Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Major city · Population 1.2M
Shymkent is the 2nd largest city in Kazakhstan with a population of approximately 1,200,000 people as of 2026. This makes it the 435th largest city in the world, accounting for 5.87% of Kazakhstan's total population of 20.4M. Shymkent is classified as a major city and operates in the Asia/Almaty timezone.
Population
1,200,000
Global Rank
#435
Country Rank
#2
% of Kazakhstan
5.87%
Shymkent on the Map
Kazakhstan at a Glance
Country Population
20,426,568
Capital
Astana
Region
Central Asia
Major Cities
23
GDP per Capita
$14,155
Life Expectancy
74.4 years
Urban Population
62.1%
Growth Rate
0.01%
Other Major Cities in Kazakhstan
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Shymkent with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chirchiq | 162,800 | 94 km |
| Yunusobod | 352,000 | 108 km |
| Chilanzar | 260,700 | 119 km |
| Tashkent | 1,978,028 | 121 km |
| Sergeli | 105,700 | 128 km |
| Angren | 191,300 | 151 km |
| Turkestan | 227,098 | 155 km |
| Taraz | 358,153 | 159 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shymkent?
The population of Shymkent, Kazakhstan is approximately 1,200,000 people, making it the 435th largest city in the world and the 2nd largest in Kazakhstan.
Is Shymkent the capital of Kazakhstan?
No, the capital of Kazakhstan is Astana. Shymkent is the 2nd largest city in the country.
What timezone is Shymkent in?
Shymkent is in the Asia/Almaty timezone.