Almaty, [a] formerly Alma-Ata, [b] is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population exceeding two million residents within its metropolitan area. [8] Located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in southern Kazakhstan, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, Almaty stands as a pivotal center of culture, commerce, finance and innovation.The city is nestled at an elevation of 700 ...