Shymkent's population to reach 1.9mln by 2035
In 1897, the population of Shymkent was only 10-15 thousand. By 1939, this figure increased to 75 thousand. During the Soviet period, the city population reached 400 thousand due to the launch of industrial plants, Kazinform News Agency reports.
In 2018, Shymkent was granted the status of the city of republican significance, along with Almaty and Astana, and entered the list of Kazakhstani cities with the population exceeding 1 million.
Approximately 1 million 200 thousand people are living in Shymkent today. Experts say, by 2035, its population will hit the mark of 1 million 900 thousand.
“Population density allows to optimize utility costs, while environmental issues such as air and water quality largely depend on management. We need stable and high-quality management to let the city develop. Unfortunately, frequent changes in the city administration has had a toll on the decision making process. Nevertheless, Shymkent remains a comfortable city for living for its favorable climate, landscapes and abundance of green spaces. I think Shymkent is one of the most beautiful cities of the country,” Zhanar Dzhandossova, Director of the Sange Reseach Center says.
Ethnic composition of the city population changes significantly with the Kazakhs comprising today about 70% stemming from migration from rural districts and resettlement from other countries.
42,654 foreigners have been temporarily registered at the migration services of Shymkent, 39,418 of which are the nationals of Uzbekistan. 768 foreigners have received permanent residency permit.