Why visit
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Kazakhstan at a glance
Country center
48.0°, 68.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
2,724,900 km²
1,052,089 mi²
Country population
19.8 million
7/km²
Subregion
Central Asia
Currency
Kazakhstani tenge (₸)
KZT
Dial
+76
Languages
Kazakh, Russian
Demonym
Kazakhstani
Internet
.kz
UN
Member state
ISO code
KZ / KAZ
Where in the world
48.0° · 68.0°
Kazakhstan
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Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country: you could fit Western Europe inside it.
- Baikonur Cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan, is the world's oldest and largest operational spaceport: all Soyuz missions launch from here.
- Almaty apples are the world's wild apple ancestors: genetic studies trace all cultivated apples back to this region.
Bordering Kazakhstan
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Astana
What currency is used in Astana?
Astana uses the Kazakhstani tenge (₸), ISO code KZT.
What languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?
The primary languages are Kazakh and Russian.
What is the international calling code for Kazakhstan?
The calling code is +76.
Other Asia destinations
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Ganges-side ghats, dawn boat rides, evening aarti ceremonies, and Buddhist Sarnath nearby.
Pokhara
Pokhara is lakeside with Machapuchare rising behind. The Annapurna trek hub, paragliding capital, and quieter alternative to Kathmandu.
Dubai
Dubai is Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab skyline, Dubai Mall + Dubai Fountain, the Gold Souk, Jumeirah beach resorts, and desert safaris 40 minutes out.
Petra
Petra is the Rose City carved into sandstone. The Treasury (from Indiana Jones), the Monastery at the top of 800 steps, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is Mediterranean beach city. Bauhaus architecture (UNESCO), Carmel Market, Jaffa's old port, and nightlife that starts late and ends at sunrise.
Muscat
Muscat is the Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche and souq, Royal Opera House, and a base for wadi and Nizwa fort day-trips along the Batinah coast.