Why Astana Has a Green Belt of Trees
Created by Brando Oxley · 22 Aug 2026
Key Vocabulary
the main city of a country where the national government is based
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan.
a large area of flat grassland with few trees
Astana stands in the steppe.
a large green area around a city
The city planted a green belt.
the earth where plants grow
Some trees grow well in this soil.
activities people do for enjoyment in their free time
The green belt gives people space for recreation.
Article
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan. The city is in a wide, open steppe area. The weather can be very windy, very cold in winter and hot in summer.
Since the late 1990s, the city has been growing a green belt around Astana. A green belt is a large area with many trees and plants around a city. [1]
The trees can help make the area more comfortable. They can slow strong wind and give people green places for walking and rest. The city also uses the green belt for public recreation. [1]
Growing trees there is not easy. Workers choose trees that can live in the local soil and weather. They also water young trees because the climate is dry. [3]
The green belt is very large. Government information says it covers more than 14,800 hectares, with millions of trees and bushes. The city continues to plant more. [1][2]
Astana is famous for modern buildings, but the trees tell another story about the city. A forest does not appear quickly. It grows year by year, one small tree at a time.
Discussion Questions
- What green places do people enjoy in your city?
- How can trees help a city with strong wind or hot weather?
- What plants grow well in the soil where you live?
- What kind of recreation do you enjoy in a park or forest?
- If your city made a new green belt, where should it go?
References
- Government of Kazakhstan, "Implementation of local environmental policy in Astana." Source
- Government of Kazakhstan, "Implementation of local environmental policy: Greening." Source
- Astana Social-Entrepreneurial Corporation, "More than 450 thousand seedlings will be planted in the green belt of the capital." Source
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