Astana Introduction

(Image source: http://visitkazakhstan.kz)

City Introduction

Astana, originally named Akmola, is the capital of Kazakhstan, a Eurasian country; therefore, it is known as the heart of the Eurasian continent. In addition, it is also one of the world's youngest capitals, and is the most modern city in Central Asia. Located in the central but a little north-biased areas of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan is about 1,300 kilometers away from the former capital Almaty. Ishim River runs through the city, and the city has a pleasant climate in the four seasons, with good ecological environment, which is a major industrial and agricultural production base and the national railway transport hub in Kazakhstan. In such a short period of 13 years, Astana has developed from a mere desert town of 200,000 people into an emerging modern city, with its growing influence at home and abroad. Furthermore, it is a microcosm of the rapid development of Kazakhstan, and has bided for the World Expo 2017 and other international events, with increasing international status.

History and Culture

After Kazakhstan became independent in 1991, the city was renamed Akmola (Aqmola, meaning a white tomb). In 1995, to make the northern areas mainly resided by Russians have more Kazakhstan features, the Kazakhstan government made Akmola prepared as the new capital. In 1997, Kazakhstan moved the capital from the Almaty to Akmola, and also renamed it into the current name of Astana. While Almaty was the capital, the Government of Kazakhstan ran into a lot of trouble, for example, there were some risks encountered for Almaty during an earthquake, and the expansion of land is not convenient, and Almaty is too close to the Kyrgyz border. So, the Kazakh government believed that it’s a better decision to move the capital to Astana.

Natural Environment

Astana is located at the vast semi-desert grassland in the north-central Kazakhstan, standing close to the Ishim River. The reason for the expansion of Astana is because Astana is situated at the northern and central grassland of Kazakhstan, through which the Ishim River runs in the middle, making the scenery very magnificent and charming. The old district of Astana is located on the north side of the Ishim River while the new district is at the south of the River. Astana has the average altitude of 347 meters (1,138 feet), and covers an area of 300 square kilometers.

Climate

It enjoys a typical continental climate, with the average temperature of -29℃ to -15℃ in January, and the average temperature of 25-35℃ in July.

Holiday Arrangements

New Year: 1st -2rd January

International Women’s Day: 8th March

Na U Ruth Festival (Spring Festival): 22rd March

National Unity Day: 1st May

Victory Day: 9th May

Constitution Day: 30th August

Republic Day: 25th October

Independence Day: 16th-17th December