Astana - the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan , a symbol of national unity , the essence of the strategic plans and aspirations of an independent state , a major national project to create an ultra-modern metropolis of the XXI century . Strategic thinking is the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan NA Nazarbayev has identified a promising line of development of the country in the long term , the transfer of the capital was the beginning of a new era in the history of the global independent state.

July 6, 1994 President of Kazakhstan at the plenary session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan on " On the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan ." On the same day, the Supreme Council adopted a historic decision - to move the capital from Almaty to Astana . In an appeal to the people of Kazakhstan 10 October 1997 , the President emphasized, " ... on the threshold of HHIveka declare our own choice - under the new capital of the ancient holy heaven Saryarki ... now and forever here in the center of the vast country , decisions will be made , fatal for the people. It now beats the heart of our country. Hence Kazakhstan will determine its fate in the historic threshold of the third millennium . "

October 20, 1997 the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan NA Nazarbayev " On the declaration of Akmola the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan ." According to him, with the December 10, 1997 Akmola became the capital of independent Kazakhstan . Less than a month after the decree , Nov. 8, 1997 , arrived in the city the standards of the State symbols of Kazakhstan: state flag , coat of arms , and the presidential standard . A new page in the history of independent Kazakhstan.

May 6, 1998 according to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan , the capital of Kazakhstan, Akmola was renamed to Astana . Renaming was produced at the request of the local executive and representative bodies with the wishes of the public and on the advice of the State onomastic Commission under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan .

June 10, 1998 The International Presentation of the new capital of the sovereign Kazakhstan . Symbolically, the year of the international presentation of Astana, Kazakhstan became the start of a large way - the launch of the Strategy for the Development of Kazakhstan till 2030.

Astana, the origins of which in the long history of brilliant nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe , gradually became the largest metropolis of the Central Asian region . " Qualitative and quantitative growth of the capital directly interfaced with the architectural look of Astana and harmoniously blended oriental tradition and bold flight of artistic ideas of leading Western architects. The general plan of the city was designed with the idea of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to grant the city Eurasian shape outstanding Japanese architect Kisho Kurokava . " The unique construction of Astana can decorate any metropolis of the world , and each of the new facilities of the capital is deeply symbolic, expressive and dynamic.

The modern city spread out on the banks of the river. Yesil , surprises with its meteoric rise , fantastic designs , the shining lights avenues. Already in 1999, Astana has achieved worldwide recognition . The new capital of independent Kazakhstan was awarded the UNESCO " City of Peace ." This title is awarded to new cities of the planet, which could in a short time made ​​impressive achievements in socio- economic, political and cultural development, realized the goal of strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious cooperation. July 16, 1999 in the Bolivian capital La Paz -General of UNESCO, Federico Mayor, presented the medal and certificate of Astana, the winner of the International Competition " Cities for Peace ". Since that time, Astana holds the title of " City of Peace ".

Dynamic economies in Astana. Tactics and strategy for the development of the capital are defined in the " Prosperity of Astana - the flowering of Kazakhstan" ( 2001 ) , "Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development of Astana 2030 " ( 2006 ) . The economy of using such efficient mechanisms as special economic zones ( SEZs) , industrial parks , high technology, develop new industries in Kazakhstan , producing locomotives, cars , helicopters, solar cell modules . Astana - Kazakhstan is an innovative heart . The capital is the driving force of the national innovation process , determining motion vectors for other regions. The concept was developed and implemented the project SmartAstana ( Smart City ) , bringing together the various factors of urban development in a single system.

At the present stage, Astana is the center of all the processes taking place in modern Kazakhstan , formed a unique image of the city , which by virtue of the implementation of the strategic challenges facing our country in the XXI century. In May 2007, at the suggestion of the President of Kazakhstan to the text of the Constitution an article on the state capital - Astana .

Moving the capital has created the conditions for a maximum of self-fulfillment and career growth energetic and ambitious young people , a new generation of leaders, active builders of the new capital is being modeled image of the new capital , the specifics of the metropolitan business culture and that the synthesis of Eastern and Western , which is embodied in the perception of Astana. According to the latest population of the city of Astana on May 1, 2013 the current account amounted to 788,266 persons ( in 1989 - 281.3 thousand people.) . The population of the capital - one of the youngest in the country. The average age of residents of the capital - for 32 years.

Moving the capital to the multinational composition of the population by region contributed to strengthening the multi-ethnic state, the preservation and enhancement of friendship and understanding between ethnic groups in the country. Formed a special ethno-cultural image of the capital , in which the key concept of the spiritual and intellectual discourse becomes tolerant and multi-ethnic community (more than a hundred ethnic groups) to present a united urban enclave , with its inherent special metropolitan spirit.

Astana was originally conceived not only as an administrative, but also as a scientific and cultural center of the country . Astana - a growing agglomeration of highly educated people . At the beginning of 2013 the system of education of Astana are 265 educational organizations . The flagship of the national high school is the Nazarbayev University, around which to create the intellectual and innovative cluster . Its formation is envisaged in the draft "road map" and will include the creation of an industrial high-tech site for the high-tech projects and units known innovation and production companies , technology park and business incubator, Center for Engineering , Technology Commercialization Center , a venture fund.

Astana - the largest cultural center of the Eurasian region , is considered as the cultural capital of the country and the national communications center , managing cultural exchange . The capital's universities , museums , theaters , libraries , exhibitions, art workshops , creative unions , concert halls make the capital of the keeper of the best traditions and cultural achievements . A significant event in the cultural life of the capital was the official opening of the Classical Theatre of Opera and Ballet "Astana Opera", a priceless gift for the 15th anniversary of Astana. Under the arches of the theater President spoke with the Strategy " Kazakhstan -2050 ", in which the culture is indicated as an integral part of the genetic code of the nation.

Astana - the epicenter of the most important global political events. With the transfer of the capital to Astana, Kazakhstan has received new content and implementation of Kazakhstan's foreign policy , built on the principles of the new international responsibility Kazakhstan, multidirectional and participation in the fight against global threats. The implementation of foreign policy defined the status of an independent state of Astana - diplomatic capital , the brand "official Astana" is an indicator of responsibility , efficiency, gained worldwide fame. The capital of Kazakhstan in the international community is associated with the political events of international significance . In Astana, at the highest level , meetings of Heads of State and Government of the international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO) , the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) , the Eurasian Economic Community ( EurAsEC) , the Organization of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) .

The international recognition of Astana as a real geopolitical center of the twenty-first century there was December 1, 2010 at the OSCE Summit . Kazakhstan as the OSCE chairman , became the initiator and conductor of the Eurasian security policy and cooperation. Astana Declaration , adopted at the OSCE Summit was a unique document that opens the way for further coordinated work in all areas of global security.

At the beginning of XXI century, Astana is a genuine planetary dialogue platform to promote and call for tolerance , peace and integratsii.Unikalnym experience of our country to strengthen inter-religious harmony and unity of the people at the international level, is the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions ( 2003,2006,2009 , 2012. ) .

In recognition of the potential of Astana will host the World Exhibition EXPO-2017 . The President of Kazakhstan noted in the Strategy " Kazakhstan - 2050 ": " We built the new capital of the country - Astana. It is a modern city that has become our symbol and pride . We were able to use the potential of the capital in order to show the world the possibilities of our country. That is why the international community has chosen the venue for the Kazakhstan World Exhibition «EXPO- 2017 ". This would not have happened if it were not for Astana. Such an honor awarded by no means all . Suffice it to say that our country has become the first in the CIS , who chaired the OSCE held a summit of the organization and the host of EXPO-2017 - World Event . "

The capital of Kazakhstan - Astana is now perceived not just as an administrative center of the country , as well as a true symbol of the transformation taking place in Kazakhstan, the creative energy of the people of faith in their own strength , hope and confidence in their future and the future of their offspring. Annals of the new capital continues. Here, a national news stories in the new century .