In the western areas of Kazakhstan, the rapid growth of Zhanaozen, Aktau is connected to the strong dynamics of natural resource extraction (i.e. hydrocarbons). Astana’s impressive population growth during the period corresponds to the relocation of Kazakhstan’s central administrative apparatus and the headquarters of large state-ow'ned enterprises (SOEs). In contrast, the population of FUAs in the northeast of Kazakhstan stagnated or even declined during 1999-2009.