The article examines the historical background, political, geopolitical and socio-economic factors behind the relocation of the capital of Kazakhstan from Almaty to Astana in 1997. The study analyzes the impact of this process on regional development, migration flows and urbanization. Particular attention is paid to Astana's transformation into a modern political and economic center and its role in state-building and the formation of national identity. The findings demonstrate that the capital relocation significantly contributed to territorial balance and the creation of a new growth center in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan, Astana, Almaty, capital relocation, migration, urbanization, geopolitics, demography, regional development.

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