Kokshetau, formerly known as Kokchetav between 1868 and 1993, is a lakeside city located in northern Kazakhstan. It serves as the capital of the Akmola Region.
The city is situated along the southern shore of Lake Kopa, positioned in the north of the Kokshetau Hills. This area constitutes a northern subsystem of the Kokshetau Uplands (Saryarka) and marks the southern edge of the Ishim Steppe. The city takes its name from Mount Kokshe.