North Kazakhstan Region is a region of Kazakhstan, with a population of 665,800. Its capital is Petropavl, with a population of 193,300 people. The region borders Russia to the north and also borders three other Kazakhstan regions: Akmola Region to the south, Pavlodar Region to the east and Kostanay Region to the west.

The area of the region is 98,040 km2 (37,850 sq mi), making it the fourth smallest of all the regions of Kazakhstan. The Ishim (Esyl) River, a tributary of the Irtysh River, flows from Karagandy Region to Russia through North Kazakhstan Region.

The population — about 725,000 inhabitants.

The national structure also considerably varies between rural and urban areas. So, in Petropavlovsk, Russians comprise 71.12% of the population, while in Ualikhanovsky, Kazakhs comprise 86.04% of the population. The largest Polish population in Kazakhstan lives in the area.

Besides, North Kazakhstan region was a unique area in Kazakhstan with a natural decline in population; however, since 2008, there was a natural population increase.

Administrative divisions

The region is administratively divided into thirteen districts and the city of Petropavl.

Akkayin District, with the administrative center in the village of Smirnovo;

Akzhar District, the village of Talshik;

Aiyrtau District, the village of Saumalkol;

Esil District, the village of Yavlenka;

Gabit Musirepov District, the village of Novoishimskoye;

Kyzylzhar District, the village of Beskol;

Magzhan Zhumabaev District, the town of Bulayevo;

Mamlyut District, the town of Mamlyutka;

Shal Akyn District, the town of Sergeyevka;

Taiynsha District, the town of Taiynsha;

Timiryazev District, the village of Timiryazevo;

Ualikhanov District, the village of Kishkenekol;

Zhambyl District, the village of Presnovka.

The following five localities in North Kazakhstan Region have town status: Petropavl, Bulayevo, Mamlyutka, Sergeyevka, and Taiynsha.