Migration from rural areas to cities in Kazakhstan hits unprecedented heights in 2024, marking a notable trend in urban population expansion.
Rural Depopulation in Kazakhstan Reaches Decade High
New data from Kazakhstan's Bureau of National Statistics reveals an alarming rural population decline, with the deficit (arrivals minus departures) surpassing 111,000 in 2024 — the highest figure recorded since 2000. The country, which counts a total population of 20 million, is experiencing a widespread exodus from villages to cities.
Only two of Kazakhstan's 17 regions saw rural population growth: Almaty, home to the country's commercial capital, registered an overall increase of 7,600, and Atyrau, an energy extraction hub, reported a growth of 275. The natural increase in population in rural areas, with births outnumbering deaths by 98,000, failed to compensate for the rural out-migration deficit.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's urban population expanded by 267,000, accounting for 63 percent of the overall population.
In the past, Kazakhstan's internal migration measurement has faced criticism for its lack of detailed demographic breakdown. However, according to a 2024 report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Kazakh government is making strides in improving its methodology. The government's use of Big Data technologies and the development of a unified governmental platform, Smart Data Ukimet, aim to enhance internal migration tracking.
Enrichment Data Evaluation: The implementation of the updated Baseline Mobility Assessment (BMA) by IOM/DTM, enhanced data collection tools, and collaboration with national authorities contribute to systematic, high-quality tracking of population mobility within Kazakhstan. This improved methodology is part of ongoing regional initiatives, rather than a one-off annual update, and marks a significant step forward in understanding and managing migration dynamics within the country.
The increasing rural depopulation in Kazakhstan, as evidenced by the 111,000 deficit in 2024, has led to a surge in interest in news about education and self-development opportunities in urban areas, as residents seek better prospects. Simultaneously, political debates center around general news topics, such as strategies to combat rural depopulation and foster a more balanced urban-rural development.
