View source for Astana

{{About|the capital of Kazakhstan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                   = Astana
|native_name            = ''Астана''
|settlement_type        = [[Capital city|Capital City]]
|image_skyline          = {{Photomontage
|photo1a                = Bayterek.jpg
|photo2a                = Astana Architecture 02.jpg
|photo2b                = Astana, capital of Kazakhstan 02.jpg
|photo3a                = Astana Architecture 01.jpg
|photo3b                = Astana, capital of Kazakhstan 04.jpg
|photo4a                = Nazarbayev University.JPG
|photo4b                = L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University.JPG
|spacing                = 2
|position               = center
|color_border           = white
|color                  = white
|size                   = 266
|foot_montage           = '''Clockwise from top:''' Astana Downtown skyline and [[Bayterek Tower]], [[Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall]], [[Khazret Sultan Mosque]], [[L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University]], [[Nazarbayev University]], [[Palace of Peace and Reconciliation]], [[Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center|Khan Shatyr]]
}}
|image_flag             = New flag of Astana.svg
|flag_link              = Flag of Astana
|image_shield           = New coat of arms of Astana.svg
|shield_link            = Coat of arms of Astana
|pushpin_map            = Kazakhstan
|pushpin_label_position = bottom
|pushpin_map_caption    = The location of Astana in Kazakhstan
|coordinates            = {{coord|51|10|N|71|26|E|region:KZ|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type       = Country
|subdivision_name       = {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
|established_title      = Established
|established_date       = in 1830 as Akmoly{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}}
|established_title2     = [[Geographical renaming|Renamed]]
|established_date2      = in 1832 to Akmolinsk{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}}
|established_title3     = Renamed
|established_date3      = in 1961 to Tselinograd{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}}
|government_type        = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
|governing_body         = City Council of Astana
|leader_title           = Mayor
|leader_name            = [[Asset Issekeshev]]
|area_total_km2         = 710.2
|elevation_m            = 347
|population_total       = 860,368
|population_as_of       = 22 June 2015
|population_footnotes   = <ref name="The population of Astana">{{cite web|publisher=BNews.kz |title=Astana population reaches 860,368 |url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2789183/ |date=22 June 2015 |accessdate=6 October 2015}}</ref>
|population_density_km2 = 1081.5
|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 |accessdate=10 March 2015 |publisher=Postal Codes Database}}</ref>
|area_code              = +7 7172<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/country.php?country=Kazakhstan |title=Kazakhstan Country Codes |accessdate=9 March 2015 |publisher=CountryCallingCodes.com}}</ref>
|website                = {{official website|http://www.astana.gov.kz/}}
|established_title4     = Renamed
|established_date4      = in 1992 to Akmola{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}}
|established_title5     = Renamed
|established_date5      = in 1998 to Astana<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 |accessdate=6 October 2014}}</ref>
|timezone               = [[Almaty Time|ALMT]]
|utc_offset             = +6
|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 |accessdate=10 March 2015 |publisher=GeoNames.org}}</ref>
|blank1_name            = [[License plate]]
|blank1_info            = [[Vehicle registration plates of Kazakhstan|01, Z]]
}}
'''Astana''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|s|ˈ|t|ɑː|n|ə}},<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Oxford Dictionaries |title=Definition of Astana in British and World English |url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Astana |accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|US|æ|s|ˈ|t|ɑː|n|ə}};<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Oxford Dictionaries |title=Definition of Astana in US English |url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/american_english/Astana |accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref> {{lang-kk|''Астана''}} {{IPA-kk|astaˈna||Kk-astana.ogg}}) is the [[capital city]] of [[Kazakhstan]]. It is located on the [[Ishim River]] in the north portion of Kazakhstan, within the [[Akmola Region]], though administrated separately from the region as a city with special status. The 2014 census reported a population of 835,153 within the city limits, making it the second largest city in Kazakhstan, behind [[Almaty]].<ref name="<ref name="The population of Astana" />

Founded in 1830 as a settlement of ''Akmoly'' ({{lang-kk|Ақмолы}}) or ''Akmolinsky prikaz'' ({{lang-ru|Акмолинский приказ}}), it served as a defensive [[fortification]] for the [[Siberian Cossacks]]. In 1832 the settlement was granted a town status and renamed ''Akmolinsk'' ({{lang-ru|Акмолинск}}). On March 20, 1961 the city was renamed ''Tselinograd'' ({{lang-ru|Целиноград}}) to mark the city's evolution as a cultural and administrative center of the [[Virgin Lands Campaign]]. In 1992 it was renamed ''Akmola'' ({{lang-kk|Ақмола}}), the modified original name meaning "a white grave". On December 10, 1997 Akmola replaced [[Almaty]] as the capital of Kazakhstan. On May 6, 1998 it was renamed ''Astana'', which means "the capital city" in Kazakh.

Modern Astana is a [[Planned community|planned city]], like [[Brasília]] in Brazil, [[Canberra]] in Australia, and [[Washington, D.C.]] in the United States.<ref name="Astana">{{cite web|publisher=The Guardian |title=Astana, Kazakhstan: the space station in the steppes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/astana-kazakhstan-space-station-steppes |date=8 August 2010 |accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> After Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan, the city cardinally changed its shape. The master plan of Astana was designed by Japanese architect [[Kisho Kurokawa]].<ref name="Astana" /> As the seat of the [[Government of Kazakhstan]], Astana is the site of the [[Parliament of Kazakhstan|Parliament House]], the [[Supreme Court of Kazakhstan|Supreme Court]], the [[Ak Orda Presidential Palace]] and numerous government departments and agencies. It is home to many [[Futurist architecture|futuristic]] buildings, [[hotel]]s and [[skyscraper]]s.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The New York Times|author=Steven Lee Myers|title=Kazakhstan’s Futuristic Capital, Complete With Pyramid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/13/world/asia/13astana.html?_r=0 |date=13 October 2006 |accessdate=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Guardian |title=Astana, the futuristic frontier of architecture |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2010/aug/08/architecture-kazakhstan |date=8 August 2010 |accessdate=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=CNN |title=Astana: The world's weirdest capital city |author=Daisy Carrington |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/world/asia/eye-on-kazakhstan-astana/index.html |date=13 July 2012 |accessdate=6 October 2014}}</ref> Astana also has extensive [[Health care|healthcare]], [[sport]]s and [[education]] systems.

==History==
{{Main|History of Astana}}

[[File:Akmolinsk Fortress Map.jpg|thumb|left|Akmolinsk Fortress map]]

The settlement of ''Akmoly'', also known as ''Akmolinsky prikaz'',{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} was established on the [[Ishim River]] in 1830 as the seat of an [[okrug]] by a unit of the [[Siberian Cossacks]] headed by [[Fyodor Shubin]].<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:"От центра окружного приказа до столицы Казахстана" (краткий исторический обзор истории столицы)|trans_title=From the centre of district order to the capital of Kazakhstan (short historical overview of the history of the capital) |url=http://www.uad.astana.kz/ru/node/41937 |publisher=Archive and Documentation Department of Astana |language=ru |accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref> The name was possibly given after a local landmark—''Akmola'' literally means "a white grave" in [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]]—although this theory is not universally accepted.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} In 1832, the settlement was granted town status and named ''Akmolinsk''.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} The fairly advantageous position of the town was clear as early as 1863 in an abstract from the Geographic and Statistical Dictionary of the [[Russian Empire]]. It describes how picket roads and lines connected this geographic centre to [[Kargaly]] in the East, [[Aktau|Aktau fort]] in the South and through [[Atbasar]] to [[Kokshetau|Kokchetav]] in the West. In 1838, at the height of the great national and liberation movement headed by [[Kenesary Khan]], Akmolinsk fortress was burned.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=e-history.kz|title=Revolt of 1837—1847 under the leadership of khan Kenesary |url=http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/272|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> After the repression of the liberation movement, the fortress was rebuilt. On 16 July 1863, Akmolinsk was officially declared an [[uyezd|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|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</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 Regulation governing the [[Kazakh steppe]] the Government of the [[Russian Empire]] formed Steppe Commission in 1865.<ref name="The social and economic relations in Kazakhstan in the second half of the XIX century">{{cite web|publisher=e-history.kz|title=The social and economic relations in Kazakhstan in the second half of the XIX century |url=http://e-history.kz/en/contents/view/148|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> On 21 October 1868, Tsar [[Alexander II of Russia|Alexander II]] signed a draft Regulation on governing [[Turgay Oblast (Russian Empire)|Turgay]], [[Ural Oblast (Russian Empire)|Ural]], [[Aqmola Oblast (Russian Empire)|Akmolinsk]] and [[Semipalatinsk Oblast, Russia|Semipalatinsk Oblast]]s.<ref name="The social and economic relations in Kazakhstan in the second half of the XIX century" /> In 1869, Akmolinsk external district and department were cancelled, and Akmolinsk became the centre 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. However, over the next 30 years the city's population increased by three times according to [[volost]]s and [[Human settlement|settlements]] of the Akmolinsk Oblast. In 1893, Akmolinsk was an [[uyezd]] with a 6,428 strong population, 3 [[church (building)|churches]], 5 [[school]]s and [[college]]s and 3 [[Factory|factories]].

During [[World War II]], Akmolinsk served as a route for the transport of engineering tools and equipment from evacuated [[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|accessdate=13 January 2015|publisher=e-history.kz|format=PDF}}</ref>

In the 1950s, Northern Kazakh SSR oblasts became a territory of the [[Virgin Lands Campaign]] led by [[Nikita Khrushchev]], in order to turn the region into a second [[food grain|grain producer]] for the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>{{Cite web|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|accessdate=13 January 2015|publisher=The Moscow Times}}</ref> In December 1960, [[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}} [[Akmola Region|Akmolinsk Oblast]] was 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 proposed to rename the city to 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 centre of the oblast.

After the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] and the consequent independence of Kazakhstan, the city's original form was restored in the modified form ''Akmola''.{{sfn|Pospelov|1993|pp=24–25}} On 6 July 1994, the [[Mazhilis|Supreme Council of Kazakhstan]] accepted 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 |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> After the capital of Kazakhstan was moved 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 |publisher=BBC News |date=31 January 2012 |accessdate=24 November 2013}}</ref> On 10 June 1998, Astana 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 |accessdate=10 March 2015}}</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" />

==Geography==

===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, and the [[50th parallel north]] passes through the southern parts of the city. The city encompasses {{convert|722.0|sqkm|1}}. The elevation of Astana is {{convert|347|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[Above mean 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.

===Climate===
Astana is the second coldest capital city in the world after [[Ulaanbaatar|Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia]], a position formerly held by Canada's capital, [[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|accessdate=19 February 2015}}</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 |accessdate=19 February 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606224805/http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=f23f6479-3274-493b-9f74-d8d8cb5418be |archivedate=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 occasionally reach {{convert|+35|C}} while {{convert|-30|to|-35|C}} is not unusual between mid-December and early March. Typically, the city's river is frozen over between the second week of November and the beginning of April. Astana has a well-deserved reputation among Kazakhs for its frequent high winds, the effects of which are felt particularly strongly on the fast-developing but relatively exposed Left Bank area of the city.

Overall, Astana has a [[humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''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|+3.5|C}}. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of {{convert|-14.2|C}}. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of {{convert|+20.7|C}}.

{{Weather box
|location=Astana
|metric first = y
|single line = y
|collapsed = y
|Jan record high C = 3.4
|Feb record high C = 4.8
|Mar record high C = 22.1
|Apr record high C = 29.7
|May record high C = 35.7
|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 = 4.5
|year record high C = 41.6
|Jan high C = -9.9
|Feb high C = -9.2
|Mar high C = -2.5
|Apr high C = 10.9
|May high C = 20.2
|Jun high C = 25.8
|Jul high C = 26.8
|Aug high C = 25.2
|Sep high C = 18.8
|Oct high C = 10.0
|Nov high C = -1.4
|Dec high C = -8.0
|year high C = 8.9
|Jan mean C = -14.2
|Feb mean C = -14.1
|Mar mean C = -7.1
|Apr mean C = 5.2
|May mean C = 13.9
|Jun mean C = 19.5
|Jul mean C = 20.8
|Aug mean C = 18.8
|Sep mean C = 12.3
|Oct mean C = 4.6
|Nov mean C = -5.4
|Dec mean C = -12.1
|year mean C = 3.5
|Jan low C = -18.3
|Feb low C = -18.5
|Mar low C = -11.5
|Apr low C = 0.2
|May low C = 7.9
|Jun low C = 13.2
|Jul low C = 15.0
|Aug low C = 12.8
|Sep low C = 6.6
|Oct low C = 0.2
|Nov low C = -8.9
|Dec low C = -16.1
|year low C = -1.5
|Jan record low C = -51.6
|Feb record low C = -48.9
|Mar record low C = -38.0
|Apr record low C = -27.7
|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 = 16
|Feb precipitation mm = 15
|Mar precipitation mm = 18
|Apr precipitation mm = 21
|May precipitation mm = 35
|Jun precipitation mm = 37
|Jul precipitation mm = 50
|Aug precipitation mm = 29
|Sep precipitation mm = 22
|Oct precipitation mm = 27
|Nov precipitation mm = 28
|Dec precipitation mm = 22
|year precipitation mm = 320
|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
|source 1 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref name="pogoda">{{cite web | url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/35188.htm | title = Weather and Climate-The Climate of Astana | accessdate = 8 February 2015 | language = Russian | publisher = Weather and Climate }}</ref>
|source 2 = [[NOAA]] (sun, 1961–1990)<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web|url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/KS/35188.TXT |title=Akmola (Astana) Climate Normals 1961–1990 |publisher= National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | accessdate = 8 February 2015}}</ref>
|date = August 2010
}}

==Demographics==
As of 4 September 2014, Astana has a population density of 958 people per km² and a population of about 835,153,<ref name="The population of Astana" /> of which [[Kazakhs]], [[Russians]], [[Ukrainians]], [[Tatars]] and [[Germans]] make up 65.2%, 23.8%, 2.9%, 1.7%, 1.5% respectively. Other ethnic groups make up 4.9% of Astana's population.

In 1999, Astana had a population of 281,000. The ethnic mix was about 30% [[Kazakhs|Kazakh]] and 70% [[Russians|Russian]], [[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]] and German.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/bashiri/Astana/Astana.html |title=Astana |publisher=Angelfire.com |accessdate=21 October 2012}}</ref>

By 2007, Astana's population had more than doubled since becoming the capital, to over 600,000, and it is forecast to top 1 million by 2030. 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. This has changed the city's demographics, bringing more ethnic Kazakhs to a city that formerly had a Slav majority. Astana's ethnic Kazakh population has risen to some 60%, up from 17% in 1989.<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=8 July 2007 |accessdate=24 November 2013}}</ref>

Many argue that a drive to attract ethnic Kazakhs northward was the key factor in shifting the capital, which was officially put down to lack of space for expansion in the former capital, Almaty, and its location in an earthquake zone.

According to preliminary figures, Astana had 700,000 inhabitants in late 2007. According to the 1999 Census, 40.5% of the population was Russian, 5.7% Ukrainian, 3.0% German, 2.6% Tatar, 1.8% [[Belarusians|Belarusian]] and 0.8% [[Poles|Polish]]. But at 41.8%, Kazakhs outnumbered Russians and formed the largest ethnic group, while Ingush and Korean each accounted for 0.6%. Others, mostly Uzbeks, accounted for 3.8%.

==Economy==
[[File:KazMunayGaz in Astana Kazakhstan.jpg|thumb|left|[[KazMunayGas]] headquarters]]
[[File:The central office of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan.jpg|thumb|[[Emerald Towers]] business center is the tallest building of Astana]]

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

The shift of the capital has given a powerful boost to Astana's economic development. The city's high economic growth rate 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 |accessdate=19 February 2015}}</ref> and industrial output has increased by 11 times. The city's [[Gross Regional Product]] makes up about 8.5 percent 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 |accessdate=19 February 2015 |format=PDF |publisher=UNDP Kazakhstan |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183619/http://www.undp.kz/library_of_publications/files/2617-27836.pdf |archivedate=3 March 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref>

The Astana – New City [[special economic zone]] was established in 2001 to 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 |accessdate=20 February 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219233616/http://www.timesca.com/news/14947-five-projects-to-be-launched-in-astana-industrial-park-this-year |archivedate=19 February 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref> The SEZ plans to commission five projects worth 20 billion KZT (around $108 million) in the Industrial Park #1 in 2015.<ref name="sez"/> The projects include construction of a plant for production of [[diesel engine]]s, a [[fast food]] complex, temporary storage warehouses and a business centre, a furniture factory, and production of military and civil engineering machinery.<ref name="sez"/> The new [[Astana International Financial Centre]] is due to launch on 1 January 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 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 |accessdate=26 January 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 July 1, 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}}</ref> In addition, the number of people employed in small and medium-sized business increased by 17.8% to over 234,000 people as of April 1, 2015.<ref name="sme12"/>

Astana was included in the list of 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 which use digital instruments for construction of local economy and society.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Smart21 Communities of the Year|url=http://www.intelligentcommunity.org/smart21|website=www.intelligentcommunity.org}}</ref>

==Cityscape==
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Astana}}

Astana is subdivided into three districts. [[Almaty District]] was created on 6 May 1998 by presidential decree. The district's territory encompasses an area of {{convert|21,054|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|31,179|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=off}} 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|19,202|ha|acre sqmi|abbr=off}} with a population of 339,286 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}} Summary of Kurokawa's Proposal, since the 1960s, pleaded for the [[Paradigm shift]] from the age of the machine principle to the age of life principle.{{sfn|Whyte|2000|p=216}} His work is the embodiment of [[Metabolism (architecture)|Metabolism]] and Symbiosis, which are the two most important concepts of the age of life principle.{{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 a variety of different government buildings. By 2030, these quarters are to be completed. Astana's current 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.

===Panoramic view===
{{wide image|Central Downtown Astana pamorama.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|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 sporting teams. The major [[association football]] team is the [[FC Astana]] of the [[Kazakhstan Premier League]]. Founded in 2009, Astana won three league titles, three [[Kazakhstan Cup]]s and two [[Kazakhstan Super Cup]]s.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ru:Достижения|trans_title=Achievements |url=http://www.fca.kz/rus/club_achievements/ |publisher=Astana F.C. |language=ru |accessdate=21 August 2014}}</ref> Their home ground is the [[Astana Arena]], which is 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|accessdate=21 August 2014}}</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 | accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref> The [[Nomad Astana]] and the [[HC Astana]] play in the [[Kazakhstan Hockey Championship]] and are based in the [[Kazakhstan Sports Palace]]. 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 |accessdate=7 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|accessdate=7 October 2014}}</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) |accessdate=5 March 2015}}</ref> The team is one of the most successful [[cycling]] teams of recent years, winning several [[Grand Tour (cycling)|grand tours]]. The [[BC Astana]] of the [[VTB United League]] and the [[Kazakhstan Division I Basketball League|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 |accessdate=7 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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref> The [[Astana Presidential Sports Club]] was founded in 2012, to combine the main sports teams in Astana.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=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|accessdate=21 August 2014}}</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|accessdate=21 August 2014}}</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|publisher=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|accessdate=5 March 2015}}</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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}.</ref>

==Education==
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Astana}}
[[File:Palace of Arts Shabyt.jpg|thumb|left|Kazakh National University 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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</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 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</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. In Astana, there are Kazakh-Turkish High Boarding Schools for gifted boys and girls, separately and the [http://nurorda.org/ Nurorda International School].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.nurorda.org}}</ref>  Astana hosts two [[Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools]] (NIS), including School of Physics and Mathematics and [[International Baccalaureate]] world school.<ref>{{cite web |title=Intellectual schools |url=http://nis.edu.kz/en/schools |publisher=Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.qsi.org/kazakhstan/ast|title = QSI International School of Astana|accessdate = 28 November 2014|publisher = Quality Schools International (QSI)}}</ref>

Astana has many universities and junior colleges. {{As of|2014|alt=as of the 2013/2014}} academic year, Astana had a total enrollment of 53,561 students in its 14 higher educational institutions, a 10%  increase from the prior 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 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</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|accessdate=1 December 2015}}</ref> It was founded as the result of merging the Akmola Civil Engineering Institute and 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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref> The [[Nazarbayev University]] is an autonomous [[research university]], partnered with many of top universities of the world.<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 |accessdate=7 October 2014}}</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 |accessdate=11 June 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 |accessdate=7 October 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011191652/http://kazguu.kz/en/university/history-of-kazguu |archivedate=11 October 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> The Astana Medical University is the only medical school in Astana.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the University |url=http://www.amu.kz/en/about_the_university/ |publisher=Astana Medical University |accessdate=7 March 2015}}</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.<ref>{{cite web |title=About us |url=http://kaznui.kz/en/universitet/about/ |publisher=Kazakh National University of Arts|accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Велосипедная парковка "Astana Bike".jpg|thumb|Astana Bike [[bicycle-sharing system]]]]
[[File:Talgo 200 Tulpar train, Astana rail terminal. Kazakhstan, 2009.JPG|thumb|[[Talgo|Tulpar Talgo]] express train to [[Almaty]]]]
Public transport in Astana consists of [[bus]]es and [[share taxi]]s. Over 720,000 people use public transport daily.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=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|accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> There are over 40 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 |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> Just like buses, share taxis have their own predefined routes and work on a shared basis. There are nine share taxi routes in total. In 2011, 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|accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> As the part of these programmes, [[Bus rapid transit]] (BRT) lines are expected to start operating in Astana in 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/3640 |title=350 French buses working on natural gas are to be delivered in Astana in 2014 |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=27 December 2013 |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> [[Astana Light Metro]] is a proposed [[light rail]] system.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Times of Central Asia |title=Astana rejects Light Rail Transport system in favor of rapid bus network |url=http://www.timesca.com/news/8495-astana-rejects-light-rail-transport-system-in-favor-of-rapid-bus-network |date=29 November 2013 |accessdate=16 March 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154829/http://www.timesca.com/news/8495-astana-rejects-light-rail-transport-system-in-favor-of-rapid-bus-network |archivedate=2 April 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref> Astana also has [[air taxi]] service<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Astana Times|title=Astana-based Company Launches Kazakhstan’s First Air Taxi Service |author=Dmitry Lee |url=http://www.astanatimes.com/2015/01/astana-based-company-launches-kazakhstans-first-air-taxi-service//|date=20 January 2015|accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref> and the modern Astana Bike [[bicycle-sharing system]].

[[Astana International Airport]] {{airport codes|TSE|UACC}}, located {{convert|17|km|mi|sp=uk}} south-east of the city centre, 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 | accessdate=22 February 2015}}</ref> It is the second busiest airport in Kazakhstan, with 2,960,181 passengers passing through it in 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.astanaairport.kz/?page_id=533 | title=Passenger traffic | publisher=Astana International Airport | accessdate=16 February 2015}}</ref> The airport hosts 13 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 | accessdate=16 February 2015}}</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 |accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref> An expected 50% increase in passenger traffic by 2017 has spurred construction of a new terminal with an area of about 40,000 sq. m.<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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=16 February 2015}}</ref>

[[Astana railway station]] is the city's main [[railway station]] and serves approximately 7,000 people each day. A new rail station is currently being built with a proposed 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 |accessdate=5 March 2015}}</ref> Short-term plans include 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 |accessdate=5 March 2015}}</ref>

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 | accessdate=16 February 2015}}</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.

==Twin towns and sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Kazakhstan}}

Astana maintains official partnerships with 18 cities. Astana's [[twin towns and sister cities]] are:

{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* 1994 {{flagicon|TUR}} [[Izmir]], Turkey<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kazakhstan.orexca.com/astana_kazakhstan.shtml|title=Astana city trans_title=Sister Cities to Astana|accessdate=3 May 2016 |publisher=OrexCa}}</ref>
* 1996 {{flagicon|POL}} [[Gdańsk]], Poland<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdansk.pl/en/about,2,15.html |title=Partner Cities |publisher=Gdańsk Official Website |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 1996 {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Saint Petersburg|St.&nbsp;Petersburg]], Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2655204 |title=Saint Petersburg to welcome Days of Astana Culture |publisher=Kazinform |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 1996 {{flagicon|GEO}} [[Tbilisi]], Georgia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbilisi.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=4571 |title=Tbilisi Sister Cities |accessdate=5 August 2013 |publisher=Tbilisi Municipal Portal |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724120155/http://www.tbilisi.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=4571 |archivedate=24 July 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
* 1998 {{flagicon|LAT}} [[Riga]], Latvia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riga.lv/EN/Channels/Riga_today/Riga_pasaule/sadraudz_pilsetas.htm |title=Riga’s Twin Cities |publisher=Municipal Portal of Riga |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2001 {{flagicon|TUR}} [[Ankara]], Turkey<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara |title=Sister Cities of Ankara|publisher=Greater Municipality of Ankara |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2002 {{flagicon|POL}} [[Warsaw]], Poland<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.um.warszawa.pl/en/node/2920?page=0,0|title=Miasta partnerskie Warszawy |trans_title=Twin cities of Warsaw|accessdate=9 October 2014 |language=pl |publisher=City of Warsaw}}</ref>
* 2004 {{flagicon|THA}} [[Bangkok]], Thailand<ref>{{cite web|title= Agreement on establishment of bilateral relations between the Akimat of Astana City of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the City of Bangkok of Kingdom Thailand|date=11 June 2004 |accessdate=9 October 2014 |url=http://iad.bangkok.go.th/sites/default/files/Astana.pdf |format = PDF |author=Bangkok Metropolitan Administration}}</ref>
* 2004 {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Kazan]], [[Tatarstan]], Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vechastana.kz/sotsium/astana-kazan-desyatiletie-pobratimstva/ |author=Rafik Valiev |script-title=ru:10 лет исполнится побратимству городов Астаны и Казани|trans_title=Astana and Kazan celebrates 10-years anniversary of sister cities status |language=ru |publisher=VechAstana.kz|date=18 September 2014 |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2004 {{flagicon|PHI}} [[Manila]], Philippines<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manila.gov.ph/government/|title=About Manila: Sister Cities|publisher=City of Manila|accessdate=2 September 2009}}</ref>
* 2004 {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Seoul]], South Korea<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.seoul.go.kr/gover/cooper/coo_02sis.html |title=International Cooperation: Sister Cities |accessdate=26 January 2008 |publisher=Seoul Metropolitan Government |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210175055/http://english.seoul.go.kr/gover/cooper/coo_02sis.html |archivedate=10 December 2007 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
* 2005 {{flagicon|JOR}} [[Amman]], Jordan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ammancity.gov.jo/en/gam/a1.asp |title=Twin City Agreement |publisher=Greater Amman Municipality |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2006 {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Beijing]], China<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/Sister_Cities/Sister_City/ |title=Sister Cities |publisher=Beijing Government|accessdate=23 June 2009}}</ref>
* 2009 {{flagicon|VNM}} [[Hanoi]], Vietnam<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kazpravda.softdeco.net/c/1253012746 |author=Ilia Lobster |title=Astana-Hanoi: horizons of cooperation |publisher=KazPravda.kz |date=9 September 2009 |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2010 {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Ufa]], [[Bashkortostan]], Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ufacity.info/eng/press/news/150296.html|title=Ufa and Astana Signed Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation|date=|accessdate=17 October 2010 |publisher=Ufa City Municipality}}</ref>
* 2011 {{flagicon|KGZ}} [[Bishkek]], Kyrgyzstan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://meria.kg/index.php?option=com_newscatalog&view=article&id=1511&Itemid=339&lang=kg |script-title=ru:Бишкек и Астана&nbsp;— города-побратимы |trans_title=Bishkek and Astana&nbsp;— Sister Cities |date=12 September 2011 |accessdate=9 October 2014 |language=ru |publisher=Official website of City Hall of Bishkek}}</ref>
* 2013 {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Oulu]], Finland<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Astana-and-Finnish-Oulu-become-twin-cities-18692/ |title=Astana and Finnish Oulu become twin-cities |publisher=Tengrinews.kz |date=19 April 2013 |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2014 {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nice]], France<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/1647 |title=Astana and Nice established twin relations |publisher=Akimat of Astana |date=5 July 2014 |accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref>
* 2014 {{flagicon|CRO}} [[Zagreb]], Croatia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astana.gov.kz/en/modules/material/5428|title=Declaration of intent signed by Akim of Astana and Mayor of Croatias capital|date=4 July 2014|accessdate=9 October 2014 |publisher=Akimat of Astana}}</ref>
}}

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

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite book | last1=Pospelov | first1=Evgeni | 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 |ref=harv }}
*{{Cite book | last1=Kozlov | first1=Denis | last2=Gilburd | first2=Eleonory | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tZePAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA297&dq=tselinograd&hl=ru&sa=X&ei=wxj-VKTFJYjaywPHzIGwCQ&ved=0CCwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=tselinograd&f=false | title=The Thaw: Soviet Society and Culture during the 1950s and 1960s | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2013 | isbn=9781442644601 |ref=harv }}
*{{Cite book | last=Khrushchev | first=Sergei | author-link = Sergei Khrushchev | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xTfMDJK7Qu4C&pg=PA739&dq=tselinograd&hl=ru&sa=X&ei=wxj-VKTFJYjaywPHzIGwCQ&ved=0CDwQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=tselinograd&f=false | script-title=ru:Никита Хрущев. Реформатор | trans_title=Nikita Khrushchev. Reformer | publisher=Время | year=2010 | isbn=9785969105331 |ref=harv }}
*{{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|work=Wired|access-date=|via=}}
*{{Cite book | last1=Whyte | first1=Andy | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i-wa01TgV3cC&pg=PA216&lpg=PA216&dq=astana+architecture&source=bl&ots=rqc8cJnNXK&sig=EMoJHZvnUo0qerZ41RvHZHjsvRc&hl=ru&sa=X&ei=DKz8VKaQOYWNywOepIKICw&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAjgU#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Kisho Kurokawa, Architect and Associates: Selected and Current Works | publisher=Images Publishing | year=2000 | isbn=9781864700190 |ref=harv }}
*{{Cite book | last1=Vale | first1=Lawrence | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qWx9AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA154&lpg=PA154&dq=astana+architecture&source=bl&ots=2r6suAXCp5&sig=3Y5zFsfmJ_IAgcLe6yA5OeiN42s&hl=ru&sa=X&ei=1uMGVYrnMI3baueXgfAM&ved=0CFgQ6AEwCTgo#v=onepage&q=astana%20architecture&f=false | title=Architecture, Power and National Identity | publisher=[[Routledge]] | year=2014 | isbn=9781134729210 |ref=harv }}

==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://astana.gov.kz/en/}}

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