Almát

Almaty, also known historically as Alma-Ata, is the largest city and the economic and cultural heart of Kazakhstan. Located in the country’s southeast, the city sits in a valley near the Ili River at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. It serves as a major financial center, educational hub, and gateway to Central Asia. As of the early 2020s, the population is around 1.9 million.

History: The settlement began as Verny, established by the Russian Empire in 1854. It grew into a regional center and was renamed Alma-Ata in 1921. It was the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic and, after Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, remained the capital until 1997, when government functions moved to Astana. In 1993 the name was reformed to Almaty, reflecting the Kazakh spelling.

Geography and climate: Almaty sits in a fertile valley surrounded by the Trans-Ili Alatau. The city experiences a humid continental climate, with warm to hot summers and cold winters, and it receives more precipitation than many inland cities due to the mountains. Elevation is typically around 500–800 meters above sea level.

Economy and culture: Almaty is a core economic hub, hosting banks, corporations, universities, and cultural institutions. Notable landmarks include the wooden Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum, and Panfilov Park. The Medeu ice rink near the city and the Shymbulak ski resort are prominent recreational sites. Almaty International Airport is the main gateway for international and domestic air travel.

Education and transport: The city hosts major universities such as Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and several institutes. It is connected by rail and road to other parts of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, and serves as a key transport hub for the region.