Capital: Astana (formerly Aqmola) became the official capital of Kazakhstan in 1997,
succeeding Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) and moving the national government from the far
southeast to the industrial north.
Other Major Cities: Almaty, Karaganda, Öskemen, Pavlodar, Shymkent, and Taraz.
Independence: The recognized date of independence is December 16, 1991, when the Republic
of Kazakhstan split from the Soviet Union.
Public Holidays: The national holiday is October 25, Republic Day. Other holidays are
International Women's Day (March 8), Novruz (spring equinox, March 21-22), Unification Day
(May 1), Victory Day (May 9), Constitution Day (August 30), and Independence Day (December
16). Russian Orthodox citizens celebrate Christmas on January 7.