Despite the general positive change in the population, some trends intensifying in Kazakhstan require immediate and close attention from both the state and society.
According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the country's population as of July 1, 2024 was 20,159,707 people.
The following breakdown by age groups was observed:
Under 25 years old - 8.5 million people (42.6%);
From 25 to 65 years old - 9.7 million people (48.5%);
Over 65 years old - 1.8 million people (8.9%).
According to experts, the world will have a high level of demographic old age due to increased life expectancy by 2050 (the share of people aged 60 and over grew from 9.7% in 2008 to 13.6% in 2023 and will continue to grow to 16.7% by 2050).
The highest birth rate was recorded in the Mangistau (24.80 people per 1,000 population), Turkestan (24.78) regions and in the city of Shymkent (23.55). These regions are traditionally characterized by a high birth rate, which is associated with their cultural and social characteristics.
However, the most alarming indicator is the mortality rate, according to experts. The highest mortality rates were recorded in the North Kazakhstan (11.77 per 1,000 population), East Kazakhstan (11.36) and Kostanay regions (10.16). High mortality in these regions is due to the age structure of the population, which requires attention to the quality of health care and disease prevention among the elderly.
The overall mortality rate in Kazakhstan has reduced by 6.8 times between 1991 and 2022, and the infant mortality rate has decreased by 3.5 times. In 2022, the total fertility rate was three children per woman. Life expectancy rose from 70.23 years in 2021 to 75.09 years in 2023. It increased by seven years for men and by six years for women.
Photo courtesy of public sources
