Guide to Kazakhstan
Must See Kazakhstan
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Kazakhstan's capital was a tiny mining town until the 1950s, when Krushchev announced his Virgin Lands scheme to turn vast areas of Kazakhstan steppe into wheat and cotton fields. Astana became the project's capital and became the centre of an important grain-growing region.
Known as Aqmola until 1998, the capital was shifted from Almaty to Astana in December 1997 amid almost universal reluctance. President Nazarbaev cited Astana's more central and less earthquake-prone location and better rail links with Russia among its advantages.
It's a friendly and fairly low-rise town, with some attractive tree-lined streets, but it's prone to strong steppe winds. The population is around 70% Russian, Ukrainian and German, and 30% Kazakh. There are no plans to move embassies and consulates from Almaty, so the only reason you're likely to end up in Astana is if your train passes through. If you're deadset on getting there, daily flights go to/from Almaty. Buses run to/from Qaraghandy and other regional centres.