Kazakhstan is divided into 14 regions, known as districts, which serve as the primary administrative divisions of the country. Each district has its own local government and is responsible for various administrative functions. The capital city, Nur-Sultan, is located in the Akmolinsk region, which is one of the key districts. In addition to the regions, there are also several cities that have special administrative status, such as Almaty and Shymkent. These cities function independently of the surrounding districts and have their own governance structures. The districts and cities together contribute to the diverse cultural and economic landscape of Kazakhstan.