Kazakhstan's Astana city has climbed to 46th place in the Smart Centres Index 2025, rising six positions compared to the previous ranking.

The index assesses 76 cities worldwide across three core dimensions: innovation support and regulatory environment, the intensity of creative and scientific activity, and a city’s practical capacity to develop and deliver technological products. Astana scored 654 points, marking a 10-point increase year on year, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The global ranking was topped by San Francisco, followed by Zurich and London. Oxford ranked fourth, while New York rounded out the top five. Astana placed ahead of several European capitals and major cities, including Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Lisbon, and Moscow.

According to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the city’s improved position is closely linked to the rapid development of digital infrastructure. Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer at the AIFC Administration, noted that cities are increasingly becoming platforms for economic growth and infrastructure investment, driving demand for transport, energy, and utility networks. He added that the global smart cities market is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2027, with Kazakhstan and Central Asia offering strong potential for international technology players.

Earlier, Spanish travel magazine Viajar named Almaty among the world’s top destinations for mountain lovers, highlighting Kazakhstan’s growing visibility on the global stage.