Map of Kazakhstan – Regions, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Kazakhstan with this interactive map of its cities, regions, borders, mountains, steppe and Caspian Sea coastline. Zoom in to locate Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and important roads, or zoom out to see the country's position in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country and extends from the Caspian lowlands in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. Vast grasslands, deserts, lakes and mountain ranges give its different regions distinctive landscapes.
Kazakhstan is mainly in Central Asia, with a small part west of the Ural River commonly classified as European. Its capital is Astana. It borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan has 17 regions and three cities of republican significance: Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
Interactive map | Regions and cities | Landmarks | FAQs
Zoom and move around to explore cities, international borders, lakes, mountain ranges and the surrounding countries.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Labels, boundaries and features may change.
Where Is Kazakhstan Located?
Kazakhstan lies between the Caspian Sea and western China. Russia borders it to the north and west; China lies to the east; and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are to the south. Although it has a Caspian Sea shoreline, the Caspian is an inland body of water, so Kazakhstan has no direct ocean access.
The country's broad northern steppe contrasts with central semi-desert, southern valleys and eastern mountains. Its sheer size means a country-wide map is useful for orientation, while separate local maps are better for planning journeys. The Ural River runs through western Kazakhstan, while the Syr Darya crosses the south. The northeast includes parts of the Irtysh basin, and the southeast rises towards high mountain peaks. These features help explain why settlements and farming areas are unevenly distributed across the country.
Kazakhstan Regions and Major Cities
Kazakhstan has 17 administrative regions and three separately administered major cities. The table groups important places geographically rather than listing every district.
| Area | Places and geographic features |
|---|---|
| North and centre | Astana, Karaganda, Kostanay and Pavlodar; steppe landscapes and important transport corridors. |
| South | Shymkent, Turkistan, Taraz and Kyzylorda; historic settlements and valleys near Central Asian neighbours. |
| Southeast | Almaty, Konaev and the Tian Shan foothills, with mountain lakes and hiking areas. |
| East | Oskemen and Semey; Irtysh River valley, forests and Altai mountain country. |
| West | Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe and Oral; Caspian coastline, Ural River and extensive dry plains. |
Landmarks to Find on the Map
- Astana: National capital on the Ishim River, known for modern civic architecture.
- Almaty: Major southern city close to the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
- Charyn Canyon: Dramatic canyon landscape east of Almaty.
- Lake Balkhash: Large inland lake spanning central and southeastern Kazakhstan.
- Baikonur Cosmodrome: Space launch complex in southern Kazakhstan, leased to Russia.
- Burabay: Northern lake and forest area known for scenic granite hills.
Roads, Rail and Airports
Large distances make transport planning important. Road and rail corridors connect Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and regional centres, but travel between cities can take considerable time. Major international airports serve Astana and Almaty, with other airports supporting domestic and regional travel.
Use this map to understand general geography, not as a live route planner. Check current timetables, border rules, road conditions and travel advice before setting out. Seasonal weather can differ sharply between the northern steppe and the southern mountain foothills, especially in winter.
What This Kazakhstan Map Helps You Explore
- Locate Kazakhstan within Central Asia and identify its five neighbouring countries.
- Compare major cities with the surrounding grasslands, deserts and mountain regions.
- Find the Caspian Sea, Lake Balkhash and the country's principal rivers.
- See why distances between regional centres are often substantial.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Kazakhstan Map FAQs
Where is Kazakhstan on the world map?
It is primarily in Central Asia, between Russia and China, with the Caspian Sea to the west.
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Astana is the capital. Almaty is another major city and former capital.
How many regions does Kazakhstan have?
There are 17 regions and three cities of republican significance: Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
Which countries border Kazakhstan?
Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Does Kazakhstan have a coastline?
It borders the inland Caspian Sea but has no coastline on the open ocean.
Is Kazakhstan in Europe or Asia?
Most of Kazakhstan is in Asia. A small western portion is commonly placed in Europe by geographic conventions using the Ural River.
Can I use this map for driving directions?
Use it to identify places and approximate routes; consult a current navigation service for actual travel.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Maps, borders, roads and landmarks may be inaccurate or outdated. Do not use for navigation, emergencies, legal boundaries or official decisions. Check current travel and transport advice. Third-party links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.