Semei -  is one of the largest cities in eastern Kazakhstan and the administrative center of the Abai Region, located on both banks of the Irtysh River.

The city is located 740 km east of the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. The international highway M38 (Omsk — Maikapshagay), connecting Russia, Kazakhstan, and China, passes through the regional center of Abai Region. 

Today, Semey occupies an area of 210 km², and the population of the city exceeds 328,000 people, giving it the status of a city of regional significance. It is the ninth-largest city in Kazakhstan by population. 

Throughout its history, Semey has been an important cultural, educational, commercial, and logistical center of northeastern Kazakhstan and the region. Semey is considered the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, as many of its people are the founders of Kazakh culture and creativity. Many significant and historical events in the history of Kazakhstan are connected with Semipalatinsk, which gives the city the special status of a "historical center of Kazakhstan" as well as the birthplace of Kazakh football.