Astana: The Heart of Kazakhstan

Take a look inside the ultra-modern city of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where an ambitious development program is transforming this Central Asian city into the region’s leading trade, investment and culture hub.

Astana has more than quadrupled in size since being named Kazakhstan’s capital just 20 years ago. A major player in the Central Asian economy, Astana is home to a dynamic, business-savvy population of 1 million people, with an average age of 30.

This growing, youthful city offers access to international companies and job opportunities, plus an expanding choice of restaurants, galleries, sports venues and theaters.

Even as oil and mining remain big business in Kazakhstan, the economy is rapidly diversifying, and the Astana International Finance Centre (AIFC) is attracting a new generation of investors, wealth creators, SMEs and students.

Interviews in this video take place at the AIFC, on campus at the internationally acclaimed Nazarbayev University, inside the spectacular sphere of Nur Alem museum and pre-performance at Astana’s new Opera House, as well as local businesses. 

Kairat Kelimbetov, Governor of the AIFC, describes the fast-evolving capital as being in the “perfect location in the middle of the country.” He adds: “The most important thing is to let people know there is a new marketplace in the region; it’s a really good opportunity. Astana is the heart of Kazakhstan.”