In June 2022, the Aktobe Region became the largest region in the country. Previously, the Karaganda Region occupied the biggest territory. However, with the formation of the new Ulytau Region, the Karaganda Region was divided and yielded the palm to the Aktobe Region.

Aktobe Region borders six regions of Kazakhstan, Russia in the north, and Uzbekistan in the south. The regional center – the city of Aktobe – is the fourth most populous city in Kazakhstan with almost 525 thousand people living there.

Why is the Aktobe Region worth visiting?

The region's most striking natural landmark is the Aktolagay Plateau. Just imagine: you drive through the endless flat plain and suddenly see snow-white chalk cliffs. Millions of years ago, the plateau was at the bottom of the ancient ocean, so now tourists often find fossilized mollusk shells and fragments of skeletons of marine animals there.

The Aktolagay Plateau is not the only place in the region where you can find fossils. In the geological fault of Aydarlyash, you can not only collect the teeth of ancient sharks but also unravel the past and learn more about the Earth's history.

The Zhamanshin meteorite crater is another unique place. A meteorite that fell there about a million years ago left a huge crater with a diameter of 13 kilometers (8 mi).

Pilgrims and history buffs should visit the mausoleum of Eset Batyr, a warrior who defended his native land from invaders. The memorial complex of Koblandy Batyr, a semi-legendary folk hero, is also worth checking out. The region is also home to Khan Molasy Necropolis. It is here where, according to scientists, Abulkhair Khan, a talented commander and ruler, is buried.

Aktobe Region is the homeland of not only historical figures, but also contemporary famous people. The popular Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen was born and raised in Aktobe.

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