Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and its former capital. It is situated in the southeastern part of the country near the border with Kyrgyzstan, at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau range of the Tian Shan. The city serves as a major center for finance, culture, education, and commerce, with a diversified economy that includes services, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Historically, Almaty was the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic from 1929 until 1997, when the capital was moved to Astana. Today it remains the country’s most populous city and an important economic hub. The population is commonly cited in the vicinity of around 1.8 million residents.

Almaty hosts a range of cultural institutions, universities, and research centers. The city is renowned for its proximity to mountainous recreation areas such as Medeu, a high-altitude ice skating rink, and Shymbulak, a nearby ski resort. Urban attractions include Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and Kok Tobe hill, which offers views of the city. It is also a center for higher education and research, with institutions such as al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The climate is humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Almaty is served by Almaty International Airport, the city’s main gateway for international and domestic flights. A metro system opened in 2011 and has been expanded, complementing an extensive road and rail network that connects Almaty to other parts of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.

The city continues to play a central role in Kazakhstan’s economy and culture, balancing its historical significance with ongoing development in business, arts, and higher education.