Level of urbanization of the North Kazakhstan Region by the degree of urbanization approach)

This article presents the results of determining the North Kazakhstan region's urbanization level in accordance with the Degree of Urbanization methodology. Recommended by the United Nations Statistical Office, the Economic Cooperation Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations approach ensures comparability of urban development indicators. Based on satellite data and official statistics, the analysis of the level of urbanization of the cities of Petropavlovsk, Tayynsha, Sergeevka, Bulayevo, and Mamlyutka was carried out. The study results demonstrated that 4 out of 5 cities in the region do not form urban centers as they are difficult to attribute as a functional urban area. The study results demonstrate that significant distortions in targeting exist in the state planning system. Plans become fundamentally unattainable based on an improper estimation of the current urbanization level. Based on the work, the necessity of changing the status of 4 cities of the North Kazakhstan region, making adjustments to the legislation on the administrative-territorial structure and state programs for territorial development is justified. Also, the proposed changes will ensure comparability of human settlements development progress at the global level.