Kazakhstan’s capital reports rapid population growth

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the population of Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, increased by 6.6%, or 101,900 people, from January to Dec. 1, 2025. This represents the highest growth rate among cities in the country.

During the first 11 months of 2025, Almaty reported a 2.31% population increase (52,900 people), followed by Shymkent with 2.77% (34,800 people) and the Almaty region with 2.08% (32,500 people).

In contrast, several regions experienced both population outflow and natural decline. These include the North Kazakhstan region (-7,400 people), the Abay region (-6,800), the Zhambyl region (-6,500) and the Zhetysu region (-6,400).

The most significant net migration gain was recorded in Astana, with an increase of 83,200 people. Meanwhile, the Turkestan region recorded the largest net outflow (-39,800 people), as residents continue to move in large numbers to major cities.

As of Dec. 1, 2025, Kazakhstan’s population reached 20.47 million, an increase of 195,400 people (0.96%) since the beginning of the year. Natural population growth (+181,600 people) remains the primary driver of this increase, while net migration also contributed positively (+13,700).

Urbanization in Kazakhstan is still ongoing, with the urban population continuing to grow while the rural population declines. As a result, the number of urban residents increased by 239,900, reaching 13 million, whereas the rural population decreased by 44,400, falling to 7.4 million.