Aktau

Aktau
Aqtau / Ақтау (Kazakh)
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
Aktau
Location in Kazakhstan
Aktau
Aktau (Asia)
Coordinates: 43°39′09″N 51°09′27″E / 43.65250°N 51.15750°E / 43.65250; 51.15750
CountryKazakhstan
RegionMangystau Region
Founded1958
Government
 • Akim (mayor)Abilkair Baipakov
Area
 • Total
77 km2 (30 sq mi)
Elevation
−8 m (−26 ft)
Population
 (2023)
 • Total
270,886
 • Density3,500/km2 (9,100/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+05:00 (Kazakhstan Time)
Postal code
130000
Area code+7 7292
Vehicle registration12, R
HDI (2023)0.829
high · 4th
GDP (nominal)2022
 • Total $9,6 billion
(KZT 4 401 192,9 million)
 • Per capita $12,799
(KZT 5 817,8 thousand)
Websiteaktau.gov.kz
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Aktau (/ˌɑːkˈt/, UK also /ˌækˈt/; Kazakh: Ақтау, romanizedAqtau, pronounced [ɑqtɑ́w] ) is a major port city in southwestern 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.