Kazakhstanis marrying less often and divorcing more frequently
Tengrinews.kz – It seems lavish tois and the tradition of a “wedding on credit” are gradually becoming a thing of the past. The number of new marriages in Kazakhstan has reached a record low for the first time in 20 years, citing Finprom.
Marriage statistics
According to the Bureau of National Statistics, only 21,600 marriages were registered in the country in January, February and March. This is almost 4 percent less than in the same period last year.
For comparison, in 2021 Kazakhstan recorded more than 32,000 marriages during the same period — still the highest figure in recent years. Since then, the indicator has been gradually declining, and the current level has become the lowest in 20 years.
Where people marry most often
The leading regions remain the same — major cities and the south of the country:
Almaty — 2,300 weddings;
Turkestan Region — 2,300 weddings;
Astana — 2,100.
Where there are the fewest weddings
In some regions, the statistics are noticeably more modest:
North Kazakhstan Region — 531 marriages;
West Kazakhstan Region — 562 marriages;
Ulytau Region — 241 marriages.
Where the number of marriages increased
Despite the overall decline, several regions saw growth. The number of weddings increased:
in Karaganda Region;in Ulytau Region;in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
What is happening with divorces
Against the backdrop of the declining number of weddings, the number of divorces is also rising.
In the first quarter of 2026, 11,200 families broke up in Kazakhstan. A year earlier, the figure was about 10,200. Experts note that this is the highest level in the past seven years.
Where divorces are most common
If the statistics are divided by type of settlement, the picture looks as follows:
urban registry offices registered 14,500 marriages and 8,400 divorces;in rural areas, 7,100 weddings were recorded against 2,800 divorces.
At the same time, the decline in marriages was more noticeable in rural areas — almost 9 percent. In cities, the decrease was much milder — just over 1 percent.
Meanwhile, the total number of divorces increased everywhere:
urban figures rose by 10.5 percent;rural figures rose by 7.7 percent.
Where people divorce most often
As for divorces, the largest cities and regions predictably recorded the highest numbers:
in Almaty, 1,200 families broke up in three months;in Astana — 1,100;in Karaganda Region — 848 cases.
The fewest divorces were recorded in West Kazakhstan, Abai and Ulytau regions.
What this means for demographics
Looking at the long-term trend, the pattern becomes even clearer. The marriage rate in the country has fallen from 6.9 to 4.25 per 1,000 people since 2021.
The divorce rate has more than doubled — from 0.98 to 2.2.
Simply put, modern Kazakhstanis are increasingly less likely to rush into officially registering their relationships, preferring independence or postponing marriage until later. Meanwhile, existing unions are falling apart much more often.