Almaty is the largest city of Kazakhstan, located in the southeast of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau; the population of the city is about 1.5 million inhabitants. Although Almaty is no longer the capital of the republic, the city remains the financial, economic and cultural center of Central Asia.
A large number of business centers, theaters, museums, art galleries, exhibition halls and innumerable modern entertainment complexes are concentrated here (cinemas, night clubs, parks, restaurants, cafes and much more).
The city of Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan from 1929 to 1998. In accordance with the decree of the President "On Declaring Astana as the capital of the Republic," Almaty was given the status of a city of republican importance and the southern capital of the republic, the largest financial, scientific and cultural center. The residence of the head of state and also of the Government remained in the city.
The branches of food and light industry are the prevailing share in the city's economy and account for more than 70% of industrial enterprises. Heavy industry of Almaty is represented by several machine-building and repair and recovery plants.