Almaty (formerly known as "Alma-Ata") is the former capital of Kazakhstan, and is still its largest city. Most countries with diplomatic representation in Kazakhstan have moved their embassies to Astana, the new capital, in the past year or two. Some maintain consulates in Almaty.Almaty is the financial, economic, and cultural center of Central Asia. The city boasts a large tourist, student, and expat community, and includes a diverse citizen base of Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Germans, Poles, Chinese, and many more. Bearings: a small mountain range borders the city to the east and in the far south on a clear day you can the snow capped mountains. The city, in general, slopes from south to north (i.e. you are going south if you are traveling uphill). Almaty is dangerous for western travelers after dark (and somewhat before dark). Agree taxi fares prior to entering a taxi or hailed car. Criminals prey outside expat hangouts and traveling in groups is safer. http://wikitravel.org/en/Almaty