Aktau
Aktau
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From top left to down right: Skyline of Aktau, the Rocky shore of the Caspian Sea, The Lighthouse, Main Street leading to the Port with the Caspian Sea in the background | |
| Coordinates: 43°39′09″N 51°09′27″E / 43.65250°N 51.15750°E | |
| Country | Kazakhstan |
| Region | Mangystau Region |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Government | |
| • Akim (mayor) | Abilkair Baipakov |
| Area | |
• Total | 77 km2 (30 sq mi) |
| Elevation | −8 m (−26 ft) |
| Population (2023) | |
• Total | 270,886 |
| • Density | 3,500/km2 (9,100/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (UTC+5) |
| Postal code | 130000 |
| Area code | +7 7292 |
| Vehicle registration | 12, R |
| HDI (2019) | 0.804 high · 4 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2022 |
| • Total | $9,6 billion (KZT 4 401 192,9 million) |
| • Per capita | $12,799 (KZT 5 817,8 thousand) |
| Website | aktau |
Aktau (/ˌɑːkˈtaʊ/; Kazakh: Aqtau / Ақтау [ɑqˈtɑw] ⓘ) is a city in south-west Kazakhstan, on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. Aktau is on the Mangyshlak Peninsula in the Mangystau Region.
Known for its strategic location on the Caspian Sea, Aktau is a port, playing a key role in the region's maritime trade, particularly oil and gas exports. The city’s economic growth is largely driven by the oil and energy sectors, being one of Kazakhstan's primary sources of oil. This economic focus has shaped the city's development, with many of its inhabitants working in the energy industry.
Aktau is also known for its coastal beauty, with beaches and scenic views of the Caspian Sea providing opportunities for leisure and tourism.