Astana lies in north-central Kazakhstan along the Ishim River at the junction of the Trans-Kazakhstan and South Siberian railways.

It's a friendly and fairly low-rise town, with some attractive tree-lined streets, but it's prone to strong steppe winds.

At present, Astana also serves as a transport hub in the very centre of the Republic. All roads leading from Siberia to Central Asia, from China to Europe meet here.

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