Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, and its capital, Astana, represents its modern ambitions. In 1997, the capital was moved from Almaty in the south to the northern city of Akmola (renamed Astana), primarily because Almaty was prone to earthquakes and had limited room for expansion. Astana is the second coldest capital city in the world, with temperatures often dropping to -40°C in winter. The city is a showcase for 'starchitecture,' featuring the pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the Bayterek Tower, which represents a Kazakh myth about a golden egg in a tree of life. Kazakhstan is also home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world's first and largest operational space launch facility, which is leased to Russia. The country's vast steppe landscape and immense mineral wealth have allowed it to become the dominant economy in Central Asia, bridging the gap between Europe and the Far East.