Kazakhstan is the largest of the Central Asian republics with a population of just over 16 million. The cultural traditions that are distinctively Kazakh in orientation are grounded in the Kazakhs' nomadic past. The culture of Kazakhstan also reflects strong Russian and Islamic influences. Due to settlement patterns, Russian culture is predominant in the cities, as seen in Almaty, a city known for its beauty, with tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and a dramatic mountain backdrop.