The Polygon lies in northeastern Kazakhstan, near the city of Semey (formerly Semipalatinsk), situated in the vast Kazakh steppe south of the Irtysh River valley. It spans a remote region primarily within the administrative boundaries of the East Kazakhstan Region. The initial site selection was influenced by its perceived isolation and the Soviet government's intention to keep nuclear testing away from major population centres, though many local Kazakhs still lived in areas affected by the fallout. The terrain consists mostly of flat grasslands and steppe, with some mountainous zones used later for underground testing.
Location in Kazakhstan
The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site is located in north eastern Kazakhstan, between the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, and the city of Semey, for which the Polygon is named.
The Nuclear Test Site
The main town of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear test site is Kurchatov, which is located in the north east of the Polygon. The experimental test site, which is currently off limits to tourists is in the middle, while the famous Atomic Lake, or Lake Chagan, is in the east of the Polygon.
Map of Semey with the Stronger Than Death Monument
In the regional capital of Semey, formerly Semeypalatinsk, is located the Stronger Than Death Monument which was built to commemorate those who died in the aftermath of the nuclear tests, primarily due to health complications.
