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North Kazakhstan recorded its steepest population decline in a quarter century, shedding about 7,400 residents in the first 11 months of 2025—driven largely by an exodus from rural districts and a negative natural increase.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Worst reading in 25 years

According to official figures cited by the outlet, the region’s population now stands at roughly 522,000. Between January and November 2025, net migration came to –7,400 people, marking the lowest result in 25 years for North Kazakhstan.

Rural areas bear the brunt

The contraction fell overwhelmingly on the countryside: rural settlements lost 7,372 people over the period, while urban centers saw a comparatively marginal decline of just 67 residents. The imbalance underscores how depopulation is concentrating outside the cities.

Natural decrease compounds the loss

Migration outflows were not the only factor. The region also posted a negative natural increase, with deaths exceeding births by 1,236 in the same period—adding to the demographic pressure.

National trend diverges

Nationally, the picture looks different. The Bureau of National Statistics reports Kazakhstan’s population reached 20,478,879 as of December 1, 2025, with year-to-date growth exceeding 195,000. North Kazakhstan thus runs counter to the broader upward trend.

Why it matters

Sustained rural depopulation can constrain the local labor force, weigh on the agribusiness base, and complicate the planning of schools, clinics, and transport services. Policymakers and businesses may need to recalibrate investment and service delivery as the population shrinks and concentrates.