Kazakhstan Adopts Single Time Zone Effective March 1, 2024

This significant change, initiated by the Government, will see a uniform time zone implemented throughout Kazakhstan, effectively replacing the previous multiple time zones in different regions of the country. The adjustment will come into effect precisely at 00:00 on March 1, 2024.

In preparation for this transition, local administrations including those in Akimats of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Akmola, Almaty, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Turkestan, East Kazakhstan regions and the regions of Abai, Zhetysu, Ulytau regions have been instructed to shift their local time one hour back from February 29, 2024, to March 1, 2024, as reported by Kazinform agency.

The decision to move towards a single time zone was the result of recommendations put forward by a working group consisting of Kazakh scientists and experts. Formed in April 2023, the working group was established to address repeated calls from citizens for a switch to a more favorable time zone.

Comprising representatives from scientific institutes, medical universities, government bodies, Parliament members, and others, the working group meticulously examined the implications of adopting a unified time zone over the course of a year. Various disciplines including medicine, physiology, geography, and metrology were scrutinized to determine the most suitable time zone for Kazakhstan.

Ultimately, after evaluating both domestic requirements and international practices, the consensus was reached that transitioning to a single UTC+5 time zone would align most closely with the natural rhythms of the country.

The decision was further supported by findings that revealed a vast majority of countries, 175 in total, operate under a single time zone, with only 22 nations opting for multiple time zones.