Astana
Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan, located on the banks of the Ishim River in the north of the country. The city is notable for having undergone multiple name changes, holding the Guinness World Record for the capital city with the most name changes in modern times.
- country
- Kazakhstan
- time_zone
- UTC+5:00
Reader's Guide
Astana's significance lies in its transformation from a small fortress into a planned modern capital, guided by architect Kisho Kurokawa. The city's history reflects Kazakhstan's shifts from Russian imperial rule through Soviet development to independence, with name changes marking political transitions. As the second-coldest national capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar, Astana's extreme continental climate and location on the Ishim River in a semi-arid steppe region shape its character.
Did You Know?
- Astana holds the Guinness World Record for the capital city with the most name changes in modern times.
- Astana is the second-coldest national capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
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