I.A. Bibatyrova, G.N. Sansyzbayeva

Abstract

The article considers the history of formation and approaches to the definition of the «urban agglomeration» concept, and suggests the author’s interpretation of the content of this concept. It provides a clear rationale for the formation and development of urban agglomerations as the points of economic growth and for their effective positioning in accordance with the level and specialization of their development. The role of formation of Almaty and Astana agglomerations as a factor of rational spatial settlement and reduction of territorial heterogeneity of the country’s regions is shown. The authors note the positive aspects of the formation of urban agglomerations, as well as the negative consequences of agglomeration development: reduction of agricultural lands and forests, economic inequality of regions, ecological situation, etc.

Keywords: urban agglomeration, monocentric and polycentric agglomerations, demographic capacity, regional specialization, agglomeration potential.