Kazakhstan population exceeds 20.6 million, Astana leads growth
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan's population reached 20,604,819 as of August 1, 2026, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. The country added 104,997 residents since the start of the year, with Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent accounting for most of the increase. Rural population declined by 21,700 while urban areas grew by 126,600.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan's population stood at 20,604,819 on August 1, 2026, up 104,997 since January 1.
- Astana grew by 51,429 residents (3.14%) to 1,690,605, the largest absolute increase among all regions.
- Urban population reached 13,211,759 while rural population fell to 7,393,060, a decline of 21,700 since the start of the year.
- Twelve regions recorded population declines, with Turkistan region losing 4,212 residents, Zhambyl 3,951, and Abai 3,817.
- Women outnumbered men: 10,531,747 females versus 10,073,072 males as of August 1.
National Population Growth
The Bureau of National Statistics reported Kazakhstan's population at 20,604,819 as of August 1, 2026. The country added 104,997 people since January 1, a 0.51% increase. Natural increase contributed 99,419 residents, while net migration added 5,578. The population on July 1 was 20,590,589, meaning the country gained 14,230 people in one month.
Urban and Rural Divide
Urban areas housed 13,211,759 people on August 1, up 126,600 since the start of the year. Rural population declined by 21,700 to 7,393,060 over the same period. Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent together accounted for 102,417 of the total increase. In 2024, rural out-migration reached a 25-year high of 111,400 net departures, exceeding natural increase and shrinking the rural population by 14,600.
Regional Population Shifts
Astana's population rose to 1,690,605, a 3.14% increase, the fastest growth rate in the country. Almaty city reached 2,379,793 residents, and Shymkent grew to 1,313,348. Turkistan region remained the most populous region with 2,144,993 people, followed by Almaty region with 1,614,234. Twelve regions lost population, led by Turkistan region (-4,212), Zhambyl region (-3,951), and Abai region (-3,817). Ulytau region was the least populated with 217,670 residents, followed by North Kazakhstan with 511,455.
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Kazakhstan population exceeds 20.6 million, Astana leads growth
