Kazakhstan combines a small population for its vast territory with a strongly urbanising society and marked regional differences.
Population
20,575,979
Reference date
1 June 2026
Urban share
63.6% on 1 Jan 2026
Kazakhstan in the latest official data
The Bureau of National Statistics estimated 20,575,979 residents on 1 June 2026. Its 1 January 2026 release counted 13,029,803 urban and 7,466,172 rural residents, an urban share of 63.6 percent. These figures are revised through regular demographic releases, so the date matters as much as the headline number.
Use a dated official estimate, not an undated population number copied from an older guide.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total population | 20.5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Population density | 7.5 people per km² |
| Urban share | 63.6% (2026) |
| Median age | 29.5 years |
| Fertility rate | 2.57–3.01 births per woman |
| Life expectancy | 74.4–76.0 years |
| Largest ethnic group | Kazakh (71.5%) |
| Second-largest group | Russian (14.4%) |
Ethnic Composition
Kazakhstan ethnicity data shows a country that has shifted from an ethnic-Kazakh minority under Soviet rule (30% in 1959) to a strong 71.5% Kazakh majority today.
| Ethnic Group | Share of Population (2026) |
|---|---|
| Kazakh | 71.5% |
| Russian | 14.4% |
| Uzbek | 3.4% |
| Ukrainian | 1.8% |
| Uyghur | 1.5% |
| Tatar | 1.1% |
| German | 1.1% |
| Others | 5.2% |
Planning your visit
For research or publication, distinguish Almaty city from Almaty Region and record the reference date beside every figure. The statistics bureau publishes monthly population tables and quarterly detail by sex and settlement type.
Urban population
13,029,803 on 1 January 2026.
Rural population
7,466,172 on 1 January 2026.
Editorial rule
Always publish the date and source with demographic totals.
What to expect
Visitors will experience Kazakhstan mainly through its urban centres, but population density, language use and local identity vary sharply between regions. Almaty is a major cultural and economic centre, not a stand-in for the entire country.
Official information
Primary source
Bureau of National Statistics — demographic statistics
Facts reviewed 17 July 2026. Recheck time-sensitive details before travel.
Frequently asked questions
What should I verify before visiting?
Check current opening information, transport conditions and any seasonal restrictions with the official source linked above.
How does this fit into an Almaty itinerary?
Use the related hub and travel pages to combine this place with nearby attractions and realistic transport time.
Is Kazakhstan’s population growing or shrinking?
Kazakhstan’s population is growing. It has increased every year since 2002, supported by natural population growth and positive net migration.