of Astana
Nur-Sultan city, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 1997, is situated on a picturesque bank of the Ishim River.
The town of Akmolinsk acquired incorporated status in 1862. It had long been famous for its fairs. Merchants from all regions of Kazakhstan, Russia and the Central Asian countries traveled here. As the development of virgin lands began, the town was renamed Tselinograd and typified the administrative center of an agricultural region.
Since acquiring the status of capital the city’s face has changed dramatically. The architects and builders working in the capital create wonderful architectural ensembles, which harmoniously combine modern design and oriental flair.
Every year the city hosts various international industrial exhibitions, conferences, musical contests and festivals of the Kazakhstani people.
In 1999 by decision of UNESCO, Nur-Sultan city was awarded the title of World City. The city has an opera and Ballet Theater, a drama theater and a variety of museums. The monuments of Nur-Sultan city are a linking element between the new capital and its history, held in esteem by all the people of Kazakhstan.
Nur-Sultan city is a large political-administrative, business and cultural centre of the republic. All central authorities of the country, diplomatic missions, headquarters of domestic and foreign companies, leading universities, state-of-the-art medical clinics and significant cultural institutions are located in this city.The shift of the capital has given a powerful impulse to Nur-Sultan city’s economic development. The city’s high economic growth rates attract numerous investors. The volume of attracted investments from the time Nur-Sultan city became the capital has increased by 30 times and the total regional product by 90 times. The share of the city’s economic activity contributes to about 8,5 percent of the nations’s GDP.