Central Asia and Almaty

Almaty is the most interesting city in Kazakhstan. Until 1997 Almaty was the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is presently informally recognized as a southern capital of republic. Almaty till now has kept itself those important capital qualities which were generated during its stay by the main center of republic. However, in spite of the fact that Almaty isn't capital anymore, the city hasn't lost the charm and attractiveness, remaining all same valuable for the people and the country, as well as many years ago. Almaty still saves a central value in the country, even is not the capital of the Kazakhstan. In 1998 under the decree of the President the capital has been transferred to Astana, and Almaty was received by the status of a city of republican value in which there was a residence of the head of republic and the Government. The transfer of the capital from Almaty was conditioned by financial, ecological, geographical viability. Almaty is on the big distance from the geographical center of republic. Besides, on population the city comes nearer to a mark in 2 million people and becomes little-perspective on the spatial placing. A city is densely built-up, thickly inhabited and does not have free areas for the development. Transport problems are strained. Ecological position from year to year becomes complicated - on impurity Almaty comes out into first place among Kazakhstan cities. This is the main reasons, why capital was transferred from Almaty to Astana. Despite all it is Almaty - one of the greatest cities of Kazakhstan, located in the Republic southeast, in foothills of Zailijsky Ala Tau; the city population makes about 1,5 million inhabitants. Almaty is the financial, cultural, industrial and economic center of Central Asia. In accordance with the decree of President "About announcement by the capital of republic Astana", Almaty had been appropriated the status of a city of republican value. Regulation of its activity is carried