The population of Kazakhstan has exceeded 20 million, but the regions have started to empty out
The population of Kazakhstan reached 20 million 353 thousand as of May 1, 2025. This was reported by the country's National Statistics Bureau. Since January, the population has increased by a total of 0.34%, but this growth has not been uniform — in some areas, the population is sharply declining.
Population is decreasing in the regions
In 11 regions of Kazakhstan, a decrease in population was recorded during the first four months of 2025. This is considered the worst demographic indicator observed in the last year.
The areas with the largest population decline are as follows:
- North Kazakhstan region – 0.52%
- Abay region – 0.34%
- Jetisu region – 0.3%
At the same time, natural decline — that is, the number of deaths exceeding births — was observed in East Kazakhstan and North Kazakhstan regions. According to experts, this situation indicates a demographic crisis in the regions.
Migration flow: cities are growing, villages are emptying
The gap between urban and rural populations in Kazakhstan is also widening. According to the results from January to April:
- Urban population increased by 0.66%
- Rural population decreased by 0.18%
Currently, 63.2% of the country's population resides in cities, while 36.8% live in rural areas.
Astana, Shymkent, and Almaty are becoming demographic centers
Population growth is mainly recorded in large cities:
- Astana – 1.95%
- Shymkent – 1.2%
- Almaty – 0.79%
These figures are several times higher than the overall growth rate of the country. Experts emphasize that internal migration, job opportunities, education, and infrastructure are linked to large cities.
The migration balance is only positive in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Mangistau region. In all other areas, the number of people leaving exceeds those arriving.
Growth is becoming “one-sided”
In some regions, population growth has been almost non-existent. For example:
- Akmolinsk region
- Kyzylorda region
In these areas, growth has been very slow or nonexistent.
Sharp imbalances are emerging in Kazakhstan's demographics. The decline in population in rural areas and some regions, along with internal migration concentrating only around large cities, could lead to long-term economic and social problems.
This data indicates the need for the Kazakh government to find new strategic solutions for regional development and retaining the population in local areas.
Photo: Janara Karimova
