View source for Kokshetau

{{Short description|City in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan}}
{{About|the city in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan}}
{{Redirect|Kokchetav|the former region|Kokshetau Oblast|the Crimean urban-type settlement|Koktebel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name               = Kokshetau
| native_name        = {{native name|kk|Kökşetau|italics=off}}
| other_name         = 
| translit_lang1     = Official Cyrillic
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Kazakh alphabets#Cyrillic script|Kazakh]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = {{lang|kk|Көкшетау}}
| translit_lang1_type2            = [[Russian language|Russian]]
| translit_lang1_info2            = Кокшета́у
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Kazakhstan|City]] 
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
 | perrow         = 1/2/2/2
 | border         = infobox
 | total_width    = 280
  | image1                 = Кокшетау.jpg
  | caption1               = [[Skyline]] of Kokshetau with the city's central [[Ablai Khan|Abylai Khan]] Square in the foreground
  | image2                 =
  | caption2               = Independence Square
  | image3                 = Old_and_New_-_Architecture_of_Kokshetau.jpg
  | caption3               = Historical center of Kokshetau
  | image4                 =
  | caption4               = Akmola Regional Administration
  | image5                 =
  | caption5               = [[Mount Kokshe]] as seen from the [[Bukpa Hill]]
 | image6   = Акмолинский_областной_историческо-краеведческий_музей,_2.jpg
 | caption6 = [[Akmola Regional Museum of History and Local Lore]]
 | image7   =
 | caption7 = Embankment of the [[Lake Kopa]]
 | color    = white
  }}
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = 
| flag_size          = 
| image_seal         = 
| seal_size          = 175px
| image_shield       = Kokshetau_seal.png
| image_map          = {{stack|{{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=132|frame-height=200|frame-align=center|zoom=3|type=point|id=|title=Kokshetau|marker=city}}}}{{stack|{{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=132|frame-height=200|frame-align=center|frame-coordinates={{Coord|53.28|69.38}}|stroke-width=2|zoom=10|type=shape-inverse|stroke-color=#525252|id=|title=Kokshetau}}}}
| coa_caption        = 
| anthem             = ''none''
| anthem_ref         = 
| mapsize            = 230px
| shield_size        = 
| image_blank_emblem = Kokshetau_Logotype.png
| blank_emblem_type  = [[Brandmark]]
| blank_emblem_size  = 
| nickname           = {{Flatlist|
* [[Telephone numbers in Kazakhstan|7162]]
 }}
| motto              = 
| pushpin_map        = Kazakhstan#Asia
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_mapsize    = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Kokshetau in [[Kazakhstan]]
| coordinates        = {{coord|53|17|N|69|23|E|region:KZ|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of Kazakhstan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Akmola Region]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 19th century (29 April 1824)
| established_title1 = City status since
| established_date1  = {{start date and age|1895|}}
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title       = Akim (mayor)
| leader_name        = Anuar Kumpekeev<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.inform.kz/news/new-mayor-of-kokshetau-named-eba170/|title=New mayor of Kokshetau named|language=en|publisher=inform.kz|date=2024-11-09|access-date=2024-11-14}}</ref>
| area_rank          = 
| area_total_km2     = 234
| area_urban_km2     = 425
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 234
| population_footnotes = <ref name="kz2009Census">{{cite web|url=https://www.liportal.de/fileadmin/user_upload/oeffentlich/Kasachstan/40_gesellschaft/Kaz2009_Analytical_report.pdf|title=Results Of The 2009 National Population Census Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan Analytical Report|publisher=The Agency On Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akmola.stat.kz/oblasti/koksh.htm |title=
Birth and death rates in January-March 2010-2011 |access-date=22 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526174956/http://www.akmola.stat.kz/oblasti/koksh.htm |archive-date=26 May 2011 }}</ref>
| population_total   = 176,849
| population_urban   = 193,492
| population_as_of   = 2024 est.
| population_rank    = [[List of cities in Kazakhstan|17th]] in Kazakhstan<br />[[Akmola Region|1st]] in Akmola Region
| population_density_km2 = 624
| population_demonym = Көкшетаулық ([[Kazakh language|kk]])<br /> Кокшетауцы ([[Russian language|ru]])<br /> Кокшетауец ([[Russian language|ru]], male) <br /> Кокшетаука ([[Russian language|ru]], female)
| demographics_type1 = Demographics
| demographics1_footnotes = &nbsp;(''2022 est.'')<ref name="Stat2020">{{Cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT355258|title=Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan by individual ethnic groups at the beginning of 2020|publisher=Statistics Committee of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527204929/https://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT355258|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[Kazakhs]]
| demographics1_info1 = 59.34%
| demographics1_title2 = [[Russians]]
| demographics1_info2 = 28.38%
| demographics1_title3 = [[Ukrainians]]
| demographics1_info3 = 2.75%
| demographics1_title4 = [[Tatars]]
| demographics1_info4 = 2.22%
| demographics1_title5 = [[Germans]]
| demographics1_info5 = 1.98%
| demographics1_title6 = [[Polish people|Poles]]
| demographics1_info6 = 1.35%
| demographics1_title7 = [[Ingush people|Ingush]]
| demographics1_info7 = 1.06%
| demographics1_title8 = Other
| demographics1_info8 = 2.92%
| timezone1          = [[Time in Kazakhstan|Kazakhstan Time]]
| utc_offset1        = +05:00
| timezone1_DST      = 
| utc_offset1_DST    = 
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal code]]
| postal_code        = '''0200'''00–'''0200'''10
| area_code_type     = 
| area_code          = +7-7162
| registration_plate = '''[[Vehicle registration plates of Kazakhstan|03]]''' (region) (before 2012: '''[[Vehicle registration plates of Kazakhstan|C]]''' – on older plates)
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]]
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Town twinning|Sister cities]]
| blank2_name        = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank2_info        = [[Semi-arid climate|BSk]]
| blank3_name_sec1   = [[Roads in Kazakhstan|Highways]]
| blank3_info_sec1   = {{plainlist|
*[[A1 highway (Kazakhstan)|A1]]
*[[A13 highway (Kazakhstan)|A13]]}}
| blank4_name_sec1   = [[List of airports in Kazakhstan|International airports]]
| blank4_info_sec1   = [[Kokshetau Airport|Kokshetau]] ([[International Air Transport Association airport code|KOV]])
| blank5_name_sec1   = [[List of railway stations in Kazakhstan|Major railway stations]]
| blank5_info_sec1   = {{plainlist|
*[[Kokshetau-1 station]]}}
| blank6_name_sec1   = KATO ID
| blank6_info_sec1   = 111010000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stat.gov.kz/getImg?id=ESTAT109974|title=KATO base|publisher=Statistics Committee of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan|access-date=19 June 2017|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810173442/http://stat.gov.kz/getImg?id=ESTAT109974|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | blank7_name_sec1        = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2022)
| blank7_info_sec1        = 0.816<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/>{{color|green|very high}} · [[List of regions of Kazakhstan by Human Development Index|3rd]]
| blank1_name_sec2       = [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] {{nobold|(nominal)}}
| blank1_info_sec2       = 2023
| blank2_name_sec2       = &nbsp;• Total
| blank2_info_sec2       = {{increase}} $8,0 billion<br/>([[Kazakhstani tenge|KZT]] 3 685 297,6 million)<ref name=":dosm">{{Cite web |last=DOSM |title=Department of Statistics Kazakhstan |url=https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/economy/national-accounts/publications/157630/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=stat.gov.kz |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102130402/https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/economy/national-accounts/publications/81256/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| blank3_name_sec2       = &nbsp;• Per capita
| blank3_info_sec2       = {{increase}} $10,173<br/>([[Kazakhstani tenge|KZT]]  4 676,7	thousand)
| website            = [https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-kokshetau?lang=en www.kokshetau.kz]
| official_name      = 
}}
'''Kokshetau''',{{efn|{{bulletedlist|{{langx|kk|Көкшетау|Kökşetau}}, {{IPA|kk|kʰɵkʃʲetʰɑ́w|pron|Kk-kokshetau.ogg}}; {{lit|Blue Mountain}}|{{langx|ru|Кокшетау|Kokšetau}}, {{IPA|ru|kəkʂɨˈtaʊ|pron}}|{{IPAc-en|lang|ˌ|k|ɒ|k|ʃ|ɪ|ˈ|t|aʊ}} {{respell|KOK|shit|OW}}}}}} formerly known as '''Kokchetav''',{{efn|{{bulletedlist|{{langx|ru|Кокчетав}} {{IPA|ru|kəktɕeˈtaf|}}|{{IPAc-en|lang|ˌ|k|ɒ|k|tʃ|ɪ|ˈ|t|æ|v}} {{respell|KOK|chit|AV}}}}}} [[List of renamed cities in Kazakhstan|between 1868 and 1993]], is a lakeside city in northern [[Kazakhstan]] and the [[administrative center|capital]] of [[Akmola Region]]. It stretches along the southern shore of [[Lake Kopa]], lying in the north of [[Kokshetau Hills]], a northern subsystem of the [[Kokshetau Mountains|Kokshetau Uplands]] ([[Kazakh Uplands|Saryarka]]) and the southern edge of the [[Ishim Steppe]]. It is named after [[Mount Kokshe]].

Kokshetau is the [[List of cities in Kazakhstan|17th-most populous]] city in Kazakhstan, the 4th-most populous city in northern part of the country, and the largest city in Akmola Region. It was the administrative center of [[Kokshetau Oblast|Kokshetau Region]] ([[oblast]]) from 1944 to 1991 as part of the [[Soviet Union]] and from 1991 as part of Kazakhstan to 1997 when it was abolished. It is also situated at the junction of the Trans-Kazakhstan and South Siberian railways. Kokshetau lies at an elevation of approximately {{convert|234|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[above mean sea level|above sea level]]. The climate of Kokshetau features hot summers and cold winters.

It has 176,849 inhabitants (2024 est.), up from 123,389 (1999 census), while [[Akmola Region]] had a total population of 738,587 (2019 est.), down from 1,061,820 ([[Soviet Census (1989)|1989 census]]), making it the tenth most populous region in Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-cities.htm|title=Cities and towns in Qazaqstan|publisher=Population Statistics|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> The city's history has been influenced by people of many nations and religions. Kokshetau retains multiethnic population, with 59% ethnic [[Kazakhs]] (up from 36%), the rest being mostly 28% ethnic [[Russians in Kazakhstan|Russians]] (down from 42%) and other ethnic groups such as [[Ukrainians in Kazakhstan|Ukrainians]], [[Ethnic demography of Kazakhstan|Tatars]] and [[Kazakhstan Germans|Germans]]. [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]] (area of {{cvt|425|km2|disp=sqbr}}), with a population of roughly 165,153 residents, includes one settlement administration (which consists of the [[urban-type settlement|work settlement]] of [[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Stantsyonny]]) and the Krasnoyarsk rural district, which includes two rural settlements (the villages of [[Krasny Yar, Akmola Region|Krasny Yar]] and [[Kyzylzhulduz, Akmola Region|Kyzyl-Zhuldyz]]).

The city is considered to have been founded in 1824 as a military fortress, while it was granted city status in 1895. It was the centre of [[Kokchetav Oblast|Kokshetau Region]], which was abolished in 1997. It is well known for its nature and tourist sites, such as [[Burabay National Park|Burabay]] and [[Kokshetau National Park|Zerendi]], among others. The city's main football team is [[FC Okzhetpes]]. Kokshetau is about {{cvt|185|km|mi}} from [[Petropavl]], {{cvt|300|km}} northwest of the national capital [[Astana]] along the [[A1 highway (Kazakhstan)|A1]], {{cvt|318|km}} from [[Omsk]] along the [[A13 highway (Kazakhstan)|A13]], and {{cvt|384|km|mi}} from [[Kostanay]]. The city is served by [[Kokshetau Airport]] (KOV). The [[akim]] (mayor) is [[Anuar Kumpekeev]] from the [[Amanat (political party)|Amanat Party]].

Kokshetau is an important economic, educational, and cultural centre of the Akmola Region. Attractions in and around Kokshetau include [[Akmola Regional Museum of History and Local Lore]], [[Bukpa Hill]], Kokshetau City Park, Kokshetau City History Museum, Museum of Literature and Art. The northwest entrance to [[Burabay National Park]] ({{langx|kk|Burabai memlekettık ūlttyq tabiği parkı}}) and [[Burabay]] [[spa town]] is a little over 43 miles (70&nbsp;km) from Kokshetau. Kokshetau was awarded the title Kazakhstan City of Culture for the year 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/05/kokshetau-named-cultural-capital-of-kazakhstan-in-2021/|title= Kokshetau Named Cultural Capital of Kazakhstan in 2021|date= 20 May 2021|access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/203620?lang=en|title= Kokshetau - the cultural capital of Kazakhstan|date= 19 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021}}</ref>

== Names and etymology ==
{{hatnote|See [[wikt:Kokshetau|Wiktionary]] for the name of Kokshetau in various languages other than Kazakh.}}
*{{langx|en|{{yesitalic|Kokshetau}}|link=yes}}, a transliteration of the Russian form 
*{{langx|kk|Көкшетау|translit=Kökşetau}} {{IPA|kk|kɵkʂʲetɑw||Kk-kokshetau.ogg}}
*{{langx|ru|Кокшета́у|translit=Kokshetau}} {{IPA|ru|kəkʂɛtaʊ}}

The name '''Kokshetau''' ({{langx|kk|Kökşetau}}; {{IPA|kk|køkɕetɑw|pron}}) is of [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] origin literally meaning a ({{lit|smoky-blue mountain}}), ''kokshe'' / "{{linktext|көкше}}", meaning ({{lit|blueish}}) and ''tau'' / "{{linktext|тау}}", meaning ({{lit|mountain}}) — the name of always turning blue, as if in a deep haze of mountains, thus "Blueish Mountain/Smoky-Blue Mountain" in [[English language|English]]. That is how from ancient times [[Kazakhs]] were calling the highest mountain in [[Akmola Region]] "[[Mount Kokshe]]" (947 m), located 60 miles away from the city.
 
Following the [[Dissolution of the Soviet Union|collapse of the Soviet Union]], Kazakhstan declared its independence on 16 December 1991 ([[Kazakhstan Independence Day]]), and on 7 October 1993, by the Resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the city of  ''Kokchetav'' ({{lang-rus|Кокчета́в|p=koktɕɪˈtav}}) was renamed to the more Kazakh sounding ''Kokshetau'' as part of the government's campaign to apply Kazakh names to cities, but the city's airport still retains [[Kokshetau Airport|KOV]] as its [[IATA code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/calendar/show/27691|title=In 1993, Kokchetav city was renamed to Kokshetau|access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> In [[Russian language|Russian]] it became known as Kokshetau.

===Chronology of name changes===
Historically, several names in various languages have identified Kokshetau.

* [[Stanitsa]] Kokchetavskaya (1827–1868; which is a romanized back-transliteration from [[Russian language|Russian]] name in [[Cyrillic]]: {{lang|ru|стани́ца Кокчетавская}}; {{langx|kk|Көкшетау бекінісі|lit=The village of Kokshetau}})
* Kokchetav (1868–1993; in publications dating from the Soviet period, the city name was occasionally spelled in [[English Language|English]] as "Kokchetav", which is a back-transliteration from [[Reforms of Russian orthography|post-revolution]] [[Russian language|Russian]] name in [[Cyrillic]]: {{lang|ru|Кокчета́в}}, [[Russian language|Russian]] name in [[Cyrillic]] script (1868-1918): {{lang|ru|Кокчѣтавъ}}; [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] name in [[Yañalif]] script (1929-1940): {{lang|kk|Kɵkşetau}}, [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] name in [[Cyrillic]] script (after 1940): {{lang|kk|Көкшетау}})
* Kokshetau (since 1993; which is a romanized back-transliteration from [[Russian language|Russian]] name in [[Cyrillic]]: {{lang|ru|Кокшета́у}}; [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] name in [[Cyrillic]] script: {{lang|kk|Көкшетау}}, [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] name in [[Latin]] script (new version before 2021): {{lang|kk|Kókshetaý}}, [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] name in [[Latin]] script (latest version of the [[Kazakh alphabets|Kazakh Latin alphabet]] after 2021): {{lang|kk|Kökşetau}})

==Physical geography and geology==

===Location===
Kokshetau is located in the country of Kazakhstan and lies in the northern portion of [[Akmola Region]]. The city is located on the border of the [[West Siberian Plain]], on the southeastern shore of [[Lake Kopa]], at an altitude of 234 meters above sea level, in the [[Kokshetau Mountains]], north part of the [[Kokshetau Hills]], the foothills of which surround the city from the south and west. It covers an area of {{cvt|234|km2|0}}. It is located about {{convert|300|km}} north-west of the national capital of [[Astana]].

The city lay along low hills and by a kidney-shaped lake. There are numerous hills in the vicinity of the city ([[Bukpa Hill]]). The city is located in the flat part of the [[interfluve]] of the [[Kylshakty (river)|Kylshakty]] river, flowing in the eastern part of the city, and the [[Shagalaly]] river, flowing from the western side of the city. The city has several parks and gardens. Also, within the city limits can be found small forests, mostly consisting of birches and pine plantations. The Kokshetau area is known for its two national parks, [[Burabay National Park|Burabay]] and [[Kokshetau National Park|Kokshetau]].

;Nearby places
The village of [[Krasny Yar, Akmola Region|Krasny Yar]] lies adjoined directly to the west of Kokshetau, on the bank of the [[Shagalaly|River Shagalaly]]. Also contiguous with Kokshetau, directly to the east, with no natural border, is the smaller village of [[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Stantsyonny]].

'''Nearby cities'''
{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Petropavl]]
*[[Astana]]
*[[Ekibastuz]]
*[[Omsk]] (Russia) 
*[[Kostanay]]
*[[Rudny, Kazakhstan|Rudny]]
*[[Shchuchinsk]]
*[[Karaganda]] 
*[[Kurgan, Kurgan Oblast|Kurgan]] (Russia)
*[[Tyumen]] (Russia) 
{{colend}}

'''Nearby towns'''
{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Atbasar]]
*[[Arkalyk]]
*[[Tara, Omsk Oblast|Tara]] (Russia)
*[[Taiynsha]]
*[[Akkol]]
*[[Derzhavinsk]]
*[[Ereymentau]]
*[[Esil]]
*[[Ishim, Tyumen Oblast|Ishim]] (Russia)
*[[Makinsk]]
*[[Stepnyak, Kazakhstan|Stepnyak]]
*[[Stepnogorsk]]
{{colend}}

'''Nearby villages'''
{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Krasny Yar, Akmola Region|Krasny Yar]]
*[[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Stantsyonny]]
*[[Kyzylzhulduz, Akmola Region|Kyzylzhulduz]]
*[[Kyzyltan, Akmola Region|Kyzyltan]]
*[[Kaindy, Akmola Region|Kaindy]]
*[[Akkol, Zerendi District|Akkol]] (Zerendi District)
*[[Kishkenekol]]
*[[Astrakhanka, Kazakhstan|Astrakhanka]]
*[[Balkashino]]
*[[Shortandy]]
*[[Zerendi]]
*[[Zhaksy]]
{{colend}}

=== Time ===
The [[UTC offset|time offset]] from the [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] used by Kokshetau is 5 hours after UTC, or [[UTC+05:00|UTC+5:00]] <code>(Kazakhstan Time)</code>. This is also used by all of [[Kazakhstan]]. This time apply throughout the year as [[Time in Kazakhstan|Kazakhstan]] does not observe [[Daylight saving time]] (DST).

===Climate===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| image1            = 
| width1            = 200
| caption1          = Aerial view of the city at winter night with Christmas lights, featuring Kokshetau's central [[Ablai Khan|Abylai Khan]] Square – one of Kokshetau's main streets
| width2            = 200
| caption2          = Communications House, winter in Kokshetau. Winters in the city are typically cold with frequent snowfall.
| image2            = 
}}

According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], Kokshetau lies in a [[cold semi-arid climate]] zone ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''[[Semi-arid climate|BSk]]'') with extreme continental influences. The city has an extreme continental climate with long, very cold, frigid, snowy, dry winters and warm, dry, sunny summers (featuring occasional brief rain showers). Winter is frosty and long (more than 5 months). In spring, prevails clear and dry weather, with a large number of sunny days. Autumn begins in August or September, and the weather is observed from clear at the beginning of the season, to cloudy in October–November. The average annual temperature in Kokshetau is {{convert|3.6|°C|°F}}. Summer temperatures occasionally reach 35&nbsp;°C (95&nbsp;°F) while −30 to −35&nbsp;°C (−22 to −31&nbsp;°F) is not unusual between mid-December and early March.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://erulik.kz/region|title=Akmola region|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

The warmest month is July with daily mean temperature near {{convert|20.5|°C|abbr=on}}, and the coldest month is January, with a daily mean of {{convert|-14|°C|abbr=on}}. Snow and ice are dominant during the winter season. July is the wettest month (averaging {{convert|68.5|mm|1|abbr=on}} of precipitation) while March is the driest (averaging {{convert|10.5|mm|1|abbr=on}} of precipitation). Yearly [[precipitation]] amounts to {{convert|313|mm|abbr=on}}. Typically, the city's [[Lake Kopa]] and rivers of [[Kylshakty (river)|Kylshakty]] and [[Shagalaly]] are frozen over between the second week of November and the beginning of April.

*''Average January temperature'': {{convert|-14|C}}
*''Average July temperature'': {{convert|+20.5|C}}
*''Average annual [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]]'': {{convert|176|mm|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|512.5|mm|0|abbr=on}}

{{Weather box
| location = Kokshetau (1991–2020, extremes 1925–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 4.0
| Feb record high C = 6.6
| Mar record high C = 18.7
| Apr record high C = 30.3
| May record high C = 35.5
| Jun record high C = 40.1
| Jul record high C = 39.2
| Aug record high C = 37.7
| Sep record high C = 35.0
| Oct record high C = 25.0
| Nov record high C = 16.5
| Dec record high C = 6.0
| year record high C = 40.1
| Jan high C = -10.3
| Feb high C = -8.8
| Mar high C = -1.2
| Apr high C = 10.5
| May high C = 19.6
| Jun high C = 24.3
| Jul high C = 25.2
| Aug high C = 23.6
| Sep high C = 17.3
| Oct high C = 9.1
| Nov high C = -2.2
| Dec high C = -8.1
| year high C = 8.3
| Jan mean C = -14.3
| Feb mean C = -13.2
| Mar mean C = -5.7
| Apr mean C = 5.1
| May mean C = 13.5
| Jun mean C = 18.6
| Jul mean C = 19.6
| Aug mean C = 17.8
| Sep mean C = 11.8
| Oct mean C = 4.7
| Nov mean C = -5.6
| Dec mean C = -11.7
| year mean C = 3.4
| Jan low C = -18.8
| Feb low C = -18.0
| Mar low C = -10.5
| Apr low C = -0.2
| May low C = 6.9
| Jun low C = 12.1
| Jul low C = 13.8
| Aug low C = 12.0
| Sep low C = 6.4
| Oct low C = 0.6
| Nov low C = -9.2
| Dec low C = -15.7
| year low C = -1.7
| Jan record low C = -42.2
| Feb record low C = -42.0
| Mar record low C = -37.8
| Apr record low C = -26.1
| May record low C = -8.9
| Jun record low C = -5.7
| Jul record low C = 2.0
| Aug record low C = -2.2
| Sep record low C = -10.5
| Oct record low C = -26.0
| Nov record low C = -42.6
| Dec record low C = -44.0
| year record low C = 
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 12.1
| Feb precipitation mm = 11.3
| Mar precipitation mm = 13.0
| Apr precipitation mm = 19.2
| May precipitation mm = 26.3
| Jun precipitation mm = 43.2
| Jul precipitation mm = 72.4
| Aug precipitation mm = 44.0
| Sep precipitation mm = 23.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 22.1
| Nov precipitation mm = 18.2
| Dec precipitation mm = 14.8
| year precipitation mm = 319.6
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 3.2
| Feb precipitation days = 3.0
| Mar precipitation days = 3.1
| Apr precipitation days = 4.4
| May precipitation days = 5.6
| Jun precipitation days = 7.0
| Jul precipitation days = 9.2
| Aug precipitation days = 7.0
| Sep precipitation days = 4.3
| Oct precipitation days = 5.2
| Nov precipitation days = 4.4
| Dec precipitation days = 4.0
| year precipitation days = 
| Jan sun = 89
| Feb sun = 127
| Mar sun = 196
| Apr sun = 227
| May sun = 277
| Jun sun = 306
| Jul sun = 313
| Aug sun = 250
| Sep sun = 190
| Oct sun = 118
| Nov sun = 88
| Dec sun = 75
| year sun = 2256
|Jand sun = 2.9
|Febd sun = 4.3
|Mard sun = 6.3
|Aprd sun = 7.6
|Mayd sun = 8.9
|Jund sun = 10.2
|Juld sun = 10.1
|Augd sun = 8.1
|Sepd sun = 6.3
|Octd sun = 3.8
|Novd sun = 2.9
|Decd sun = 2.4
|yeard sun = 6.2
| source 1 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/28879.htm
| title = Weather and Climate – Climate of Kokshetau
| publisher = Weather and Climate 
| language = ru
| access-date = 8 November 2021}}</ref>
| source 2 = [[NOAA]] (sun, 1961–1990),<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_II/KS/28879.TXT
| title = Kokshetay (Kokshetau) Climate Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = 8 November 2021
| archive-date = 9 November 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211109034730/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_II/KS/28879.TXT
| url-status = dead
}}</ref><ref name=WMOCLINO>{{cite web
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Kazakhstan/CSV/KOKSHETAU_28879.csv
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020: Kokshetau
| publisher = [[National Centers for Environmental Information]]
| format = CSV
| access-date = 2 August 2023}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (daily sun 1961-1990)<ref>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_288790_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Kokschetau (Koktschetaw) / Kasachstan
| publisher = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]]
| language = German
| access-date = September 17, 2016}}
</ref>}}

== Legal status and administrative-territorial division ==
Kokshetau is the capital (administrative centre) of the [[Akmola Region]]  (oblys, county, area). [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau city administration]] ({{langx|kk|Kökşetau qalasy äkımdıgı}}, {{langx|ru|Городская администрация Кокшетау}}) (area of {{cvt|425|km2|disp=sqbr}}), with a population of roughly  193,492 residents, includes one settlement administration and the Krasnoyarsk rural district, which includes two rural settlements, served by the city public transport system.

Kokshetau was the centre of a [[Kokshetau Oblast|region]] covering seventy-eight thousand square kilometres of the [[Virgin Lands campaign|Virgin Lands]]; it administered 15 agricultural districts and connected 4 other towns, 116 state farms, and 25 collective farms, and that region encompassed a population of more than 600,000.

{|class="wikitable"
|+Administrative divisions of the [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]]
! No.
! Populated place
! Population 
! KATO ID
|-
|1
|''[[village#Central Asia|selo]]'' of [[Krasny Yar, Akmola Region|Krasny Yar]]
|align=right |{{increase}} 9875
|111033100
|-
|2
|''[[urban-type settlement|p.g.t]]'' of [[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Stantsyonny]]
|align=right |{{increase}} 2623
|111037100
|-
|3
| ''selo'' of  [[Kyzylzhulduz, Akmola Region|Kyzylzhulduz]]
|align=right |{{decrease}} 65
|111033300
|}

===Administrative districts and microdistricts===
{{multiple image
| image1 = ATD-ZerendyAKMkz.png
| width1 = 268
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = A map of [[Zerendi District]] of [[Akmola Region]]. The white area in the middle indicates [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]] territorial unit.
| image2 = 
| width2 = 200
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
}}

Kokshetau is divided into seven administrative districts ({{langx|kk|аудандар}}).
:{{small|''Listed alphabetically''}}
* Aul 
* Beybitshilik 
* Bostandyk 
* Bukpa 
* Kokshe 
* Sary-Arka 
* Zhaylau

=== Districts ===
Traditionally, Kokshetau was divided into seventeen administrative microdistricts ({{langx|kk|шағын аудандар}}) that today have no administrative function. These are administrative units that possess no independent governance structures. They are used for management of utilities and publicly owned housing.

Kokshetau includes the following microdistricts:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="3" | [[File:Administrative_microdistricts_of_Kokshetau,_Kazakhstan.png|300px|center|Borovskoy]]
|-
! English name !! Kazakh name !! Russian name 
|-
| City Centre || ''Қала орталығы'' || ''Центр города'' 
|-
| Barmashino|| ''Бармашино'' || ''Бармашино''
|-
| Abylai Khan Avenue || ''Абылай хан даңғылы'' || ''Проспект Абылай-хана'' 
|-
| Regional hospital || ''Облыстық аурухана'' || ''Областная больница'' 
|-
| Birlik || ''Бірлік'' || ''Бирлик'' 
|-
| Saryarka || ''Сарыарқа'' || ''Сарыарка'' 
|-
| Sunkar || ''Сұнқар'' || ''Сункар''
|-
| Koktem || ''Көктем''|| ''Коктем'' 
|-
| Vasilkov || ''Васильков'' || ''Васильковский'' 
|-
| Town of builders || ''Құрылысшылар қаласы'' || ''Городок строителей''
|-
| Railway Station || ''Вокзал'' || ''Вокзал'' 
|-
| Jubilee || ''Юбилейный'' || ''Юбилейный'' 
|-
|Borovskoy
|''Боровской''
|''Боровской''
|-
| Khassenov Market || ''Хасен базары'' || ''Хасеновский рынок'' 
|-
| Central || ''Орталық'' || ''Центральный''
|-
| Zhaylau || ''Жайлау''|| ''Жайлау'' 
|-
| Shanghai || ''Шанхай'' || ''Шанхай'' 
|}

== Authorities, local government and politics ==

=== Kokshetau authorities ===
The city administration and Kokshetau City Mäslihat is in the Kokshetau Akimat building on Mukhtar Auezov Street. Kokshetau City Mäslihat is a representative body of the city, elected every four years and holds its sessions in Kokshetau Akimat. The Mayor of Kokshetau is [[Amanat (political party)|Amanat Party]] member Bauyrzhan Gaisa.

;Local government
The bodies of local self-government of Kokshetau are:
* [[Kokshetau City Mäslihat]], a representative body. Consisting of 17 deputies for four years.
* [[: ru:Главы города Кокшетау|Mayor of Kokshetau]], head of the Kokshetau City Administration manages the administration on the principles of unity of command.

=== Regional authorities ===
Most key buildings of the regional government are along Abai Street and Mukhtar Auezov Street. Abai Street is named after a Kazakh poet, composer and Hanafi Maturidi theologian philosopher [[Abai Qunanbaiuly]]. On the eastern side of Abai Street on Abylai Khan Square sits the Akmola Regional Akimat, in a modern cream and brown-toned building.

;Local government
The bodies of local self-government of Akmola region are:
* [[Akmola Regional Mäslihat]] (parliament of Akmola Region), a representative body. Consisting of 32 deputies for five years.

{{Gallery|title=Administrative buildings in Kokshetau|width=170|height=120|align=center
| File:Kokshetau_City_Administration_(Akmola_Region,_Kazakhstan;_August,_2021).jpg|The seat of [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]] and [[Kokshetau City Mäslihat]] on Mukhtar Auezov Street
}}

====List of akims (mayors) of Kokshetau (1992–present)====

The [[Akim]] ([[Kazakh language|Kazakh]]: әкім, äkım) of Kokshetau is the chief authority in the city of Kokshetau. The position was established in 1992. The mayor is responsible for the administration of government services, the composition of councils and committees overseeing [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]] departments and serves as the chairperson for the meeting of the Kokshetau City Mäslihat. The mayor also functions to help devise long-term development plans in consultation with other stakeholders and bodies to improve the condition, livability, and sustainability of the city.

{|class="wikitable"
!
! Name
! Took office
! Left office
|-
|1
|Aidar Murzin 
|1992
|1996
|-
|2
|Kairbek Kusainov
|1996
|1997
|-
|3
|Kamaltin Mukhamedzhanov
|1997
|1998
|-
|4
|Valery Nabitovsky
|1998
|1999
|-
|5
|Askar Khassen
|1999
|2001
|-
|6
|Erkesh Bayakhmetov
|2001
|2003
|-
|7
|Dauren Adilbekov
|2004
|2004
|-
|8
|Rashit Akimov
|2004
|2007
|-
|9
|Andrey Nikishov
|2007
|2008
|-
|10
|Bakhyt Saparov
|2008
|2010
|-
|11
|Munarbek Batyrkhanov
|2010
|2013
|-
|12
|Zharkyn Zhumagulov
|2013
|2014
|-
|13
|Zhomart Nurgaliev
|2014
|2014
|-
| 14
| Ermek Marzhikpaev
| 2015
| 2019
|-
| 15
| Amangeldy Smailov
| 2019
| 2021
|-
| 16
| Bauyrzhan Gaisa
| 2021
| 2024
|-
| 17
| Anuar Kumpekeev
| 2024
| Present
|-
|}

==== Politics ====
The [[city council]] (''Kokshetau City Mäslihat'') of Kokshetau is made up of 17 representatives that are elected every four years. The Kokshetau City Mäslihat governs the city alongside the Akim (Mayor). The 2023 local government elections for Kokshetau City Mäslihat in Kokshetau yielded the following results:

{| class="wikitable"
!Parties
!Number of Representatives
|-
|[[Amanat (political party)|Amanat]]
|10
|-
|[[Aq Jol Democratic Party]] (Aq Jol)
|2
|-
|[[People's Party of Kazakhstan]] (QHP)
|1
|-
|[[Respublica (Kazakh political party)|Respublica]]
|1
|-
|Independent
|*3
|-
|'''Total number of members'''
|17
|}

== History ==

{{Quote box|width=20em|align=right|bgcolor=GhostWhite
|title=Historical affiliations
|quote=
[[File:Flag_of_Russia.svg|25px]] [[Omsk Oblast]] 1827–1838<br>
∟ ''part of the [[Russian Empire]]''<br>
[[File:Flag_of_Russia.svg|25px]] Border control of the Siberian Kirghiz 1838–1854<br>
∟ ''part of the Russian Empire''<br>
[[File:Flag of Russia (1858–1896).svg|25px]] Siberian Kirghiz Oblast 1854–1868<br>
∟ ''part of the Russian Empire''<br>
[[File:Flag_of_Russia.svg|25px]] [[Akmolinsk Oblast (Russian Empire)|Akmolinsk Oblast]] 1868–1917<br>
∟ ''part of the Russian Empire''<br>
[[File:Proposed Flag of the Alash Autonomy (horizontal).svg|25px]] [[Alash Autonomy]] 1917–1918<br>
[[File:Flag_of_Russia.svg|25px]] [[Provisional All-Russian Government|The Ufa Directory]] 1918–1918<br>
[[File:Flag_of_Russia.svg|25px]] [[Russian Government (1918–1919)|Russian Government]] 1918–1919<br>
[[File:Flag of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (1918–1925).svg|25px]] Kirghiz Territory 1919–1920<br>
∟ ''part of the [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]]''<br>
[[File:Flag_of_The_Kazakh_Autonomous_Socialist_Soviet_Republic_(1920-36).svg|25px]] [[Kazakh Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic|Kirghiz ASSR]] 1920–1922<br>
∟ ''autonomous part of the Russian SFSR''<br>
[[File:Flag_of_The_Kazakh_Autonomous_Socialist_Soviet_Republic_(1920-36).svg|25px]] [[Kazakh Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic|Kirghiz ASSR]] 1922–1925<br>
∟ ''part of the Russian SFSR in the [[USSR]]''<br>
[[File:Flag_of_The_Kazakh_Autonomous_Socialist_Soviet_Republic_(1920-36).svg|25px]] [[Kazakh Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic|Kazakh ASSR]] 1925–1936<br>
∟ ''part of the Russian SFSR in the USSR''<br>
[[File:Flag of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (1953–1991); Flag of Kazakhstan (1991–1992).svg|25px]] [[Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Kazakhstan]] 1936–1991<br>
∟ ''[[Republics of the Soviet Union|constituent republic]] of the Soviet Union''<br>
{{flag|Kazakhstan}} 1991–present
}}

===Early history===
Kokshetau past incorporates all the main stages and turning points of the [[history of Kazakhstan]]. For many centuries, nomadic [[Kazakh tribes]] lived on the territory of the former Kokshetau Region. The territory of Kokshetau was part of the [[Middle Horde]], the clans of the tribal union of the [[Argyn]]s that occupied vast regions of Northern and Central Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ishvetsov.ru/en/chislennost-naseleniya-kokshetau-kazahstan-gorod-kokshetau-naselenie/|title=The population of Kokshetau. Kazakhstan, the city of Kokshetau: population|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> In the 18th – 19th centuries, the headquarters of famous [[List of Kazakh khans|khans]], such as [[Abylai Khan]], [[Kasym Khan]], [[Kazakh Khanate#Kenesary Khan (1841–1847)|Kenesary Khan]], were located on the land of Kokshetau Region.

===Foundation of Kokshetau (1824–1917)===
As Russia's hand [[Russian conquest of Central Asia|stretched southwards]], Kokshetau was initially founded on 29 April 1824 as an [[Stanitsa|administrative outpost]] at the foot of the southern side of [[Mount Kokshe]] on the shores of [[Lake Ulken Shabakty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2018/05/kokshetau-a-beautiful-blue-mountain/|title=Kokshetau: a beautiful 'Blue Mountain'|date=14 May 2018 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://assembly.kz/en/news/day-of-unity-of-the-people-of-kazakhstan-was-celebrated-in-kokshetau/?sphrase_id=24040395|title=Day of unity of the people of Kazakhstan was celebrated in Kokshetau|date=1 May 2017 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> The Middle Horde signed treaties of protection with Russia. The local population strongly opposed the fact that the new settlement was placed in the chosen place. In the summer of 1827, the district order was transferred to the new place where the city of Kokshetau is now located. The settlement began to be called Kokchetav. The construction of the settlement began at the foot of [[Bukpa Hill]], on the southern shores of [[Lake Kopa]], and a picket was set up to protect the district order.<ref name="History">[http://etomesto.com/map-kazakhstan_akmolinskaya-oblast_1868-sibir-kirgizy/?x=69.277380&y=53.291717 Map of Kazakhstan Akmolinskaya Oblast 1868 Sibir Kirgizy]</ref>

By the middle of 19th-century, the population of the settlement was significantly increasing due to the migration of the [[peasants]] from Russia ([[Volga region|Povolzhye]]) and Ukraine who were driven to migrate by starvation and poverty to farm the steppe. In 1868, when the [[Akmolinsk Oblast (Russian Empire)|Akmolinsk Oblast]] was formed, Kokshetau became a district city in this region, which further developed as a center of agricultural and animal husbandry and as a [[resort town]]. In 1876, the city lost its military significance. The line and fortress were abolished. In 1895, Kokshetau was granted [[city status]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kazakhstan-tourist.isd.kz/page.php?page_id=526&lang=2|title=History of the town|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> By that time the population in the town was above 5 thousand people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/02/kokshetau-the-area-of-blue-lakes/|title=Kokshetau: the area of blue lakes|date=23 February 2017 |access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>

=== Soviet era (1918–1991) ===
In 1928, Kokshetau District was divided into several boroughs and until 1944 Kokshetau's territory was part of [[Karaganda Region]] and later part of [[North Kazakhstan Region]]. On 16 March 1944, according to the Decree of the [[Presidium of Supreme Soviet]] of [[Kazakh SSR]], Kokshetau became the administrative center of the newly created [[Kokchetav Oblast]]. Relatively rapid growth and development of Kokshetau took place during the years of development of [[Virgin Lands Campaign|virgin lands]], especially in the second half of the 1950s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://old.qazaqtv.com/en/programms/viewArchive?id=22888|title=Akmola region|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129235300/https://old.qazaqtv.com/en/programms/viewArchive?id=22888|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Fall of the Soviet Union and modern history (1991–present) ===
On 3 May 1997, [[Kokchetav Oblast|Kokshetau Oblast]] was abolished, the city was deprived of the status of a regional center.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/7033|title=How did the 14 regions become?|date=25 April 2017 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> On 8 April 1999, after Akmola and [[North Kazakhstan Region|North Kazakhstan]] regions were reorganized, Kokshetau became the center of [[Akmola Region]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wildticketasia.com/268-kokshetau-city-akmola-region-kazakhstan.html|title=Kokshetau city (Kokchetav) in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan.|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="140">
File:Kokshetau (Kokchetav) - 1890 (panoramic view, Aqmola Region, Kazakhstan).jpg|A 19th-century panorama view looking into the city of Kokshetau before rebuilding as seen from the [[Bukpa Hill]] Lookout. The [[Lake Kopa]] is visible to the left, and the [[St George's Church, Kokshetau|St George's Church]] to the right.
File:General_plan_of_the_Kokchetav_stanitsa,_19th_century.jpg|General plan of Kokchetav [[stanitsa]], 19th century
File:Map_of_Kokshetau_in_the_late_19th_century.jpg|Map of Kokchetav [[uezd]] in the late 19th century
File:A_19th-century_view_of_Kokshetau,_Kazakhstan.jpg|A 19th-century view of the city
File:Eukterion_in_Kokshetau.jpg|An 1880 image of [[Bukpa Hill]] in the background
File:Military_hospital_in_Kokshetau_(Kokchetav),_Kazakhstan.jpg|1916: Military hospital in Kokchetav
</gallery>

==Demographics==

=== Population ===
Kokshetau is the [[List of cities in Kazakhstan|seventeenth-largest]] city in Kazakhstan. Kokshetau ranks fourth in terms of population in Northern Kazakhstan, ranking after [[Pavlodar]], [[Kostanay]] and [[Petropavl]]. Residents of Kokshetau are referred to as  "көкшетаулықтар" (''kökşetaulyqtar'') in [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] and  "кокшета́уцы" (''kokshetautsy'') in [[Russian language|Russian]].

'''Vital statistics for 2023:'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kz/ru/region/akmola/dynamic-tables/38/|title=Demographic statistics.|publisher=[[Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=ru}}</ref>

*Births: 3,173 (male – 54.87%, female – 45.13%)
*Deaths: 1,545 (male – 52.10%, female – 47.90%)

'''Infant mortality rate (2023):'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kz/ru/region/akmola/dynamic-tables/38/|title=Demographic statistics.|publisher=[[Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=ru}}</ref>
* 15 infant deaths (aged under one year) 

'''Marriage and divorce statistics (2023):'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kz/ru/region/akmola/dynamic-tables/38/|title=Demographic statistics.|publisher=[[Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan]]|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=ru}}</ref>
* There were 1,359 marriages in total
* There were 360 divorces granted 

{| border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5" style="margin:auto; border:1px solid #aaa;"
|- style="background:#aaf;"
|+ style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em"| Demographic evolution (city)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-cities.htm|title=Kazakhstan: Cities & towns|publisher=Population statistics of Eastern Europe & former USSR|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#eef;"
! 1885 !! 1887 !! 1894 !! [[Russian Empire census|1897]] !! 1910 !! 1911 !! [[1920 Russian census|1920]] !! 1923 !! [[1926 Soviet census|1926]] !! 1931 !! 1936 !! [[1939 Soviet census|1939]] !! 1945 
|- style="background:#f7f9ff;"
| align=center| 5,705	
| align=center| 1,819	
| align=center| 4,411	
| align=center| 4,962	
| align=center| 4,273	
| align=center| 6,700	
| align=center| 7,796	
| align=center| 10,383	
| align=center| 11,060	
| align=center| 12,500
| align=center| 16,300	
| align=center| 19,260	
| align=center| 23,400	
|- style="background:#eef;"
! [[Soviet Census (1959)|1959]] !! [[Soviet Census (1970)|1970]] !!  1974 !! [[Soviet Census (1979)|1979]] !! [[Soviet Census (1989)|1989]]!! 1990 !! 1991 !! 1992 !! 1993 !! 1999 !! 2000 !! 2001 !! 2002
|- style="background:#f7f9ff;"
| align=center| 52,909
| align=center| 80,564	
| align=center| 91,000
| align=center| 103,162	
| align=center| 136,757	
| align=center| 139,000	
| align=center| 143,300
| align=center| 145,200
| align=center| 144,000
| align=center| 123,389	
| align=center| 122,445	
| align=center| 122,173	
| align=center| 121,052	
|- style="background:#eef;"
! 2003 !! 2004 !! 2005 !! 2006 !! 2007 !! 2008 !! 2009!! 2010 !! 2011 !! 2012 !! 2013 !! 2014 !! 2015 
|- style="background:#f7f9ff;"
| align=center| 121,661	
| align=center| 123,640	
| align=center| 125,455	
| align=center| 127,317 
| align=center| 129,244	
| align=center| 131,215	
| align=center| 135,106	
| align=center| 136,156	
| align=center| 137,268	
| align=center| 136,835	
| align=center| 139,063	
| align=center| 140,847	
| align=center| 142,411
|- style="background:#eef;"
! 2016 !! 2017 !! 2018 !! 2019 !! 2020 !! 2021 !! 2022 !! 2023 !! 2024 
|- style="background:#f7f9ff;"
| align=center| 145,795 
| align=center| 145,531	
| align=center| 145,789	
| align=center| 145,161	
| align=center| 146,104	
| align=center| 148,550
| align=center| 150,649
| align=center| 176,322
| align=center| 176,849
|}

'''Note:''' 2024 and 2020 are population estimates; 1897 is the [[List of Russian censuses|Russian Imperial Census]]; [[Soviet Census (1959)|1959]], [[Soviet Census (1970)|1970]], [[Soviet Census (1979)|1979]] and [[Soviet Census (1989)|1989]] are the [[Soviet Census]].

===Languages===
[[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] and [[Russian language|Russian]] are both the main spoken languages. Throughout its history Kokshetau has been a city of many languages. The state and official language in Kokshetau, as in all [[Kazakhstan]], is the [[Kazakh language]]. Kazakh is one of the [[Turkic languages]] and the mother tongue of [[Kazakhs]] living in Kokshetau. Despite Kokshetau's [[Kazakhs|Kazakh]] majority, [[Russian language]] is the most-widely spoken native language in the city, although Kazakh is understood as well. Russian language is used as official language and as one of mediums of instruction and media administration. Russian is used in theaters and newspapers from Kokshetau.

It is also common to find the [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]] being spoken in the city, mainly by Kazakhs and other [[Turkic people|Turkic]] people, while many elderly people speak Kazakh or Russian, depending on their upbringing. [[Russians]], [[Ukrainians]], some [[Tatars]], [[Germans]], [[Polish people|Poles]], [[Ingush people|Ingush]], [[Belarusians]], [[Koryo-saram|Koreans]], [[Azerbaijanis]], [[Armenians]], [[Bashkirs]], [[Moldovans]], [[Mari people|Mari]] in Kokshetau speak Russian.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-uvp/press/article/details/16331?lang=en|title= Implementation of language policy |publisher=gov.kz |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

Substantial numbers of people also use [[Chala Kazakh|Shala Kazakh]] (a Russo-Kazakh mixed language) in their everyday lives.

=== Ethnic and national composition ===
Kokshetau is an ethnically and culturally diverse city. It has changed its demographics, nowadays having more ethnic [[Kazakhs]] in a city that formerly had a [[Slavic people|Slavic]] majority. It is the only [[Regions of Kazakhstan|regional center]] in Northern Kazakhstan where Kazakhs make up the majority.

As of January 2024, the population of Kokshetau is 176,849, and the extended urbanized area has 193,492 inhabitants.

Historically, Kokshetau was ethnically diverse. As of the 2020 Census, ethnic Kazakhs made up (~58%) of the city population, representing an increase from 36% in 1999. 

'''Ethnic composition of Kokshetau'''
<div style="width:100%; overflow-x:auto; border:0.5px solid #c8ccd1;">
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0; border:none; text-align:right;"
! rowspan="3" |Ethnicity
! colspan="16" |Year
|-
! colspan="2" |[[Russian Empire census|1897]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=794|title=The first general population census of the Russian Empire in 1897. Distribution of the population by native language and districts of the Russian Empire, excluding the provinces of European Russia.|publisher=Demoscope Weekly|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=ru}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |[[1939 Soviet census|1939]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/ussr_nac_39_ra.php?reg=1336|title=All-Union Census of Population of 1939. Ethnic composition of the population of districts, cities, and large villages of the Soviet republics.|publisher=Demoscope Weekly|accessdate=2024-10-24|language=ru}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2004<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-ethnic2004.htm|title=Ethnic composition: 2004 estimation |publisher=Population statistics of Eastern Europe & former USSR|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=en}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2014<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-ethnic2014.htm|title=Ethnic composition: 2014 estimation |publisher=Population statistics of Eastern Europe & former USSR|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=en}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2024<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-ethnic2024.htm|title=Ethnic composition: 2024 estimation |publisher=Population statistics of Eastern Europe & former USSR|accessdate=2024-10-12|language=en}}</ref>
|-
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population<sup>1</sup>
!%
!Population<sup>1</sup>
!%
!Population<sup>1</sup>
!%
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Kazakhs]]
|800
|16.2 
|3,789
|19.6
|60,882
|45.0
|85,236	
|55.4
|120,719
|62.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Russians in Kazakhstan|Russians]]
|3,111
|62.7
|11,920
|61.9
|51,188	
|37.8
|48,734
|31.6
|45,130
|23.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Ukrainians in Kazakhstan|Ukrainians]]
|379
|7.6
|1,501
|7.8
|7,558
|5.6
|4,986
|3.2
|7,490
|3.9
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Kazakhstan Germans|Germans]]
|2
|0.04
|98
|0.5
|2,686
|2.0
|2,943	
|1.9
|4,782
|2.5
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Tatars of Kazakhstan|Tatars]]
|481	
|9.7
|1,275
|6.6
|4,158
|3.1
|3,727
|2.4
|4,203
|2.2
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | [[Poles in Kazakhstan|Poles]]
|3
|0.06
|179
|0.9
|2,326	
|1.7
|2,230
|1.4
|3,004
|1.6
|-
|style="text-align:left;" | Others
|186<ref>'''[[Uzbeks in Kazakhstan|Uzbeks]]''' (42), '''[[Latvians]]''' (12), '''[[Poles in Kazakhstan|Poles]]''' (3), '''[[Germans in Kazakhstan|Germans]]''' (2), '''[[Komi peoples|Permyaks]]''' (2), '''Others''' (13)</ref>
|3.7
|498	
|2.6
|6,502
|4.8
|6,117	
|4.0
|8,164<ref>'''Avars''' (19), '''Armenians''' (261), '''Azerbaijanis''' (397), '''Balkars''' (13), '''Bashkirs''' (294), '''Belarusians''' (2,124), '''Bulgarians''' (26), '''Chinese''' (31), '''Chechens''' (123), '''Czechs''' (8), '''Dargins''' (11), '''Dungans''' (23), '''Estonians''' (16), '''Finns''' (2), '''Georgians''' (55), '''Greeks''' (138), '''Gypsies (Roma)''' (47), '''Ingush''' (1,687), '''Jews''' (30), '''Kalmyks''' (12), '''Karachays''' (3), '''Karakalpaks''' (20), '''Komis-Permyaks''' (25), '''Koreans''' (377), '''Kumyk''' (11), '''Kurds''' (48), '''Kyrgyz''' (250), '''Latvians''' (20), '''Lezgins''' (40), '''Lithuanians''' (85), '''Mari''' (48), '''Moldovans''' (220), '''Mordvins''' (176), '''Ossetians''' (21), '''Romanians''' (15), '''Tajiks''' (156), '''Turks''' (50), '''Turkmens''' (24), '''Udmurts''' (104), '''Uighurs''' (68), '''Uzbeks''' (478), '''Other nationalities''' (414), '''Unspecified''' (63)</ref>
|4.2
|-
!Total
!4,962
!100
!19,260	
!100
!135,300
!100
!154,000
!100
!193,492
!100
|-
! colspan="17" |<small><sup>''1''</sup>''The population estimates for 2004, 2014, and 2024 include settlements under the jurisdiction of the Kokshetau City Administration, such as urban-type settlement of Stantsyonny and village of Krasny Yar.''</small>
|}
</div>

=== Religion ===
{{See also|Religion in Kazakhstan|Islam in Kazakhstan|Christianity in Kazakhstan}}

{{Bar box
|title=Religion in Kokshetau ([[Kokshetau (city administration)|c.a.]]) (2009 census), Percentage<ref name="Religion2009">{{Cite web|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-religion2009-census.htm|title=Religious composition of the population of Kazakhstan in 2009|publisher=|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122081053/http://pop-stat.mashke.org/kazakhstan-religion2009-census.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| titlebar=#efef
|float=right
|bars=
{{Bar percent|[[Islam in Kazakhstan|Sunni Islam]]|Green|56.65}}
{{Bar percent|[[Christianity in Kazakhstan|Christians]]|DeepSkyBlue|40.85}}
{{Bar percent|[[Atheism]] and [[irreligion]]|Black|2.12}}
{{Bar percent|Undeclared|Gray|0.33}}
{{Bar percent|[[History of the Jews in Central Asia|Judaism]]|DeepSkyBlue|0.02}}
{{Bar percent|[[Buddhism in Central Asia|Buddhism]]|DeepSkyBlue|0.02}}
{{Bar percent|[[Religious denomination|Other religions]]|Red|0.01}}
}}

Kokshetau is one of the most religiously diverse cities of Kazakhstan with more than 56.65 per cent of its population adhering to Islam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola/press/article/details/64193?lang=en|title=Religion|date=13 October 2021 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Religious buildings are scattered around the city.

==== Sunni Islam ====
[[Islam]] (primarily [[Sunni Islam]]) is the predominant religion within Kokshetau, with 56.65% of residents identifying as Muslims in the 2009 Census. There were 83,436 Muslims reported in the 2009 census. Kokshetau's first Mosque was established by 
Ablay (Abilkhair) Gabbas in 1846. Kokshetau has a mosque constructed in the beginning of the 20th century. A new [[Nauan Hazrat Mosque|mosque]] for 1,200 people named after [[Nauryzbay Talasov|Nauan Hazrat]] opened in 2015.

<u>Mosques:</u>
* [[Nauan Hazrat Mosque]] (capacity 1,200—1,400), located at the corner of Momishuly and Auelbekov streets. It is the largest mosque in Akmola Region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-social/press/news/details/395673?lang=en|title= Cultural and spiritual excursion to one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan - Juma mosque "Nauan Hazret" Kokshetau|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[Zhakiya Kazhi Mosque]], located on the Aulbekova Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8275|title=The old-timer building. Mosque named after Nauan Hazrat|date=18 May 2015 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox Church ====
[[File:Church_of_the_Resurrection_of_Christ_in_Kokshetau,_Kazakhstan_(November,_2020).jpg|thumb|[[Church of the Resurrection, Kokshetau]]]]
[[File:Kokshetau_Presbyterian_Church,_Kazakhstan_(April,_2021).jpg|thumb|Presbyterian Worship Centre]]

Kokshetau has a [[Eastern Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan|Russian Orthodox Church]] temple of [[Archangel Michael]]. The Kokshetau and Akmola diocese is located in the [[Church of the Resurrection, Kokshetau|Church of the Resurrection]] in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/e-resources/show/13460|title=Orthodoxy history in Kazakhstan|date=15 August 2013 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref>

<u>[[Russian Orthodox]] churches:</u>
* [[Church of the Resurrection, Kokshetau]] (capacity 1,500), ([[Russian Orthodox Church|ROC]]). It is located on the new embankment of [[Lake Kopa]]. The church was built in the traditions of Russian church architecture of the mid-XIX century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola/press/news/details/258583?lang=en|title=A place of spiritual unity|date=17 September 2021 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, Kokshetau]], ([[Russian Orthodox Church|ROC]])
* [[St George's Church, Kokshetau]]. Kokshetau's first Christian Church.

==== Other religions ====
Other religions practiced are [[Christianity in Kazakhstan|Christianity]] (primarily [[Catholic Church in Kazakhstan|Roman Catholicism]], and [[Christianity in Kazakhstan|Protestantism]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2018/08/evangelical-lutheran-bishop-religious-harmony-in-kazakhstan-means-respecting-our-faith-respecting-others/|title=Evangelical Lutheran Archbishop: Religious harmony in Kazakhstan means respecting our faith, respecting others'|date=10 August 2018 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> Christianity is Kokshetau's second largest religion. There were 60,168 Christians reported in the 2009 census. Much of Kokshetau's civic life and civil society is secular in the sense that it has no religious character.

In 1997, a [[Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Kokshetau|Roman Catholic Church]] was built in [[neo-Gothic style]] using red bricks.

<u>[[Catholic Church in Kazakhstan|Roman Catholic]] churches:</u>
* [[Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Kokshetau]]

==Entertainment, tourism and culture==
Kokshetau is the major cultural center of Akmola Region. Culture in Kokshetau, first developed during the period of Russian Empire, grew under the Soviet Union, which established many of the first cultural institutions of the city. Now it has 2 theatres and 5 museums. There is 1 cinema and 12 libraries. The city is full of clubs, restaurants, and bars.

As the capital of Akmola Region, Kokshetau is a melting pot of cultures from all ethnic groups of the region. Though [[Kazakhs|Kazakh people]] are an indigenous community of Kokshetau, the city's culture represents many languages and ethnic groups, supports differences regarding religion, traditions and linguistics, rather than any single and dominant culture.

===Theatres===
Kokshetau has a strong theater culture. Kokshetau is home to many theatre groups, mainly operating under the support of the ministry of culture. Theatre halls in the city organize several shows and performances throughout the year. Kokshetau's major theaters are:

* From the central Abylai Khan Square, pedestrianised [[Kanysh Satbayev]] Street runs south a couple of blocks to the Palace of Culture ({{langx|kk|Mädeniet Saraiy}}; opened in 1977), which also incorporates Akmola Regional Russian Drama Theater,<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://ticketon.kz/en/place/akmolinskij-oblastnoj-russkij-dramaticheskij-teatr|title=Akmola Regional Russian Drama Theater|website=ticketon.kz |publisher=Ticketon Kazakhstan|date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref> and it is quite popular among locals.
* Akmola Regional Kazakh Music and Drama Theatre named after Shahhmet Kussainov (opened in 1996) is the biggest theatre in Kokshetau and is popular among Kazakh speaking people.
* Children's puppet theater "Altyn Saka" (opened in 2022)

===National events/festivals===
The city organises many public celebrations that greatly attract the locals as well as the visitors. 
* "[[Dombra|Dombyra]] Fest"<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/398255?lang=en|title=The festival "Dombra Fest" dedicated to the National Day of Dombra was held in Kokshetau|website=gov.kz|publisher=Department of Culture of Akmola Region|date=2022-07-01|accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref>
* "Sabantuy"<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://assembly.kz/en/news/sabantui-2017-in-kokshetau/?sphrase_id=24040395|title=Sabantui-2017 in Kokshetau|website= assembly.kz|publisher=Assembly of People of Kazakhstan|date=2019-06-04|accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref> (annual)
* "Festival of Kazakh culture"<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://assembly.kz/en/news/kokshetau-hosted-i-festival-of-kazakh-culture/?sphrase_id=24040395 |title=Kokshetau Hosted I Festival of Kazakh Culture|website= assembly.kz|publisher=Assembly of People of Kazakhstan|date=2019-06-04 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref> (annual). It is the most widely celebrated festival among Kazakhs.
* "Bir shanyrak astynda"<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://assembly.kz/en/news/songs-and-dances-of-ethnic-groups-of-kazakhstan-performed-at-festival-in-kokshetau/?sphrase_id=24040395 |title=Songs and Dances of Ethnic Groups of Kazakhstan Performed at Festival in Kokshetau |website= assembly.kz|publisher=Assembly of People of Kazakhstan|date=2019-04-25 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref>
* "Russian (Russkaya) Pesnya"<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://assembly.kz/en/news/the-festive-concert-of-the-national-ensemble-russian-song/?sphrase_id=24040395 |title=The festive concert of the national ensemble "Russian song"|website= assembly.kz|publisher=Assembly of People of Kazakhstan|date=2017-10-09 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref>

===Philharmonic===
* Akmola Regional Philharmonic named after Ükılı Ybyrai was founded in 1956.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/559643?lang=en|title=At the site of the Regional Communications Service, a briefing will be held on the topic: "A unique project festival "Folk-symphony Kokshetau" of the Akmola Regional Philharmonic named after Ukili Ybyrai"|website= gov.kz|publisher=Department of Culture of Akmola region|date=2023-05-23 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref>

=== Historical museums ===
[[File:Museum_of_History_of_Kokshetau_in_March_2025.jpg|thumb|[[Museum of the History of Kokshetau|Kokshetau City History Museum]]]]
Kokshetau is home to several of Akmola Region's most important museums. Kokshetau has several museums dedicated to Akmola Region's history and culture. Museums in the city include:
* [[Akmola Regional Museum of History and Local Lore]] (opened in 1920) offers a display of minerals and semi-precious stones in the foyer, and rooms on the ground floor devoted to palaeontology and to [[World War II]], the latter focused on displays related to local war heroes.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://akmomuzey.kz/en/pages/o-muzee.html|title="Akmola Regional Local History Museum"|website=akmomuzey.kz |publisher=Akmola Regional Local History Museum|date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8316 |title=The history has revived in the museum of Kokshetau|website= |publisher=Electronic History of Kazakhstan|date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2023-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/429248?lang=en|title=Large-scale research and archaeological work is being carried out in Akmola region|website= |publisher=Department of Culture of Akmola Region|date=2022-09-20 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref> It is the largest museum in Kokshetau. 
* [[Museum of the History of Kokshetau|Kokshetau City History Museum]] (KCHM; opened as [[Valerian Kuybyshev]]’s Memorial Museum in 1949),<ref name="Sister cities">{{cite web |title=Cultural Walk: Museum of Kokshetau's History|date= July 2015|url= https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8327/}}</ref> located at the a street on a hillside. The wooden house of the museum is where Valerian Kuybyshev, one of the Revolution's most famous heroes, had grown up. The house is surrounded by trees, with a stable or coach-house at the back and a particular memorial tree planted by his mother in 1903 in memory of Valerian's brother, accidentally shot and killed by a friend. This little museum initially was dedicated to a really tough revolutionary. As a boy Valerian Kuybyshev had started taking part in the anti-tsarist movement and then in the days of the [[Bolsheviks|Bolshevik]] struggle had led troops against the [[White Army|White Guards]] in the [[Russian Civil War|Civil War]], he was one of those revolutionaries in the true spirit of the Revolution. There were also [[Amankeldı İmanov]] and Alibi Dzhangildin who are national heroes of the Central Asian uprising in 1916. The city's museum offers a view of Kokshetau's history through old maps and photos. 
* Museum of Mercy and Courage (opened in 1982)
<u>Biographical museums:</u>
* Museum of the [[Hero of the Soviet Union]]  [[Malik Gabdullin]] (opened in 1993), located at the corner of Auelbekov and Nazarbayev streets, on the eastern side of the town centre, the modern-looking two-storey wooden building. Malik Gabdullin was born in 1915, in a village 30&nbsp;km away from Kokshetau. When he was made a Hero of the Soviet Union in 1943, the authorities constructed for his family a larger and nicer wooden house adjacent to this, but his pious father donated the wood from this building to efforts to reconstruct the Kokshetau Mosque, when the latter was damaged by fire in 1956.
<u>Literature museums:</u>
* Museum of Literature and Art (opened in 1989)

=== Cinemas ===
The first film screening in the city of Kokchetav (now Kokshetau) took place in 1910.
* Cinema Alem (formerly known as the Druzhba Cinema; it was built in 1963, and as of 2023 was still being used as a cinema). It is located in Independence Square and is currently the largest cinema in the city.

=== Libraries ===
==== Public libraries ====
The city has 12 libraries.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://culture-kokshetau.kz/page/read/Organizacii.html?lang=en|title=List of institutions and enterprises subordinated to SI "Department of culture and language development of Kokshetau"|website=culture-kokshetau.kz|publisher=|date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref> In addition to the libraries affiliated with the various universities and schools, the Akmola Regional Universal Scientific Library is a major research library. There are several archives in Kokshetau.

* Akmola Regional Universal Scientific Library (ARUSL) named after [[Magzhan Zhumabayev]]. ARUSL was inaugurated in 1946. It is Akmola Region's main [[academic library]] and scientific [[information centre]].

====University libraries====
The Kokshetau State University library contains over 735,000 units of educational and scientific literature and a rare fund, which consists of 104 copies of printed works published in the 19th century in Kazakh, Russian, German and English languages, making it one of the largest libraries in all of [[Akmola Region]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://shokan.edu.kz/en/departments/library/|title=The library of Kokshetau University named after Sh. Ualikhanov|access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref>

=== Kazakhstan Capital of Culture 2021 ===
Kokshetau was selected as a Kazakhstan Capital of Culture for 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/05/kokshetau-named-cultural-capital-of-kazakhstan-in-2021/|title= Kokshetau Named Cultural Capital of Kazakhstan in 2021|date= 20 May 2021|access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/203620?lang=en|title= Kokshetau - the cultural capital of Kazakhstan|date= 19 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021}}</ref>

===Palaces===
* Kokshetau Palace of Culture<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://ticketon.kz/en/place/dvorec-kultury-kokshetau|title=Kokshetau Palace of Culture|website=ticketon.kz |publisher=Ticketon Kazakhstan|date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2023-05-28}}</ref>
* Palace of Culture «Dostar»
* Palace of Childhood and Youth «Bolashak Sarayi»
* Kokshetau Wedding Palace, a civil registry building. It was built in 2017.

=== Mausoleums ===
* Nauan Hazrat Mausoleum. The construction of the mausoleum began in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-madeniet/press/news/details/99377?lang=en|title=A mausoleum in honor of the memory of Nauan Khazret is being built in Kokshetau|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> It was built around the grave of the famous religious figure [[Nauryzbay Talasov|Nauryzbay Talasuly]]. It is located near the old Muslim cemetery. This site was added to the list of objects of historical and cultural heritage of Akmola Region, as well as the list of 100 sacred places of Kazakhstan.

=== Cemeteries ===
There are 5 cemeteries in Kokshetau.
* Old Cossack cemetery. It is located at the area of Barmashino where a monument to a Soviet soldier is situated. The mass grave of Soviet officers and soldiers who died in local hospitals is also located there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8267|title=Kokshetau hosted a campaign "Along the roads of memory"|date=12 May 2015 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> 
* Old Orthodox cemetery. The cemetery was closed to new burials in the 1969.
* Old Muslim cemetery
* Muslim cemetery (Second Cemetery) 
* Christian cemetery (Third Cemetery)

== Monuments and memorials ==
* The statue of [[Shoqan Walikhanov]] who had been a traveller, scientist, geographer, and one of the first Kazakh democrat, a tall handsome figure in a granite officer's greatcoat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/calendar/show/27350|title=In 1998, in Kokshetau the monument to Shoqan Walikhanov was opened|access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref> He had been an officer in the tsar's army and was supposed to be a descendant of [[Genghis Khan]] himself, no less. His grandfather [[Ablai Khan|Abylai Khan]] had been called the last Khan of the [[Kazakh Khanate]].
* On the west side of the Abylai Khan Square there is a statue of [[Ablai Khan|Abylai Khan]], depicted squatting regally, his right hand on his hip in a display of relaxed strength. Behind the Kazakh ruler rises a very tall stalk of wheat, on the tip of which a bird is flying.
* In the central park there is also a statue of [[Vladimir Lenin]], standing next to a simple Soviet monument to the Kazakhstnis killed in the Civil War; it was removed from the central square.
* A bust of [[Talgat Bigeldinov]], a pilot who notched up 305 combat missions, shot down seven enemy aircraft and was twice made [[Hero of the Soviet Union]], is followed by a series of polished stones inscribed with he names of [[Hero City (Soviet Union)|the Hero Cities of the Soviet Union]]. These run for two blocks, ending up at the [[War Memorial]]. A young flag-bearing soldier kneels before an [[eternal flame]]. Behind him rises peculiar silvery sculpture of a star with a point missing. The portraits of local war heroes are presented on the surrounding wall, in alphabetical order, starting with [[Talgat Bigeldinov]].
* In the centre of the city, just in front of the [[Akmola Regional Museum of History and Local Lore]], an inscription on a wall-like monument records a decree of the [[Presidium of the Supreme Soviet]] of the USSR from 1958, awarding [[Kokshetau Oblast]] the [[Order of Lenin]] by virtue of its success in surpassing the yearly plan for bread production.
* There is also a statue of a young, rathe studently-looking [[Valerian Kuybyshev]], a [[Bolshevik]] military commander during the Civil War and key figure behind the [[First five-year plan (Soviet Union)|first Five-Year Plan]], who gave his name to the city of [[Samara]] during the Soviet period.

== Economy and services ==
[[File:Ak_Zhelken_Hotel_in_Kokshetau,_Kazakhstan,_March,_2025.jpg|thumb|Hotel in Kokshetau]]
In autumn 1941, the Podolskiy Sewing Machines Plant, two factories from the city of Ordzhonikidze and military hospitals were evacuated to Kokshetau.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8267|title=Kokshetau hosted a campaign "Along the roads of memory"|date=12 May 2015 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref>

Kokshetau has traditionally been an important commercial center in northern Kazakhstan, but after the collapse of the [[Soviet Union]] most of the old manufacturing lines, whose markets included the entire Soviet Union, either stopped working or had to greatly reduce their operations. The collapse of the Soviet Union also meant the collapse of Kazakhstan's industrial base.

Nevertheless, the city continues to be an important regional center for the [[Akmola Region]], acting as a commercial hub for the surrounding areas in the region. In recent years, the city has started attracting more investment from various corporations. [[Kokshetau Oblast]] had really started developing as the machine factories and other industries grew, and the numerous rest homes, sanatoria, and holiday spots were set up.

From [[Ekibastuz]] to Kokshetau runs an [[overhead power line]] designed for a transmission voltage of 1,150&nbsp;kV, the [[powerline Ekibastuz-Kokshetau|Ekibastuz-Kokshetau powerline]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kt.kz/eng/society/kazakhstan_restores_domestic_flights_with_seven_cities_1377898408.html|title=Kazakhstan restores domestic flights with seven cities|access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> Kokshetau's retail business is growing with several newly built malls and shopping centres.

=== Industry ===
Major industrial employers of Kokshetau include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://akmola.invest.gov.kz/about/economy/|title=Economy|access-date=16 January 2023}}</ref>

* Altyntau Kokshetau&nbsp;– gold mining enterprise. The site comprises a gold deposit and the Gold Recovery Plant commissioned in 2009. The innovative high-tech equipment manufactured in Canada, Australia, USA, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy and Russia is installed at the plant. Over the last eight years of operation, the output increased 2.5 times and metal recovery increased by one fifth hitting 75% in 2019.
* Tynys&nbsp;– the production of medical products, weighing equipment, water meters, aircraft units and assemblies, polyethylene pipes.
* KamAZ-Engineering&nbsp;– machine-building plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/7131|title=Milestones of industrialization|date=7 December 2017 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref>
* Kokshetau Mineral Waters&nbsp;– TURAN water is bottled at Kokshetau Mineral Waters plant using KHS equipment. TURAN water is produced from Kuskol water deposit located in an ecologically pristine area near Kokshetau. The deposit is subject to constant government control, and the water well is guarded 24/7.

Food factories supply Kokshetau and [[Akmola Region]] with sausages, semi-finished meat products, bread, dairy products, and confectionery. The city also has a new ceramic brick factory.

==Public services==
Kokshetau is policed by Police Department of the Akmola Region (a [[territorial police force]]) whose headquarters are in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mvd-akmola/about?lang=en |title=Police Department of the Akmola Region|access-date=29 May 2023}}</ref>

Fire services in Kokshetau are provided by Department of Emergency Situations of the Akmola Region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer-akmola?lang=en |title=Department of Emergency Situations of the Akmola Region|access-date=29 May 2023}}</ref>

Domestic waste services in Kokshetau are provided by Kokshe Tazalyk and EcoGroup 2020 Services under contract.

=== Health and medical care ===
{{Main|Healthcare in Kazakhstan}}
Kokshetau has an extensive network of municipal and regional health facilities. Kokshetau is a major healthcare and medical service centre in [[Akmola Region]]. During the war five evacuated hospitals were places on the territory of North-Kazakhstan region, including 3 hospitals in Kokshetau.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/history-of-kazakhstan/show/9630|title=Evacuation of people and industrial facilities from Western parts of the USSR to North-Kazakhstan region (1941-1943)|date=10 October 2013 |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> Several hospitals of Kokshetau, refurbished with modern technologies, provide healthcare and conduct medical research.

Local hospitals include the Avicenna Medical Centre, Viamedis Rehabilitation Centre among many others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inform.kz/en/kazakh-president-pays-visit-to-viamedis-kokshetau-clinical-and-rehabilitation-center_a4035692|title=Kazakh President pays visit to Viamedis Kokshetau clinical and rehabilitation center|date=14 February 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023}}</ref> Temporary hospitals were established and vaccines were available in all major hospitals during the 2020-2021 [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-ust/press/news/details/85854?lang=en|title=
Construction of a new prefabricated modular hospital|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Private medical institutions also operate in the city.

== Telecommunication ==
The official opening of the Kokshetau city telephone network took place on 1878. As of 2005, the total capacity of the telephone network in Kokshetau was about 42,634  numbers. The city has several mobile operators ([[Kcell]]/[[Kcell|Altel]], [[Tele2|Tele2 Kazakhstan]], [[Beeline (brand)|Beeline]]).

In addition to the mobile network providers, [[Kazakhtelecom]] provides [[internet]] services.

[[Kazpost]] is the official national postal operator of Kazakhstan. Based in Kokshetau, it currently operates through 10 postal offices in city.

==Media==
{{see also|Media of Kazakhstan}}
[[File:Bukpa_Hill_(Kokshetau_TV_Tower;_Akmola_Region,_Kazakhstan;_July,_2021).jpg|thumb|upright|Kokshetau TV Tower broadcasts to Kokshetau.]]
Kokshetau is the center of television and radio broadcasting in [[Akmola Region]]. Many public and private TV and radio channels operate in Kokshetau. Media in Kokshetau covers print media, newspapers, publisher, broadcast, local TV stations, and Internet, with some media having influence over the region. All major [[List of newspapers in Kazakhstan|Kazakhstani newspapers]] are active in Kokshetau. The city has a developed telecommunications system.

===Newspapers and magazines===
{{Further|List of newspapers in Kazakhstan}}
Kokshetau's first newspaper was the weekly ''Tselinnyy kray'', established in 1920, which would change its name to the ''Akmolinskaya Pravda'' in 1992. In the city, there are some popular urban newspapers. ''Akmolinskaya Pravda'', ''Stepnoy mayak'' and ''Kokshetau'' are Russian-language media headquartered in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/calendar/show/27564|title=In 1930, the first issue of the regional newspaper "Kolkhoz Zholy" (since 1990, city newspaper "Kokshetau") was released|access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> ''Akmolinskaya Pravda'' is the oldest newspaper of the city.

* ''Regional socio-political newspaper "Akmolinskaya Pravda"'' is a long-running daily local paper, with local and regional coverage.
* Republican newspaper "Bukpa"
* Regional newspaper "Arka Azhary"
* Regional newspaper "Stepnoy mayak"

===TV and radio===
{{see also|Television in Kazakhstan}}
<u>Kokshetau television networks:</u>
* Local television news is covered by [[Qazaqstan (channel)#Regional channels|TV channel Kazakhstan–Kokshetau]]. It is main city channel. The channel tells about the events of social, cultural, economic life, the activities of scientific and educational institutions of the city.
* [[Balapan (TV channel)|Balapan]]
* [[Cartoon Network (Russian & Southeastern European TV channel)|Cartoon Network]]
* [[Channel One Eurasia]]
* [[Channel 31 (Kazakhstan)|Channel 31]]
* [[Disney Channel (European TV channel)|Disney Channel]]
* [[Euronews]]
* [[Gakku TV]]
* [[Khabar 24]]
* [[MTV (Russian TV channel)|MTV]]
* [[Nickelodeon (Russian TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
* [[Qazsport]]
<u>Kokshetau radio stations:</u>
* "[[Kazakh Radio]]": 101.0 FM
* "[[Russkoye Radio|Russian Radio Asia]]": 102.0 FM
* "[[AvtoRadio|Autoradio Kazakhstan]]": 102.5 FM
* "[[Shalkar Radio]]": 103.7 FM
* "[[Europa Plus|Europe Plus Kazakhstan]]": 104.2 FM
* "[[NRJ Group|Energy FM]]": 104.8 FM
* "Radio NS": 105.7 FM
* "Zhuldyz FM": 106.1 FM
* "Radio Dacha": 106.5 FM
* "People's Radio": 107.0 FM
* "Tengri FM": 107.6 FM

===Internet media===
*Kokshetau City Administration<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-kokshetau/press/news/1?lang=en|title=Akimat of the city of Kokshetau|work=gov.kz}}</ref> {{in lang|en}} {{in lang|kk}} {{in lang|ru}}
*Kokshetau - Kazakhstan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kokshetautv.kz|title=Kokshetau TV}}</ref> {{in lang|kk}} {{in lang|ru}}
*Aqmola News<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aqmolanews.kz/ru/ |title=Aqmola News|date=24 August 2023 }}</ref> {{in lang|kk}} {{in lang|ru}}
*Akmolinskaya Pravda<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apgazeta.kz|title=Akmolinskaya Pravda}}</ref> {{in lang|ru}}

==Transportation==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Kokshetau-1_Railway_Station-1992.jpg|Main entrance to [[Kokshetau-1 station|Kokshetau Railway Station]], designed by V. Utebekov as viewed from vokzal alañy, 1992
File:Kokshetau_airport.jpg|Façade of terminal building and [[Airport apron|apron]] area of the [[Kokshetau Airport]] ([[International Air Transport Association airport code|IATA]]/[[ICAO airport code|ICAO]]: KOV/UACK) near [[Akkol, Zerendi District|Akkol]]
File:Kokshetau_traffic_interchange_in_May_2016.jpg|A full [[cloverleaf interchange]] near Kokshetau
</gallery>

Partly due to its location, Kokshetau is a major transport hub on the [[roads in Kazakhstan|highway]] and [[rail transport in Kazakhstan|rail networks]]. Kokshetau has a strong public-transport system.

=== Local public transport ===
The city transport in Kokshetau consists of a network of buses, minibuses ([[marshrutka]]; which are [[GAZelle]] light commercial vehicles) and taxis that are available 24 hours a day. Public transport in Kokshetau is heavily privatized and mostly handled by private operators.

==== City buses ====
The first bus services in Kokshetau were introduced in 1939. Bus timetables and detailed schematic map of the route are at every stop. Distances between stops are about 300–500 meters. Buses in the city cost ₸80-₸120. Buses, mostly [[Yutong]], [[LiAZ (Russia)|LiAZ]] and [[Minsk Automobile Plant|MAZ]] buses, are the most common and popular mode of transport in the city.

==== Public vans ====
In the square between the bus and railway stations gather a range of taxis and minibuses offering to take you to [[Astana]] or [[Petropavl]].

==== Taxi ====
In Kokshetau taxis are available at any time of the day or night. Ride-sharing services such as [[Yandex Taxi]] and [[inDrive]] are available in the city via mobile apps. Taxi fare is from 400 to 2500 tenge, depending on the distance from the city center and the results of negotiations with the driver.

=== Intercity transportation ===

==== Railway stations ====
The city is an important railroad hub in the northern part of Kazakhstan. [[Kokshetau-1 station|Kokshetau Railway station]] is served by the [[Kazakhstan Temir Zholy|Kazakhstan Railways]], which links Petropavl to Almaty. The first train pulled into the [[Kokshetau-1 station|Kokshetau Railway station]] on 2 June 1922. Railways are Kokshetau's one of the main modes of intracity and suburban transportation. [[Kazakhstan Temir Zholy|Kazakhstan Railways]] (who manage the station) provide freight and passenger traffic to and from Kokshetau.

There are two [[Train station|railway stations]] in the city: [[Kokshetau-1 station|Kokshetau-1]] and [[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Kokshetau-2]]. The main railway station [[Kokshetau-1 station]] is located {{Convert|1.3|km|abbr=on}} north-east from the centre of Kokshetau and includes a main building (built in 1981) and some other technical buildings. [[Kokshetau-1 station]] is the city's main station and a major stop for numerous passenger trains traveling between [[Petropavl]] and the other [[regions of Kazakhstan]] each day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2018/06/north-kazakhstan-improves-tourism-infrastructure/|title=North Kazakhstan improves tourism infrastructure|date=25 June 2018 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> The popular Tulpar-Talgo service to [[Almaty]] takes sixteen hours. It sits at the eastern end of the long [[Abai Qunanbaiuly]] Street, Kokshetau's central thoroughfare. A tall concrete clock tower guides you to it.

Among the trains passing [[Kokshetau-1 station]] are the daily services between Almaty and Petropavl, [[Kyzylorda]] and Petropavl, and [[Karaganda]] and [[Kostanay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-zharkain/press/news/details/122250?lang=en|title=Railway transport|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> There are also less frequent trains passing northwards on to various Russian destinations, including [[Moscow]], [[Yekaterinburg]] and [[Omsk]], and local electric train services to [[Ereymentau]] and Astana.

==== Intercity buses ====
[[Kokshetau Central Bus Terminal]] ''(Kökşetau avtobeketı)'', which opened in 1981, serves the city of Kokshetau. The bus station is on the Vernadsky Street 8 across the road from [[Kokshetau-1 station|Kokshetau Railway Station]]. It links the city with the villages in [[Akmola Region]] and other cities in Kazakhstan and the neighboring countries. Frequent schedules of bus routes connect Kokshetau to [[Astana]], [[Petropavl]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2016/12/electric-passenger-trains-launched-from-astana-to-karaganda-kokshetau/|title=Electric Passenger Trains Launched from Astana to Karaganda, Kokshetau|date=23 December 2016 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> [[Zerenda]], [[Burabay]], [[Karaganda]], [[Pavlodar]], [[Kostanay]], [[Omsk]], [[Yekaterinburg]], [[Tobolsk]], [[Tyumen]] and [[Kurgan, Kurgan Oblast|Kurgan]]. Many of these are cross-country services operating from north to south, for which Kokshetau provides interchange facilities.

=== Airport ===
{{Main|Kokshetau Airport}}
Kokshetau and surrounding communities are served by one commercial international airport: [[Kokshetau Airport|Kokshetau International Airport]] {{Airport codes|KOV|UACK}}, which is the [[List of the busiest airports in Kazakhstan|seventeenth-busiest airport]] (2019) by passenger traffic in Kazakhstan. It is located {{Convert|12.5|km|abbr=on}} north-east from the centre of city, on the route to [[Omsk]], and used to be the headquarters of now-defunct [[Air Kokshetau]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2016/10/kazakh-airlines-overview-shows-four-major-airlines-dominating-market/|title=Kazakh Airlines Overview Shows Four Major Airlines Dominating Market|date=14 October 2016 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7990561.stm|title=Benin joins EU aviation blacklist|date=8 April 2009 |access-date=8 April 2009}}</ref> The airport has a capacity of handling 200 passengers per hour. The [[Kokshetau Airport|Kokshetau International Airport]], which opened in 1945, was significantly upgraded in 2013 with a new 2850-metre runway capable of accommodating all aircraft types without any restrictions.<ref name="integral.lv">{{cite web |title=Reconstruction of Kokshetau Airport|url= https://integral.lv/project/kokshetau_airport/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2013/05/government-works-to-reform-civil-aviation/|title=Government Works to Reform Civil Aviation|date=15 May 2013 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> In 2013, the airport received its first scheduled flight after the renovation to [[Vnukovo International Airport|Moscow]], Russia. The airport can be reached by car, public transport, or taxi. Seasonal flights to [[Frankfurt am Main]], were available in 2004 but have been cancelled since. It serves mostly domestic flights. [[SCAT Airlines]] fly to and from [[Aktau]] and [[Shymkent]] as well as [[Qazaq Air]] operates two weekly flights to [[Almaty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/05/turkish-airlines-launch-flights-from-turkistan/|title=Turkish Airlines Launch Flights From Turkistan|date=28 May 2021 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kt.kz/eng/society/number_of_domestic_subsidized_flights_and_new_air_routes_1377918316.html|title=Number of domestic subsidized flights and new air routes to be increased in Kazakhstan|access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> The former largest carrier of the Kokshetau Airport — [[Air Kokshetau]] — is not serving any regular destinations as of 2021.

=== Road transportation and bridges ===
There are a number of municipal, regional and republican [[Roads in Kazakhstan|roads]] that serve Kokshetau. The main roads to/from Kokshetau are:

*Republican roads (National Highways)
** The city is served by the '''[[A1 highway (Kazakhstan)|A1]]''', which begins in [[Petropavl]] ({{cvt|189|km|disp=sqbr}}) and leads to [[Astana]] ({{cvt|292|km|disp=sqbr}}) passing Kokshetau, [[Shchuchinsk]] and [[Makinsk]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2016/12/central-asias-largest-bridge-crossing-unveiled-in-pavlodar/|title=Central Asia's Largest Bridge Crossing Unveiled in Pavlodar|date=20 December 2016 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://primeminister.kz/en/news/uskenbayev-reports-to-majilis-deputies-on-road-sector-development-210042|title=Uskenbayev reports to Majilis deputies on road sector development|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> [[international E-road network|European route]] [[File:Tabliczka E125.svg|35px|link=European route E125]] intersect in Kokshetau;
** The '''[[A13 highway (Kazakhstan)|A13]]''' (Omsk–Kokshetau road), which connects Kokshetau to [[Omsk]] (Russia). Kokshetau is located a couple of hours' drive south of Russia's Siberian border;

Other major roads passing through Kokshetau include:

*Regional roads (Regional Highways)
** The [[Roads in Kazakhstan|R11 highway]] connects Kokshetau to [[Saumalkol (North Kazakhstan)|Saumalkol]] and [[Kostanay]] (via the [[Roads in Kazakhstan#International highways|M36]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2018/02/imantau-pearl-of-blue-mountains-in-north-kazakhstan/|title=Imantau: pearl of Blue Mountains in North Kazakhstan|date=17 February 2018 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref>
** The [[Roads in Kazakhstan|R12 highway]] connects Kokshetau to [[Zerendi]] and [[Atbasar]]

There are seven [[Kylshakty]] bridges and dozens of [[grade separation|grade-separated]] intersections in the city.

==Architecture and landmarks ==
{{See also|Architecture of Central Asia}}
{{Gallery|title=|width=180|height=130|align=center 
|File:Architecture of Kokshetau.jpg|Historical building (1904) in the centre of Kokshetau.
|File:Old_and_New_-_Architecture_of_Kokshetau.jpg|Panorama to the historical center of Kokshetau.
|File:Architecture of the city of Kokshetau in May 2016.jpg|Soviet-style residential area buildings in Kokshetau.
}}

===Squares===
* The city centres on a large and bare [[Ablai Khan|Abylai Khan]] Square, at the intersection of [[Abai Qunanbaiuly]] and [[Kanysh Satbayev]] streets.
* Independence Square. It is the center of Kokshetau.

===Old Town===
West of the centre many attractive single-storey log-built houses survive, usually featuring painted wooden shutters. A couple of particularly fine examples, both enjoying official recognition as historical monuments, are the whitewashed wooden cottage at 22 Kenesary Khan Kasymuly Street, at the corner of [[Abai Qunanbaiuly]] Street, with intricate carving at the base of the roof, and the cottage at 33 [[Felix Dzerzhinsky]] Street. The latter sits opposite a small Kokshetau City History Museum (32 Kanay-bi Street), itself housed in a single-storey wooden building.

===Landmarks===
The city is full of numerous buildings and monuments that reflect its rich and diverse history. The architecture of Kokshetau has been shaped through its history by the progression of historical eras. Many buildings of Kokshetau are ranged from a different number of architectural styles.

==== Historical architecture ====
The architecture of the city dates back to 19th century, the city had numerous wooden buildings with elaborate decor. Kokshetau is the home of a unique architectural tradition and community with number of historical buildings in city. There are a number of two-story wooden houses in the city built mostly in the middle of the 20th century as temporary habitations. Among other notable buildings are the mansions of the merchant Andrei Vasilievich Sokolov (late of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century), the [[Akmola Regional Museum of History and Local Lore]] (beginning of the 20th century).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8137|title=The old-timer building. The house of merchant Sokolov|date=10 February 2015 |access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref>

==== Soviet-era architecture ====
Industrialization in Kokshetau started in the late 1920s. The city's 3,000-worker Soviet construction trust built some of the large, gray, faceless apartment buildings that were so typical of Soviet society and still stand, often in disrepair, today. The apartments housed the trust's own construction workers, among others, in units of one to three rooms. The city's apartment houses are called “[[Khrushchyovka]]” and “[[Stalinist architecture|Stalinka]]” due to the peculiarities of architectural approaches in their construction.

==== Contemporary architecture ====
When the [[Iron Curtain]] was falling, but the Soviet Union still was intact, five citizens from the city paid a visit to [[Waukesha, Wisconsin|Waukesha]]. Among them was then mayor of the city, Askar Khassen, who took the idea of building more single homes in Kokshetau, as comfortable as the homes in the US. On the hilly outskirts of Kokshetau, someone may find the fingerprint of [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha County]]. There are big, expensive, single-family homes. They're inching up the hills. In Kokshetau, the locals have a name for this high-priced neighborhood of single-family homes, "Small America" or "Khassen's Cottages". Prominently located at the opening of this housing development are tall brick pillars, a sign outlining location of lots, and a decorative brick wall, all reminiscent of the gated entries seen in some Waukesha County subdivisions.

When the Soviet Union crumbled and Kazakhstan became an independent country in 1991, the city's construction trust-turned-business began to put a face on their buildings.

== Education and research ==
{{See also|Education in Kazakhstan}}
{{Gallery|title= |width=180|height=130|align=center 
|File:One of the first schools in Kokshetau, Akmola Region.jpg|One of the first schools in the city.
}}

Kokshetau is a major educational centre in [[Akmola Region]]. Kokshetau's education system includes institutions of all grades and conditions: preschool, general, special (correctional), and vocational (secondary and higher education), as well as others. Kokshetau is a regional centre of education and has a large number of educational establishments, including universities, professional colleges and [[gymnasium (school)|gymnasiums (high schools)]]. Primary and secondary schools in Kokshetau include state-run and private institutions.

=== Secondary, primary and nursery ===
Primary and secondary education system of Kokshetau includes:
* 48 nurseries, 27 of which are municipal, 4 mini-centers - 3 state and 1 private, 17 private kindergartens
* 24  ([[secondary education]]) schools, including 6 [[lyceum]]s and 6&nbsp;[[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasiums]]
* 16 colleges
* 1 center for the correctional development of children "Meyirim" 
* 5 institutions of additional education for children (the center for extracurricular activities "Aulet", the State Enterprise "Children's Music School", the State Enterprise "Children's Art School" founded in 1979, the educational enterprise of labor training, the center for the development of gifted children "Kokshetau Daryny")

Additionally, there are evening schools for adults and specialist technical schools.

Some of the top high schools are:

* Kokshetau Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics (NIS Kokshetau PhM) was established in 2009, as a branch of the [[Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools]] (NIS), a network of schools in Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Intellectual schools |url=http://nis.edu.kz/en/schools |publisher=Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013032051/http://nis.edu.kz/en/schools |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kt.nis.edu.kz/en/o-shkole-2/|title=About School - Kokshetau Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics|access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref>
* Kokshetau Bilim-Innovation Public Lyceum (former “Kazakh-Turkish Lyceum”) for gifted children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bil.edu.kz/en/about-company/|title=International Educational Fund "BILIM-INNOVATION"|access-date=16 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bil.edu.kz/en/object/|title=Kokshetau Bilim Innovation Public Lyceum|access-date=16 January 2023}}</ref>

===Colleges===
* Kokshetau higher medical college trains intermediate level specialists in eight specialisations.

===Institutions of higher education===
Kokshetau is home to most of [[Akmola Region]]'s major universities. The city is currently home to the following state higher educational institutions that are accredited and licensed to operate in the Republic of Kazakhstan, with more than 12,000 students:

{{see also|List of universities in Kazakhstan}}

==== National ====
* [[Kokshetau State University]] (which is named after [[Shoqan Walikhanov|Shokan Ualikhanov]]), established 1962 — offers opportunities to study [[Bachelor's degree|undergraduate]], [[Master's degree|graduate]] and [[Doctorate|PhD]] programs in most fields. It is the biggest university in Kokshetau with 499 academic staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://primeminister.kz/en/news/reviews/ministry-of-science-and-higher-education-prioritises-modernisation-of-regional-higher-education-institutions-sayasat-nurbek-1102637|title=Ministry of Science and Higher Education prioritises modernisation of regional higher education institutions — Sayasat Nurbek|access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref> The university has over 7,400 students, who have a choice of eight faculties. The main university building located in the city center. Since 2018, a medical faculty has been opened at Kokshetau State University with 740 students, 200 of whom receive grants from the akim (50 grants are allocated annually).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://primeminister.kz/en/news/reviews/akmola-region-shows-27-decrease-in-total-mortality-in-9-months-of-2022-30103730|title=Akmola region shows 27% decrease in total mortality in 9 months of 2022|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

==== Private ====
* The Kokshetau University (named after Abay Myrzakhmet). It was founded in 2000. The largest private higher educational institution in Kokshetau.
* Kokshetau Technical Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
* Kokshetau Academy of Economics and Management

A number of other non-state-funded institutions for further education operate in the city.

== Sport ==
{{See also|:Category:Sport in Kokshetau}}
{{Gallery|title= |width=180|height=130|align=center 
|File:Кокшетау,_стадион_"Окжетпес"._Начало_матча_"Окжетпес"_-_"Тобол"_(25.06.2005).jpg|[[Okzhetpes Stadium]] is an outdoor stadium that is home to the [[FC Okzhetpes]], 2005.
}}

[[Sport]] has always been important in Kokshetau. The city has a long sporting heritage. Kokshetau is a center of Akmola Region sports. A number of well-known athletes, both world and [[Olympic Games|Olympics]] champions, are associated with the city.

=== Football ===
[[Football in Kazakhstan|Football]] and [[Sport in Kazakhstan#Ice hockey|ice hockey]] are by far the most popular sports in the city. Kokshetau has many parks that provide excellent pitches for impromptu games. The city is home to the [[FC Okzhetpes]] football club, based in the [[Okzhetpes Stadium]], and which has a capacity of 4,500, which participates in the [[Kazakhstan Premier League]], the top division of football in Kazakhstan. In 2015 and 2018, they finished first place in the [[Kazakhstan First Division]].

=== Ice hockey ===
Burabay Sports Complex serves as home arena to the [[ice hockey]] club [[Arlan Kokshetau]], which competes in the [[Kazakhstan Hockey Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2013/09/arlan-hockey-club-wins-kazakhstan-cup-for-second-consecutive-year/|title=Arlan Hockey Club Wins Kazakhstan Cup for Second Consecutive Year|date=11 September 2013 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> [[Arlan Kokshetau]] hockey players were the champions of Kazakhstan in the season 2017/2018. [[Arlan Kokshetau]] players also became the first team from Kazakhstan to win [[IIHF Continental Cup]] in the season [[2018–19 IIHF Continental Cup|2018/2019]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/9005/belfast-arlan|title=The Arlan Kokshetau players celebrate and staff celebrate the historic Continental Cup win.|access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/ice-hockey/46868231|title=Belfast Giants beaten by Arlan Kokshetau in Continental Cup shootout.|work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref> The city has an ice rink for winter sports. Several sports clubs are active in the city:

=== Basketball ===
The BC Sinegorie of the [[Kazakhstan Basketball League]] is the only professional basketball team in Kokshetau. It was founded in 2014 and its home arena is the Triatlon Sport Complex.

===Infrastructure===
* [[Okzhetpes Stadium]] – stadium with capacity 4,500, home ground for [[FC Okzhetpes]]
* Burabay Sport Complex – sport complex, capacity 3,000. Home to [[Arlan Kokshetau]]
* Ice arena for winter sports – indoor sporting arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://el.kz/en/ice-arena-built-in-kokshetau_69227/|title=Ice arena built in Kokshetau.|date=27 March 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

=== Clubs ===
Professional sports teams based in Kokshetau include:

{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|-
|+Major sports teams in Kokshetau
|-
! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Club !! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Sport !! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Current league !! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Founded !! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Stadium !! scope="col" style="background:gray; color:black;"| Championships
|-
|[[Arlan Kokshetau]]
|[[Ice Hockey]]
|[[Kazakhstan Hockey Championship]]
|{{center|2009}}
|Burabay Sports Complex<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitaqmola.kz/en/post_wtg/ds-burabaj/|title="Burabay" sport complex|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
|{{center|1}}
|-
|[[FC Okzhetpes|FC Okzhetpes Kokshetau]]
|[[Association football|Football]]
|[[Kazakhstan Premier League]]
|{{center|1957}}
|[[Okzhetpes Stadium]]
|{{center|0}}
|-
|BC Sinegorie 
|[[Basketball]]
|[[Kazakhstan Basketball Championship]]
|{{center|2014}}
|Triatlon Sport Complex 
|{{center|0}}
|-
|}

== Tourism and shopping ==
The hotels in the city have good occupancy year round due to a lot of commuters who travel to work and meetings in Kokshetau. [[Kokshetau Airport]] has also conducted renovation projects. The largest hotel of the city is the Dostyk Hotel. The Kokshetau Hotel is located at the Abylai Khan Square at the centre of Kokshetau, while the Green Which Hotel Kokshetau is located near the Amanat Party building.

The location of Kokshetau itself, is an inspiring factor for the foreigners to visit the city in order to enjoy the view of the [[Mount Kokshe]].

===Shopping and commerce ===
Kokshetau is home to Akmola Region's largest shopping mall, RIO, opened in 2009, which is a major regional shopping destination within a radius of 150 kilometers from Kokshetau and with a floorspace of {{cvt|252,952|sqft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riocenter.kz/content/tenant#|title=About us|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Many renowned brands have a presence at the centre including [[LC Waikiki]], [[Beeline (brand)|Beeline Kazakhstan]], [[Miniso]], [[Koton (company)|Koton]] and [[Detsky Mir]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riocenter.kz/content/shops|title=Shops|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> 
Attracting over 800,000 visitors a year, the centre's retail areas contain shops (including eateries) from chain stores up to high-end boutiques. The centre has over 900 parking spaces.

Local residents also tend to shop at traditional bazaars: Ortalyk Bazaar, Zhibek Zholy Bazaar, and Eastern Bazaar. Modern shopping areas are found mostly in central streets of the city.

==Parks and recreation==
=== Parks and gardens ===
Kokshetau is home to a large number of parks, recreation areas and open spaces, mainly established in the early years of the Independence and well maintained and expanded thereafter.
* Central Park, the city's largest and oldest park, established in 1957. It is the oldest city park. It features a few run-down fairground rides, and discos on summer weekend evenings. From the park, the pedestrianised [[Bauyrzhan Momyshuly]] Street runs south. It covers a territory of approximately 3,5 hectares.
* Revolution Fighters Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inform.kz/en/akmola-region-akim-inspects-park-construction-in-kokshetau_a3049514|title=Akmola region akim inspects park construction in Kokshetau|date=28 July 2017 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> The park is located in east-southern part of Kokshetau.

====Fountains====
As of 2021 the city had 10 fountains.

=== Elikti ===
Elikti is a [[ski resort]] near Kokshetau, located on the slopes of Mount Elikti, at the elevation of 500 metres above sea level. The resort area is about 25 kilometres (16&nbsp;mi) of Kokshetau city by the P11 road on the way from Kokshetau to Ruzayevka. It is popular for its mild climate, a large quantity of sunny days and a great amount of snow through the winter. Visitors can buy or rent any necessary skiing and snowboarding equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2018/12/yelikti-ski-resort-is-perfect-destination-for-beginner-expert-skiers-and-snowboarders/|title=Yelikti ski resort is perfect destination for beginner, expert skiers and snowboarders|date=6 December 2018 |access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref>

=== Recreation around Kokshetau ===
{{see also|Kokshetau Lakes}}
Around Kokshetau, there are numerous nearby freshwater lakes such as [[Lake Burabay]], [[Lake Ulken Shabakty]], Lake Kishi Shabakty, Lake Aiyrtau and the [[Lake Zerendi]], which are popular among Kokshetau residents for recreation, swimming and watersports and can be quickly reached by car.
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Lake Burabai3.jpg|[[Lake Burabay]]
File:Lake_Chebachye_-_panoramio.jpg|[[Lake Ulken Shabakty]]
File:Малое_Чебачье.jpg|Lake Kishi Shabakty
File:Aiyrtau.jpg|Lake Aiyrtau
File:Zerenda June 01.jpg|[[Lake Zerendi]]
</gallery>

==Significant depictions in art, literature, and popular culture==

* The city was marked by the ethnographer and publicist [[Grigory Potanin]], who visited it in the 1890s.
* [[Anastasia Tsvetayeva]] dedicated to the city the story in her famous and one of the best-known work ''Old Age and Youth'', 1967 (Russian: Starost i molodost').
* The city was depicted and documented from a South African writer and leftist [[Alex La Guma]]'s perspective in his book ''[[A Soviet Journey]]'' (1978), who visited it in the late 1960s.

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Kazakhstan}}
The city of Kokshetau is member of some international organizations: [[United Cities and Local Governments]] (UCLG), and the International Assembly of CIS Countries' Capitals and Big Cities (MAG).

===Twin towns – Sister cities===
Kokshetau is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:

{| class="wikitable"
|
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Waukesha, Wisconsin|Waukesha]], [[Wisconsin]], United States (since October 1989)<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://e-history.kz/en/news/show/8327 |title=Cultural Walk: Museum of Kokshetau's History|website= |publisher=Electronic History of Kazakhstan|date=2015-07-01 |accessdate=2023-05-26}}</ref>
|}

===Cooperation and friendship===
In addition to its sister city, Kokshetau has an official co-operation agreements (''yntymaqtastyq turaly kelısım'') with:

* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Krasnoyarsk]], [[Siberian Federal District]], Russian Federation (since August 2022)<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.admkrsk.ru/press/news/Pages/news.aspx?RecordID=21665 |title=Krasnoyarsk signed a memorandum of cooperation with the city of Kokshetau of the Republic of Kazakhstan|website= |publisher=Krasnoyarsk - City Administration|date=2022-08-25 |accessdate=2022-08-27}}</ref>

One road in Kokshetau has been named after its sister city; a road in Beybitshilik district is named ''Waukesha (Waukeshskaya) Street''.

==Notable people==
{{Main category|People from Kokshetau}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

* [[Nikolay Kuibyshev]] (1893-1938), military leader

=== Artists and literary figures ===
* [[Lazzate Maralbayeva]] (born 1951), French painter and architect
* [[Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov]] (born 1951), poet and publisher

=== Sportsperson ===
* [[Daryn Zhunussov]] (born 1991), ice dancer
* [[Timur Dosmagambetov]] (born 1989), footballer 
* [[Sultan Abilgazy]] (born 1997), footballer
* [[Anna Nurmukhambetova]] (born 1993), weightlifter
* [[Vedat Albayrak]] (born 1993), judoka
* [[Vladimir Niederhaus]] (born 1967), football official
* [[Alexandr Chervyakov]] (born 1980), biathlete
* [[Yevgeniy Gidich]] (born 1996), professional racing cyclist
* [[Gleb Brussenskiy]] (born 2000), professional cyclist
* [[Nikolay Ivanov (skier)|Nikolay Ivanov]] (born 1971), cross-country skier
* [[Yevgeniya Voloshenko]] (born 1979), cross-country skier
* [[Mariya Grabovetskaya]] (born 1987), weightlifter
* [[Tatyana Osipova]] (born 1987), cross-country skier
* [[Mykhailo Burch]] (born 1960), footballer
* [[Yekaterina Babshuk]] (born 1991), footballer
* [[Pavel Dubitskiy]] (born 1982), athlete 
* [[Sergey Kopytov]] (born 1965), weightlifter
* [[Anton Kuksin]] (born 1995), footballer
* [[Yevgeniy Meleshenko]] (born 1981), hurdler
* [[Nikolay Ozhegin]] (born 1971), judoka
* [[Yaroslava Yakushina]] (born 1993), boxer
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|rules=yes}}
* [[Kokshetau (city administration)|Kokshetau City Administration]]
* [[European route E125]]
* [[Mount Kokshe|Kokshetau Mountain]]
* [[Lake Kopa]]
* [[Kokshetau Hills]]
* [[Kokshetau Mountains]]
* [[Kokshetau Lakes]]
* [[Kokshetau National Park]]
* [[FC Okzhetpes|FC Kokshetau]]
* [[Kokshetau Airport]]
* [[Kokshetau-1 station]]
* [[Stantsyonny, Akmola Region|Kokshetau-2 station]]
* [[Kokchetav Oblast|Kokshetau Region]]
* [[List of cities in Kazakhstan]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
;Footnotes
{{notelist}}
;Citations
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
;Sources
* Bureau of National Statistics: http://www.stat.gov.kz

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* [[Anastasia Tsvetayeva|Tsvetayeva, Anastasia]]. ''Old Age and Youth'' (1988), Moscow: [[Progress Publishers]].
* [[Alex La Guma|La Guma, Alex]]. ''[[A Soviet Journey]]'' (1978), Moscow: [[Progress Publishers]] {{ISBN|9781498536042}}.
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Kokshetau}}
* {{Wikiatlas|Kazakhstan}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Kokshetau}}
* [https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-kokshetau Official web site] {{in lang|kk|ru|en}}
* [http://www.360pano.eu/kokshetau/ 360° QTVR fullscreen panoramas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414053356/http://www.360pano.eu/kokshetau/ |date=14 April 2017 }} of the Kokshetau
* [https://www.visitaqmola.kz/en/ Visitaqmola.kz – Tourism website for Akmola Region] {{in lang|kk|ru|en}}
* {{OSM relation|42199811}}
* [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=53.289847&lon=69.397202&z=13&m=w WikiSatellite view of Kokshetau at WikiMapia]

{{Kokshetau}}
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{{Aqmola Region}}
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[[Category:Kokshetau| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Central Asia]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1824]]
[[Category:Akmolinsk Oblast (Russian Empire)]]
[[Category:Kokchetav Oblast]]
[[Category:Populated places in Akmola Region]]
[[Category:19th-century establishments in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:1824 establishments in the Russian Empire]]
[[Category:1824 establishments in Asia]]