of Kazakhstan |access-date=11 March 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902140633/https://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT464825 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Kazakhstan|Islam]]|green|78.48}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Kazakhstan|Christianity]]|purple|10.99}}
{{bar percent|Other religions|red|0.30}}
{{bar percent|[[Irreligion in Kazakhstan|Atheism]]|lightgrey|2.31}}
{{bar percent|Undeclared|darkgrey|7.92}}
}}
[[Islam]] and [[Christianity]] (primarily [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]], and [[Protestantism]]) are the predominant religions of the city. Other religions practiced in the country are [[Judaism]], [[Lutheranism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astana-hotels.net/astana/religion.htm|title=Religion in Astana - Astana|website=www.astana-hotels.net|access-date=2017-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101140945/http://www.astana-hotels.net/astana/religion.htm|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Астана, центральная мечеть с угла.jpg|thumb|[[Astana Grand Mosque]] is the largest mosque in Central Asia]]

Additionally, Astana is home to the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the [[Astana Grand Mosque]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Khangerey |first=Alua |date=2022-08-12 |title=Largest Mosque in Central Asia Opens in Nur-Sultan |work=The Qazaqstan Monitor |url=https://qazmonitor.com/news/709/largest-mosque-in-central-asia-opens-in-nur-sultan}}</ref>

The [[Palace of Peace and Reconciliation]] was specially constructed in 2006 to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It contains accommodations for different religions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, [[Hinduism]], [[Taoism]], and other faiths. [[Beit Rachel Synagogue, Astana|Central Asia's largest synagogue]] is found in Astana. The [[Catholic Church in Kazakhstan|Catholic]] community is served by the [[Our Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Astana|Our Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral]].

Moreover, Astana also serves as the headquarters for the [[Eastern Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan|Eastern Orthodox Church]].

===Metropolitan area===
The metropolitan area centered upon Astana includes the [[Arshaly District|Arshaly]], [[Shortandy District|Shortandy]], [[Tselinograd District|Tselinograd]], and (partially) [[Akkol District|Akkol]] districts of [[Akmola Region]]. The area contains 1.2 million people.<ref name="informburo">{{cite web |last1=Жулмухаметова |first1=Жадра |date=31 October 2017 |title=Чиновники работают над тем, чтобы уместить в Астане два миллиона человек |url=https://informburo.kz/novosti/chinovniki-rabotayut-nad-tem-chtoby-umestit-v-astane-dva-milliona-chelovek.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116035031/https://informburo.kz/novosti/chinovniki-rabotayut-nad-tem-chtoby-umestit-v-astane-dva-milliona-chelovek.html |archive-date=16 November 2017 |access-date=22 January 2018 |language=ru}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{further|Economy of Kazakhstan}}
[[File:Air_Astana_Boeing_767-300ER_Meulemans.jpg|thumb|A [[Boeing 767-300]] belonging to [[Air Astana]], the largest airline in Kazakhstan]]
[[File:KazMunayGaz in Astana Kazakhstan.jpg|thumb|KazMunayGas headquarters]]
Astana's economy is based on [[trade]], [[industrial production]], [[transport]], [[communication]], and [[construction]]. The city's industrial production is mainly focused on producing [[List of building materials|building materials]], [[food]]stuff, and [[mechanical engineering]].

Astana is a major hub of the [[Belt and Road Initiative]], including for financial services and legal services connected to BRI projects.<ref name=":2"/>{{Rp|page=44}}

Astana is the leader in the CIS region on the [[Global Financial Centres Index|Global Financial Centers Index]] rank in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 September 2022 |title=How did Astana and Almaty Rank on Global Financial Centers Index? |pages=1 |work=The Qazaqstan Monitor |url=https://qazmonitor.com/business/870/how-did-astana-and-almaty-rank-on-global-financial-centers-index}}</ref>

The [[Astana International Financial Centre|Astana International Financial Center]] (AIFC) opened in July 2018 to become a hub for financial services in [[Central Asia]].<ref name="aifchub">{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2018 Article IV Mission |url=https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2018/06/28/ms062818-kazakhstan-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2018-article-iv-mission |publisher=IMF |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022202/https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2018/06/28/ms062818-kazakhstan-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2018-article-iv-mission |archive-date=29 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Astana is the headquarters of [[State-owned enterprise|state-owned corporations]] such as [[Samruk-Kazyna]], [[Kazakhstan Temir Zholy]], [[KazMunayGas]], [[KazTransOil]], [[Kazatomprom]], [[KEGOC]], [[Kazpost]], and [[Kazakhtelecom]].

The shift of the capital has given it a powerful boost to Astana's economic development. The high economic growth rate of the city has attracted numerous investors. In the 16 years since Astana became the capital, the volume of investments has increased by almost 30 times, the gross regional product has increased by 90 times,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Astana-celebrates-16th-anniversary-as-Kazakhstans-capital-254091/ |title=Astana celebrates 16th anniversary as Kazakhstan's capital |publisher=Tengrinews.kz |date=9 July 2014 |access-date=19 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219114057/http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Astana-celebrates-16th-anniversary-as-Kazakhstans-capital-254091/ |archive-date=19 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and industrial output has increased by 11 times. The city's [[Gross Regional Product]] makes up about 8.5 per cent of the republic's [[Gross domestic product]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undp.kz/library_of_publications/files/2617-27836.pdf |title=Poverty in Kazakhstan: Causes and Cures |access-date=19 February 2015 |publisher=UNDP Kazakhstan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183619/http://www.undp.kz/library_of_publications/files/2617-27836.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

The Astana – New City [[special economic zone]] was established in 2001 to help develop industry and increase the attractiveness of the city to investors.<ref name="sez">{{cite web|title=Five projects to be launched in Astana industrial park this year |url=http://www.timesca.com/news/14947-five-projects-to-be-launched-in-astana-industrial-park-this-year |publisher=The Times of Central Asia |date=5 February 2015 |access-date=20 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219233616/http://www.timesca.com/news/14947-five-projects-to-be-launched-in-astana-industrial-park-this-year |archive-date=19 February 2015}}</ref> The SEZ plans to commission five projects worth 20 billion KZT (around $108 million) in the Industrial Park No. 1 in 2015.<ref name="sez"/> The projects include construction of a plant for the production of [[diesel engine]]s, a [[fast food]] complex, temporary storage warehouses and a business center, a furniture factory, and the production of military and civil engineering machinery.<ref name="sez"/> The new [[Astana International Financial Centre]] opened in July 2018.

Astana's administration is promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses through the cooperation of the Sovereign Welfare Fund [[Samruk-Kazyna]] and the National Economic Chamber. Support is provided by a special program of crediting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Over 170 thousand of people involved in small and medium enterprise in Astana |url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/291 |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=14 March 2014 |access-date=26 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216030904/http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/291 |archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> As a result, the number of small and medium-sized businesses increased by 13.7% to over 96,000 compared to the previous year as of 1 July 2015.<ref name="sme12">{{cite web|title=Number of small and medium-sized business entities grew by 13.7% in Astana|url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2796781|website=inform.kz|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714234612/http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2796781|archive-date=14 July 2015|url-status=live|date=14 July 2015}}</ref> In addition, the number of people employed in small and medium-sized businesses increased by 17.8% to over 234,000 people as of 1 April 2015.<ref name="sme12"/>

Astana was included in the list of the top 21 intelligent communities of the world, according to the report released by the Intelligent Community Forum in October 2016. The rating list includes the cities, regions, and communities that utilize digital instruments for the construction of the local economy and society.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Smart21 Communities of the Year|url=http://www.intelligentcommunity.org/smart21|website=www.intelligentcommunity.org|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105084101/http://www.intelligentcommunity.org/smart21|archive-date=5 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, Astana attracted more than three trillion tenge (US$7.91 billion) in foreign direct investment, a record amount for the city. The growth was achieved due to a large number of construction projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://astanatimes.com/2019/04/nur-sultan-launches-effort-to-attract-other-year-of-record-foreign-direct-investment-says-city-administration/ |title=Nur-Sultan launches effort to attract another year of record foreign direct investment, says city administration |last=April 2019 |first=Dilshat Zhussupova in Nur-Sultan on 26 |date=26 April 2019 |website=The Astana Times |language=en |access-date=2019-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709171720/https://astanatimes.com/2019/04/nur-sultan-launches-effort-to-attract-other-year-of-record-foreign-direct-investment-says-city-administration/ |archive-date=9 July 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Tourism in Kazakhstan|Tourism]] has become one of the factors that drives economic growth in the city. Astana is among the top ten most attractive tourist cities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Nur-Sultan, Almaty among 10 most popular tourist cities in CIS |url=https://astanatimes.com/2019/10/nur-sultan-almaty-among-10-most-popular-tourist-cities-in-cis/ |website=astanatimes.com |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024141224/https://astanatimes.com/2019/10/nur-sultan-almaty-among-10-most-popular-tourist-cities-in-cis/ |archive-date=24 October 2019 |url-status=dead |date=16 October 2019}}</ref>

== Diplomacy platform ==
Astana has become a platform for high-profile diplomatic talks and summits on critical global issues. Astana has hosted multiple rounds of talks between the [[Syria|Syrian Arab Republic government]], led by [[Bashar al-Assad]], and the [[Syrian opposition to Bashar al-Assad|Syrian opposition]].<ref name="astanadiplo">{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan's New Capital Is Growing Up Quick |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2018/06/08/kazakhstans-new-capital-is-growing-up-quick/2/#78fabb225192 |agency=Forbes |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629023120/https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2018/06/08/kazakhstans-new-capital-is-growing-up-quick/2/#78fabb225192 |archive-date=29 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 12th Ministerial Conference of the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) was originally scheduled to take place in June 2020 in then-Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, WTO members discussed Kazakhstan's offer to reschedule the conference to June 2021, but postponed taking a decision due to the ongoing pandemic. In April 2021, members agreed that MC12 would take place in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December.<ref name="mc12wto">{{cite web |url=https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news21_e/minis_01mar21_e.htm |title=Twelfth Ministerial Conference to take place in Geneva in late 2021 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=1 March 2021 |website=www.wto.org |publisher=World Trade Organization |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301122823/https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news21_e/minis_01mar21_e.htm |archive-date=1 March 2021 }}</ref> Since 2003, Astana has hosted the Congress on World and Traditional Religions, which is a diverse gathering of religious leaders to discuss religious harmony and ending terrorism and extremism.<ref name="vthcongress">{{cite web |title=Vth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions |url=https://en.unesco.org/events/vth-congress-leaders-world-and-traditional-religions |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629021937/https://en.unesco.org/events/vth-congress-leaders-world-and-traditional-religions |archive-date=29 June 2018 |url-status=live |date=27 July 2015}}</ref>

==Cityscape==
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Astana}}
[[File:Downtown Astana With The National Concert Hall (6246435844).jpg|thumb|left|The National Concert hall]]

Astana is subdivided into four districts. [[Almaty District]] was created on 6 May 1998 by presidential decree. The district's territory encompasses an area of {{convert|21054|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=off}} with a population of 375,938 people. The district has five villages. [[Yesil District]], which is also called left bank of the city, was created on 5 August 2008 by presidential decree. The district's territory encompasses an area of {{convert|31179|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=on}} with a population of 119,929 people. [[Saryarka District]] was created on 6 May 1998 by presidential decree. The district's territory encompasses an area of {{convert|19202|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=on}} with a population of 339,286 people. [[:ru:Байконурский район|Baykonyr District]] was created on 16 March 2018 by presidential decree. The district's territory encompasses an area of {{convert|18129|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=on}} with a population of 233 351 people.

In April 1998, the [[Government of Kazakhstan]] asked architects and [[urban planner]]s of international renown to participate in a design competition for the new capital. On 6 October 1998, Japanese architect [[Kisho Kurokawa]] was awarded the First Prize.{{sfn|Whyte|2000|p=216}} Kurokawa's proposal aimed to preserve and redevelop the existing city, and create a new city at the south and the east sides of the [[Ishim River]], enabling the Symbiosis of the History and the Future.{{sfn|Whyte|2000|p=216}}

North of the railway line, which crosses Astana in an east–west direction, are industrial and poorer residential areas. Between the railway line and the Ishim river is the city centre, where at present intense building activity is occurring. To the west and east are more elevated residential areas with parks and the new area of government administration to the south of the Ishim River. Here many large building projects are under way; for example, the construction of a diplomatic quarter, and government buildings. By 2030, these quarters are to be completed. Astana's chief planner, [[Vladimir Laptev]], wants to build a [[Berlin]] in a [[Eurasia]]n style. He has stated that a purely administrative capital such as [[Canberra]] is not one of his goals.

Two of the most significant structures in Astana's developing urban landscape are the [[Palace of Peace and Reconciliation]] and the [[Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center]].<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|page=20}} Their architectural styles are intended to echo features of the nomadic empires that shaped the history of the Eurasian steppes.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|page=20}}

{{wide image|Central Downtown Astana pamorama.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of the governmental headquarters}}

==Sport==
{{Main|Sport in Astana}}
[[File:Astana Arena (inside interior).JPG|thumb|Astana Arena, opened in 2009]]
[[File:Barys Arena.jpg|thumb|Barys Arena in 2015]]

The city has a variety of sports teams. The major [[association football]] team is the [[FC Astana]] of the [[Kazakhstan Premier League]]. Founded in 2009, the FC Astana won six league titles, three [[Kazakhstan Cup|Kazakh Cups]] and five [[Kazakhstan Super Cup|Kazakh Super Cups]].<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ru:Достижения |trans-title=Achievements |url=http://www.fca.kz/rus/club_achievements/ |publisher=Astana F.C. |language=ru |access-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817234920/http://www.fca.kz/rus/club_achievements/ |archive-date=17 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Their home stadium is the [[Astana Arena]], which also serves as a home for the [[Kazakhstan national football team]] and the [[FC Bayterek]]. The FC Bayterek is a member of the Kazakhstan First Division. They were founded in 2012, to develop [[Youth system|youth football]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Total.kz|script-title=ru:ФК "Байтерек" – новый клуб из столицы|trans-title=FC Bayterek – the new club from the capital|language=ru|url=http://total.kz/sport/football/2012/03/30/fk_bayterek_novyy_klub_iz|date=30 March 2012|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821104623/http://total.kz/sport/football/2012/03/30/fk_bayterek_novyy_klub_iz|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[FC Astana-1964]] is based in the [[Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Stadium (Astana)|Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Stadium]] and plays in the Astana Municipal Football League. The club's most successful years were 2000s, when they won 3 league titles.

Astana is home to several professional [[ice hockey]] teams. The [[Barys Astana]], a founding member of the [[Kontinental Hockey League]] in 2008 and based in the [[Barys Arena]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.khl.ru/clubs/barys | title=Barys Astana | publisher=Kontinental Hockey League | access-date=7 October 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007003156/http://en.khl.ru/clubs/barys/ | archive-date=7 October 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Nomad Astana]] and [[HC Astana]] play in the [[Kazakhstan Hockey Championship]]. The [[Snezhnye Barsy]] of the [[Junior Hockey League (Russia)|Junior Hockey League]] is a junior team of the Barys Astana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mhl.khl.ru/en/teams/7152/ |title=Snezhnye Barsy |publisher=Junior Hockey League |access-date=7 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014062317/http://mhl.khl.ru/en/teams/7152/ |archive-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Astana annually hosts the [[President of the Republic of Kazakhstan's Cup]] ice hockey tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61685|publisher=Eurasianet.org|title=Ice Comes Early for Astana Hockey Fans|author=Paul Bartlett|date=8 August 2010|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011175039/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61685|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Astana Pro Team]], founded in 2007, participates in the [[UCI World Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uci.ch/road/teams/ |title=UCI WorldTeams |publisher=Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330164611/http://www.uci.ch/road/teams/ |archive-date=30 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The team is one of the most successful [[road bicycle racing|road cycling]] teams of recent years, winning several [[Grand Tour (cycling)|grand tours]]. The [[BC Astana]] of the [[VTB United League]] and the [[Kazakhstan Basketball Championship|Kazakhstan Basketball League]] is the only professional [[basketball]] team in Astana.<ref name="BC Astana">{{cite web|url=http://bcastana.kz/en/page/history |title=History |publisher=BC Astana |access-date=7 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009205358/http://bcastana.kz/en/page/history |archive-date=9 October 2014}}</ref> It is the most successful basketball team in Kazakhstan with three Kazakhstan Basketball League titles and four [[Kazakhstan Basketball Cup]]s.<ref name="BC Astana" /> Its home arena is the [[Saryarka Velodrome]], which is mainly used for [[track cycling]] events.<ref name="BC Astana" /> The Saryarka Velodrome hosted the [[UCI Track Cycling World Cup]] stage in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/track/article/tra20111027--Preview--UCI-Track-Cycling-World-Cup-Round-1---Astana--Kazakhstan-0 |title=Preview: 2011 UCI Track World Cup round 1 |date=27 October 2011 |publisher=BritishCycling.org.uk |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012064257/http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/track/article/tra20111027--Preview--UCI-Track-Cycling-World-Cup-Round-1---Astana--Kazakhstan-0 |archive-date=12 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Astana Presidential Sports Club]] was founded in 2012, to combine the main sports teams in Astana.<ref>{{cite web|work=The Astana Times|title=Astana Presidential Sports Club Launched |author=Ilyas Omarov |url=http://www.astanatimes.com/2013/07/astana-presidential-sports-club-launched/ |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325014001/http://www.astanatimes.com/2013/07/astana-presidential-sports-club-launched/ |archive-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> The organization is supported by Sovereign Wealth Fund [[Samruk-Kazyna]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=insidethegames.biz|title=Astana Presidential Sports Club outlines vision to boost Kazakhstan's image|author=Paul Osborne|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/sportaccord-convention/1019381-astana-presidential-sports-club-outlines-vision-to-boost-kazakhstan-s-image|date=9 April 2014|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821163912/http://www.insidethegames.biz/sportaccord-convention/1019381-astana-presidential-sports-club-outlines-vision-to-boost-kazakhstan-s-image|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2011 Asian Winter Games]] were partly held in the capital. The [[Alau Ice Palace]], hosted the [[2015 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships]].<ref>{{cite web|work=The Astana Times|title=Alau Ice Palace Hosts World Sprint Skating Championship, Kazakh Skaters Fail to Reach Podium|author=Dmitry Lee|url=http://www.astanatimes.com/2015/03/alau-ice-palace-hosts-world-sprint-skating-championship-kazakh-skaters-fail-reach-podium/|date=3 March 2015|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315193357/http://www.astanatimes.com/2015/03/alau-ice-palace-hosts-world-sprint-skating-championship-kazakh-skaters-fail-reach-podium/|archive-date=15 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[President's Cup (tennis)|President's Cup]] tennis tournament is annually held at the [[Daulet National Tennis Centre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kazpravda.kz/en/news/view/22662 |title=International President's Cup tennis tournament kicked off in Astana |author=Nazymgul Kumyspaeva |publisher=KazPravda.kz |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010173043/http://www.kazpravda.kz/en/news/view/22662 |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The martial art palace was opened on 6 July 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/tokaev-otkryil-dvorets-edinoborstv-v-nur-sultane-373242/ |title= Tokayev opened The martial palace |date= 6 July 2019 |publisher= tengrinews.kz |access-date= 8 May 2020 |archive-date= 26 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200726104058/https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/tokaev-otkryil-dvorets-edinoborstv-v-nur-sultane-373242/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Sports facilities for five thousand spectators can take part in international competitions in boxing, wrestling, judo, weightlifting, and other Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. The palace has a 25-meter pool, fitness and wrestling rooms, a football field, as well as a comfortable hotel. The object will be made available to the pupils of the sports school.

==Education==
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Astana}}
[[File:Palace of Arts Shabyt.jpg|thumb|left|Kazakh National University of Arts]]

Astana has numerous universities and junior colleges. In the 2013/2014 academic year, the city had a total of 53,561 students enrolled in its 14 higher education institutions, marking a 10% rise from the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |title=The number of university students in Astana increased by more than 10% |url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/4216 |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=3 March 2014 |access-date=8 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014030733/http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/4216 |archive-date=14 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University]] is the biggest university in Astana with 16,558 students and 1,678 academic staff.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Info-Tses|script-title=ru: В новом учебном году в ЕНУ им. Л.Н. Гумилева будут обучаться 16 558 человек|trans-title=16 558 students will study in the new academic year at the L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University|language=ru|url=http://www.info-tses.kz/news/v-novom-uchebnom-godu-v-enu-im-l-n-gumileva-budet-obuchatsya-16-558-chelovek/|date=31 August 2014|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208044633/http://www.info-tses.kz/news/v-novom-uchebnom-godu-v-enu-im-l-n-gumileva-budet-obuchatsya-16-558-chelovek/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was founded as the result of merging the Akmola Civil Engineering Institute with the Akmola Pedagogical Institute on 23 May 1996.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ru:История и ЕНУ сегодня |trans-title=History and ENU today |url=http://www.enu.kz/ru/o-enu/istoriya-universiteta/ |publisher=L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University |language=ru |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008055532/http://www.enu.kz/ru/o-enu/istoriya-universiteta/ |archive-date=8 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The oldest university in Astana is the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University founded in 1957.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the university |url=http://kazatu.kz/?id=684&lang=en |publisher=S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011143021/http://kazatu.kz/?id=684&lang=en |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Nazarbayev University]] is an autonomous [[research university]] founded in 2010 in partnership with some of the world's top universities.<ref>{{cite web |title=History & Strategy |url=http://nu.edu.kz/portal/faces/mainmenu/aboutus1/historyvision1?_afrLoop=749534859761201&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=15yfkkypy0_1#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3D15yfkkypy0_1%26_afrLoop%3D749534859761201%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D15yfkkypy0_17 |publisher=Nazarbayev University |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012055637/http://nu.edu.kz/portal/faces/mainmenu/aboutus1/historyvision1?_afrLoop=749534859761201&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=15yfkkypy0_1#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3D15yfkkypy0_1%26_afrLoop%3D749534859761201%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D15yfkkypy0_17 |archive-date=12 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Kazakh University of Economics, Finance and International Trade]] is an economic institution in Astana.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurashe.eu/about/members/kazuefit/ |title=Kazakh University of Economics, Finance and International Trade (KazUEFIT) |publisher=EURASHE.eu |access-date=11 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612233800/http://www.eurashe.eu/about/members/kazuefit/ |archive-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=dead |date=20 January 2015}}</ref> The Kazakh Humanities and Law Institute is a law university founded by initiative of Ministry of Justice in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of KAZGUU |url=http://kazguu.kz/en/university/history-of-kazguu |publisher=Kazakh Humanities and Law Institute |access-date=7 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011191652/http://kazguu.kz/en/university/history-of-kazguu |archive-date=11 October 2014}}</ref> The [[Astana Medical University]] was the only medical school in Astana until the opening of the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the University |url=http://www.amu.kz/en/about_the_university/ |publisher=Astana Medical University |access-date=7 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327034154/http://www.amu.kz//en/about_the_university/ |archive-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Kazakh National University of Arts is the premier [[music school]] and has provided Astana with highly qualified professional specialists in the field of Arts.

Astana schools enrolls about 103,000 students across 83 schools, including 71 [[state school]]s and 12 [[private school]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=5 new schools open doors in Astana today |url=http://inform.kz/rus/article/2692646 |publisher=Kazinform |date=1 September 2014 |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011184820/http://inform.kz/rus/article/2692646 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=13,000 to start school this year in Astana |url=http://inform.kz/rus/article/2684053 |publisher=Kazinform |date=4 August 2014 |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011184552/http://inform.kz/rus/article/2684053 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Miras International School Astana|Miras International School]], established 1999, was the first private high school established in Astana.<ref>{{cite web |title=General information about school |url=http://www.miras-astana.kz/en/about/information.php |publisher=Miras International School |access-date=8 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013162103/http://www.miras-astana.kz/en/about/information.php |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Haileybury Astana]] school was established in 2011, as a branch of the [[Haileybury and Imperial Service College]], an independent school in the United Kingdom. The Astana Kazakh-Turkish High Schools are run by the International KATEV foundation. There are Kazakh-Turkish High Boarding Schools for gifted boys and girls, separately and the Nurorda International School. Astana hosts two [[Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools]] (NIS), including the School of Physics and Mathematics and [[International Baccalaureate]] world school. The [[QSI International School of Astana]] is an international school that provides an American curriculum to its students. The school is a branch of the [[Quality Schools International]] that started in the Middle East.

==Transportation==

=== City transport ===
[[File:Yutong ZK6128HG, Astana (P1190682).jpg|alt=|thumb|City bus in Astana]]

The city transport in Astana consists of buses and taxis. Over 720,000 people use public transport daily.<ref>{{cite web|work=The Astana Times|title=36 Buses Added to Astana's Most Popular Routes|author=Ainur Kuramyssova|url=http://www.astanatimes.com/2014/12/36-buses-added-astanas-popular-routes/|date=17 December 2014|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223181631/http://www.astanatimes.com/2014/12/36-buses-added-astanas-popular-routes/|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are over 60 bus lines served by more than 1000 vehicles, with over 3000 people working in the public transport sector.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=world66.com|title=Astana Public Transportation|url=http://www.world66.com/asia/centralasia/kazakhstan/astana/getting_around|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223175643/http://www.world66.com/asia/centralasia/kazakhstan/astana/getting_around|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Just like buses, share taxis have their own predefined routes and work on a shared basis. There are three share taxi routes in total.<ref>{{cite web |title=Full list and map of current bus lines in Astana |url=https://kz.easyway.info/ru/cities/astana/routes |website=EasyWay |access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref>

Trolleybus routes were opened in 1983. There were originally 3 routes, however, by 2006, only one route was left. In 2008, the only trolleybus fleet by the special state commission was declared unprofitable due to debts to the energy supply company and as a result, it was completely closed.{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}

[[File:Велосипедная парковка "Astana Bike".jpg|thumb|AstanaBike [[bicycle-sharing system]]]]

In 2011, the Akimat of Astana established a company to implement a series of changes and programmes in the metropolis known as the "New transport system of Astana".<ref>{{cite web|publisher=International Association of Public Transport|title=Astana: an advancing city in the modern age|author=Yusup Khassiev|url=http://www.uitp.org/astana-advancing-city-modern-age|date=17 October 2012|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223172011/http://www.uitp.org/astana-advancing-city-modern-age|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of these programmes, [[bus rapid transit]] (BRT) lines were opened. That same year, the construction of a [[light rail]] (LRT) was to begin. It was planned that the first stage of construction of a 16.4-kilometer line, which would've included nine stations, was planned to be completed by 1 December 2013. However, in November 2013, President [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]] condemned the construction of LRT because of the high cost. In exchange, there was a promise to launch high-speed buses. Despite the controversy, the construction of the LRT began in 2017 with the flyovers along to which the trains will pass. After a corruption scandal in 2019, the project stagnated, but in 2023, construction resumed and (as of November 2025) the first line of the [[Astana Light Metro]] was officially opened on May 16, 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan splurges to get Astana light rail back on track |url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-splurges-to-get-astana-light-rail-back-on-track |website=eurasianet |access-date=20 May 2024}}</ref>

The bicycle-sharing program AstanaBike has been operating in Astana since 2014. In 2017, the system consisted of 40 stations with 1000 bicycles.{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}

=== Air ===
[[File:210720_NQZ_Terminal_view.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport]]]]

[[Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport]] {{airport codes|NQZ|UACC}}, located {{convert|17|km}} south-east of the city center, is the main gateway for the city's domestic and international civilian air traffic.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://aeroport.kz/city/astana | script-title=ru:Международный аэропорт Астаны | trans-title=Astana International Airport | publisher=Aeroport.kz | language=ru | access-date=22 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108183014/http://aeroport.kz/city/astana | archive-date=8 November 2017 | url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the second-busiest airport in Kazakhstan, with 8,315,108 passengers passing through it in 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.astanaairport.kz/?page_id=533 | title=Passenger traffic | publisher=Astana International Airport | access-date=16 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503083724/http://en.astanaairport.kz/?page_id=533 | archive-date=3 May 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The airport hosts 21 airlines operating regular passenger flights inside the country and internationally.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.astanaairport.kz/?page_id=581 | title=General information | publisher=Astana International Airport | access-date=16 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215222209/http://en.astanaairport.kz/?page_id=581 | archive-date=15 February 2015 | url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Air Astana]] maintains its second-largest hub at the airport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/companies/No-Peoples-IPO-for-Air-Astana-in-near-future-Samruk-Kazyna-254903/ |title=No People's IPO for Air Astana in near future: Samruk Kazyna |publisher=Tengrinews.kz |date=31 July 2014 |access-date=17 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216231827/http://en.tengrinews.kz/companies/No-Peoples-IPO-for-Air-Astana-in-near-future-Samruk-Kazyna-254903/ |archive-date=16 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> An expected 50% increase in passenger traffic by 2017 has spurred the construction of a new terminal with an area of about {{Convert|40000|m2|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/295 |title=Passenger traffic in Astana airport to increase to 5 million passengers a year by 2017 |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=16 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216002223/http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/295 |archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/6643 |title=New Passenger Terminal will be created after the Capitals Airport Reconstruction |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215220311/http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/6643 |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Railway and roads ===
[[File:Talgo 200 Tulpar train, Astana rail terminal. Kazakhstan, 2009.JPG|thumb|Tulpar Talgo express train to Almaty]]

Astana is located in the centre of the country, serving as a well-positioned transport node for rail and automotive networks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://railways.kz/en/node/2210 |title="Astana" station |publisher=Kazakhstan Temir Zholy |access-date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215231758/http://railways.kz/en/node/2210 |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Astana railway station]] is the city's main [[railway station]] and serves approximately 7,000 people each day. A new railway station, [[Astana-Nurly Zhol station|Nurly Zhol]] was built during the [[Expo 2017]] event with a customer capacity of 12,000. [[Talgo|Tulpar Talgo]] is a daily express train to [[Almaty]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/Kazakh-Spanish-trains-to-become-more-comfortable-258609/ |title=Kazakh-Spanish trains to become more comfortable |publisher=Tengrinews.kz |date=28 January 2015 |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202105349/http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/Kazakh-Spanish-trains-to-become-more-comfortable-258609/ |archive-date=2 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Short-term plans include the construction of a new railway station in the industrial district; in the vicinity of CHPP-3 a new terminal will be erected for freight cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/Astana-will-construct-new-railroad-station-for-EXPO-2017-16094/ |title=Astana will construct new railroad station for EXPO-2017 |publisher=Tengrinews.kz |date=17 January 2013 |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404015951/http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/Astana-will-construct-new-railroad-station-for-EXPO-2017-16094/ |archive-date=4 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

M-36 Chelyabinsk-Almaty and A-343 Astana-Petropavlovsk highways are routed through the city. The strategic geographical positioning of Astana allows the city to serve as a transport and reload centre for cargoes formed at adjacent stations in the area.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

=== River transport ===
Since 2008, navigation on the Esil River has been organized within the city. The Akimat of the city in the framework of the implementation of the "Shipping Esil" program created a specialized enterprise GKKP "Esil-Astana".

==Expo 2017==
{{main|Expo 2017}}
On 1 July 2010, at the 153rd General Assembly of [[Bureau International des Expositions]] held in Paris, representatives from then-Astana presented the city's bid to host the Specialised [[Expo 2017]].<ref name="BIEtheme">{{cite web|title=Future energy – solutions for tackling mankind's greatest challenge|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/expos/upcoming-expos/expo-astana-2017/future-energy-solutions-for-tackling-mankind-s-greatest-challenge|publisher=BIE|access-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811091823/http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/expos/upcoming-expos/expo-astana-2017/future-energy-solutions-for-tackling-mankind-s-greatest-challenge|archive-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AEF1">{{cite web|title=Expo2017: Future Energy and Impact on our Lives|url=http://blog.astanaforum.org/en/expo-2017-future-energy-and-its-impact-in-our-lives|publisher=Astana Economic Forum|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723115354/http://blog.astanaforum.org/en/expo-2017-future-energy-and-its-impact-in-our-lives|archive-date=23 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vision|url=https://expo2017astana.com/en/energy/zamyisel-proekta|website=expo2017astana.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505194547/https://expo2017astana.com/en/energy/zamyisel-proekta|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Kazakh concept for this exhibition relates to the impact of energy on society in the modern world. The theme of the Astana Expo was "Future Energy".<ref name="theme">{{cite web|title=APCO Worldwide to Drive Energy Innovation Future as Chief Organizing Partner for USA Pavilion at Expo 2017 |url=http://www.apcoworldwide.com/news/detail/2016/11/16/u.s.-government-partners-with-businesses-to-showcase-american-energy-innovation-at-expo-2017 |access-date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708233411/http://apcoworldwide.com/news/detail/2016/11/16/u.s.-government-partners-with-businesses-to-showcase-american-energy-innovation-at-expo-2017|archive-date=8 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Expo 2017 opened to much fanfare on 10 June 2017, with heads of state from 17 nations in attendance. It is the first world's fair to be held in Central Asia and its central pavilion, ''Nur Alem'', is the largest spherical building in the world. The two-millionth visitor was registered on 7 August. More than 4 million people attended the event.

==Notable landmarks==
[[File:Kazakhstan_P9130303_(40086847051).jpg|thumb|Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center]]
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
*[[Akorda]] is the residence of the [[President of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]
*[[Astana Grand Mosque]] – the largest mosque in [[Central Asia]], completed in 2022<ref name=":0" />
*[[Baiterek (monument)|Baiterek]] is a 105&nbsp;m (344&nbsp;ft) tall observation tower built in 1996. It is a popular tourist attraction and was built to represent the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan from [[Almaty]] to Astana.
*{{Ill|Gate of Eternal Land|kk|Мәңгілік ел қақпасы}} is a landmark architectural structure, erected in honour of the anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan on the idea of [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]]
*[[Palace of Independence (Astana)|Independence Palace]] – a building designed for diplomatic and other events of international level; the building also has a large-scale layout plan of Astana with existing and future facilities
*[[Kazakh Eli]] – ("The Country of Kazakhs") – a monument on [[Independence Square, Astana|Independence Square]]. The 91-meter stele is crowned with the Samruk bird (Samұryқ, Simurg) – the king of all birds, the keeper of the peoples. The mythological image of Samruk also includes the second important monument of Kazakhstan – "Baiterek", in the translation "Tree of Life", under which the king of birds sits and spreads seeds on the ground from the flapping of wings
*[[Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall]]
*[[Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center|Khan Shatyr]] is the largest shopping and entertainment center (considered the largest tent in the world). 
**Kazakhstan Pavilion and Science Museum "Nur Alem" is the tallest building with a spherical shape, 30 meters in diameter
*[[Nurjol Boulevard]] (formerly Water-Green Boulevard) is a recreational pedestrian zone with an Alley of Singing Fountains
*[[Palace of Peace and Reconciliation]] is the Congress Hall, designed for summits and congresses of representatives of traditional Kazakhstan and world religions. Architect [[Norman Foster]]
*Shabyt Palace<!--Q60446898--> – Kazakh National University of Arts

==Theaters, concert halls, and museums==
[[File:National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.jpg|thumb|National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]
There are 27 libraries in Astana, whose services in 2011 were used by 153 people for every thousand residents, 8 state museums, which were visited by 415,500 people in 2011 and which conducted 68,514 excursions, 10 recreation parks, in 2011 1492.2 thousand visitors were received and 99 events, 6 state museums and 6 cinemas were held.
*The [[Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall|Central Concert Hall Kazakhstan]] is a unique complex of the young capital designed for events of various levels: concerts of world and domestic stars, celebrations and official meetings, exhibitions, conferences, presentations. Architect [[Manfredi Nicoletti]]
*Astana Circus is an entertaining circus institution in the city of Astana. One of the three main circuses of Kazakhstan; in the territory of the former USSR, one of the newest circuses and one of two unique circus buildings in the form of a "flying saucer" (along with the Kazan circus)
*The National Opera and Ballet Theater named after K. Baiseitova is the youngest musical theater in the country, the bearer of the traditions of the Kazakh and world musical culture, comprehending the classical heritage and realizing the spiritual needs of the renewed Kazakhstani society
*[[Astana Opera]] is a theater founded by the initiative of the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The theater building, built in 2013, this Parthenon-styled edifice is one of the cultural centers of the city, staging both classical and original works,<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title=7 Sights to See on Your Next Visit to Nur-Sultan |url=https://qazmonitor.com/travel/744/7-sights-to-see-on-your-next-visit-to-nur-sultan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206103058/https://qazmonitor.com/travel/744/7-sights-to-see-on-your-next-visit-to-nur-sultan |archive-date=6 December 2024 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Qazaqstan Monitor |url-status=live }}</ref> is recognized as an architectural monument of national importance
*Kazakh Music and Drama Theater named after K. Kuanyshbaev
*State Academic Russian Drama Theater named after [[Maxim Gorky]]
*The [[National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan]] is the largest museum in Central Asia. The museum was created on behalf of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. *Nazarbayev in the framework of the State program "Cultural Heritage"
*Modern Art Museum
*Presidential Center of Culture – created on the initiative of the head of state N. Nazarbayev. The uniqueness of the research, cultural and educational complex of the capital is that its structure includes a museum, a library, a concert hall
*[[ALZhIR]] (Akmola camp of wives of traitors to the motherland) – the largest Soviet women's camp, one of the three "islands" of the "Gulag Archipelago"
*Atameken is an ethno-memorial complex of nature, architecture and life on a large-scale map of Kazakhstan
*[[The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan|Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]
*Memorial complex of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (in honor of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the capital)
*Museum of The Future (Nur-Alem Pavilion) – is more than just a monument of [[Expo 2017|EXPO2017]]. The museum exhibition is all about the energy of the future. You can learn everything there is to know about renewable, green, and solar-powered energy sources, as well as see a model of the city proposed for 2050<ref name=":4" />

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Kazakhstan}}
Astana is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref name="twins">{{cite web |date=6 July 2016 |title=Международный авторитет Астаны повышают города-побратимы |url=https://www.inform.kz/ru/mezhdunarodnyy-avtoritet-astany-povyshayut-goroda-pobratimy_a2927628 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212132913/https://www.inform.kz/ru/mezhdunarodnyy-avtoritet-astany-povyshayut-goroda-pobratimy_a2927628 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |access-date=30 November 2020 |website=inform.kz |publisher=KazInform |language=ru}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|JOR}} [[Amman]], Jordan (2005)
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Ankara]], Turkey (2001)
*{{flagicon|TKM}} [[Ashgabat]], Turkmenistan (2017)<ref>{{cite web|title=State visit of President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan|url=https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/245|website=mfa.gov.tm|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan|date=18 April 2017|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119052524/https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/245|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|THA}} [[Bangkok]], Thailand (2004)
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Beijing]], China (2006)
*{{flagicon|KGZ}} [[Bishkek]], Kyrgyzstan (2011)
*{{flagicon|SYR}} [[Damascus]], Syria
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Gdańsk]], Poland (1996)
*{{flagicon|VIE}} [[Hanoi]], Vietnam (2009)
*{{flagicon|PAK}} [[Islamabad]], Pakistan
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Kazan]], Russia (2004)
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Kyiv]], Ukraine (1998)
*{{flagicon|PHI}} [[Manila]], Philippines<ref name="About Manila: Sister Cities">{{Cite web |title=About Manila: Sister Cities |url=http://manila.gov.ph/government/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611173109/http://manila.gov.ph/government/ |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |access-date=November 24, 2016 |publisher=City of Manila}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Moscow]], Russia
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nice]], France (2013)
*{{flagicon|IDN}} [[Nusantara (city)|Nusantara]], Indonesia (2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=30 Years of Indonesia - Kazakhstan Bilateral Relations: Astana and Nusantara Forge Sister City Cooperation in Historic First|url=https://kemlu.go.id/portal/en/read/4901/berita/30-years-of-indonesia-kazakhstan-bilateral-relations-astana-and-nusantara-forge-sister-city-cooperation-in-historic-first|website=kemlu.go.id|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia)]]|date=4 July 2023|access-date=13 July 2023}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Oulu]], Finland (2013)
*{{flagicon|MYS}} [[Putrajaya]], Malaysia
*{{flagicon|LVA}} [[Riga]], Latvia (1998)
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia (1996)
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Seoul]], South Korea (2004)
*{{flagicon|UZB}} [[Tashkent]], Uzbekistan
*{{flagicon|GEO}} [[Tbilisi]], Georgia (1996)
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Ufa]], Russia (2010)
*{{flagicon|MNG}} [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia (2019)<ref>{{cite web|title="Улаанбаатар олон улсын өдөрлөг-2019" арга хэмжээ эхэллээ|url=https://ulaanbaatar.mn/Home/newsdetail?dataID=44139|website=ulaanbaatar.mn|publisher=Ulaanbaatar|language=mn|date=21 October 2019|access-date=11 November 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111082639/https://ulaanbaatar.mn/Home/newsdetail?dataID=44139|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Uşak]], Turkey
*{{flagicon|LTU}} [[Vilnius]], Lithuania
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Warsaw]], Poland (2002)
*{{flagicon|CRO}} [[Zagreb]], Croatia (2014)
<!--rest - not twinning-->
{{div col end}}

===Friendly cities===
Astana also cooperates with:<ref name=twins/>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|AZE}} [[Baku]], Azerbaijan
*{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Belgrade]], Serbia
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Berlin]], Germany
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Bucharest]], Romania
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Budapest]], Hungary
*{{flagicon|EGY}} [[Cairo]], Egypt
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Chelyabinsk]], Russia
*{{flagicon|MDA}} [[Chișinău]], Moldova
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Kurgan, Kurgan Oblast|Kurgan]], Russia
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Kursk]], Russia
*{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Minsk]], Belarus
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Omsk]], Russia
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Penza]], Russia
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Saratov]], Russia
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Sverdlovsk Oblast]], Russia
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Tomsk]], Russia
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Ürümqi]], China
{{div col end}}

==Smart city initiative==
The Smart Astana project is an initiative developed by the then-Astana city administration that incorporates technology-driven solutions in various sectors, like hospitals, schools, the ticket booking system and street lighting.<ref name="SmartCity">{{cite news|title=Astana moving closer to becoming smart city|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/06/astana-moving-closer-to-becoming-smart-city/ |last=Satubaldina |first=Assel |date=29 June 2017 |work=The Astana Times |access-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428093446/https://astanatimes.com/2017/06/astana-moving-closer-to-becoming-smart-city/ |archive-date=28 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> These projects run on an interconnected application, the Smart Astana.<ref name=SmartCity />

Astana's smart city sector includes the annual Astana Innovations Challenge, designed to bring attention to the smart city concept.<ref name="Kousa-Startup">{{cite web |title=Nur-Sultan's Startup Ecosystem's Many Opportunities |url=https://startupgenome.com/blog/nur-sultan-startup-ecosystem |last=Kousa |first=Sofia |date=15 August 2019 |website=Startup Genome |access-date=7 December 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201012818/https://startupgenome.com/blog/nur-sultan-startup-ecosystem |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the world's first smart sustainable city acceleration hub is set to open in Astana. This hub was planned to integrate from 10 to 15 startup solutions into the infrastructure of Kazakhstan.<ref name="Kousa-Startup" />

==See also==
* [[List of people from Astana]]
{{Portal bar|Geography|Asia}}

== Footnotes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book | last1=Pospelov | first1=Evgeni M. | url=http://www.twirpx.com/file/873195/ | script-title=ru:Имена городов: вчера и сегодня (1917–1992). Топонимический словарь |trans-title=City Names: Yesterday and Today (1917–1992). Toponymic Dictionary | publisher=Русские словари | year=1993 |url-access=registration }}
* {{cite book | last1=Kozlov | first1=Denis | last2=Gilburd | first2=Eleonory | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tZePAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA297| title=The Thaw: Soviet Society and Culture during the 1950s and 1960s | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2013 | isbn=9781442644601}}
* {{cite book | last=Khrushchev | first=Sergei | author-link = Sergei Khrushchev | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xTfMDJK7Qu4C&pg=PA739| script-title=ru:Никита Хрущев. Реформатор |trans-title=Nikita Khrushchev. Reformer | publisher=Время | year=2010 | isbn=9785969105331 | title=Никита Хрущев. Реформатор}}
* {{cite book | last1=Whyte | first1=Andy | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i-wa01TgV3cC&pg=PA216| title=Kisho Kurokawa, Architect and Associates: Selected and Current Works | publisher=Images Publishing | year=2000 | isbn=9781864700190}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/09/ryan-koopmans-kazakhstan-a-tale-of-two-cities/|title=The Eccentric Autocrat Who Spent Billions Inventing A City|last=Mallone|first=Laura|date=23 September 2016|magazine=Wired}}
* {{cite book | last1=Vale | first1=Lawrence | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qWx9AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA154| title=Architecture, Power and National Identity | publisher=[[Routledge]] | year=2014 | isbn=9781134729210 |pages=153–154}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Astana|wikt=no|commons=Astana|b=no|n=Astana|q=no|s=no|v=no|voy=Astana|species=no|d=no|display=Astana}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/2017-astana Official website of the BIE]

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[[Category:Cities in Central Asia]]
[[Category:Planned capital cities]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1830]]
[[Category:Regions of Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:1830 establishments in the Russian Empire]]
[[Category:Subnational enclaves and exclaves]]