Abstract

The paper describes the peculiarities of the relocation of the old capital (Almaty) to the new one (Astana) as one of the important events of independent Kazakhstan. This event attracted, attracts, and will attract many publications from different points of view. Since that time, issues of growth of population in both cities based on migration (Mechanic movement) and birth (Natural movement) have been discussed in most cases. The paper reveals migration and birth of population in two cities due to political, economic, geographic, social, demographic, and ethnic factors. The theoretical and practical reflection of the Gravity model of the migration of population in two cities is analysed and presented.

The novelty of the work lies in the comparative analysis of the main causes or factors that influenced migration and birth processes in these two so-called northern and southern capitals of the country during one generation from 2001 to 2024.

The main tool of research and analysis is econometric Panel data analysis.

Finally, the paper concludes that an important factor of population growth in Astana reflected the gravity theory of migration of population from neighbouring regions like the Karaganda region. An important factor of population growth in Almaty was the mechanical and natural growth of the population. During the transitional time, the high immigration to Almaty was linked with a relatively high index of attractiveness of social infrastructure or the presence of a more numerous and developed educational infrastructure (schools, universities, colleges0 and healthcare systems (medical institutions, hospitals)