Astana is the capital and second largest city (after Almaty) of Kazakhstan, with an officially estimated population of 708,794 (2010). It is located in the north-central portion of Kazakhstan, within Akmola Province, though administrated separately from the province as a federal city area.

The city's first recorded history goes back to 1824 when a unit of Siberian cossacks from Omsk founded a huge fortress on the upper Ishim. During the early 20th century, the town became a major railway junction, causing a major economic boom that lasted until the Russian Civil War. After Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991 the capital was officially moved to Astana on December 10, 1997.

The capital serves as the main political center of the country and also forms a Special Economic Zone. Since the move, Astana has seen one of the world's greatest building projects, as oil money has been spent on government buildings, a massive home for the president, a mosque, and numerous parks and monuments. In the centre of town, the Avenue of the Republic acts as the main hub of activity and is home to the Modern governmental quarter, the Ishim River waterfront, the "Oceanarium", the Astana Central National Mosque, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Market hall, the Bayterek Tower, etc.