# Balkhash > city in Kazakhstan **Wikidata**: [Q805515](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q805515) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balkhash_(city)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balkhash ## Summary Balkhash is a city in Kazakhstan, located in the Karaganda Region, with a population of approximately 78,000 people as of 2014. It was founded in 1932 and has a history dating back to its establishment during the Soviet era. ## Key Facts - Located in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan - Founded in 1932 - Has a population of 78,002 as of 2014 - Area covers 230 square kilometres - Elevation above sea level is 440 metres - Timezone is UTC+06:00 - Postal codes range from 100300 to 100316 - Coordinates are approximately 46.85 latitude and 75 longitude - Official name is "Балқаш" (Balqash) in Kazakh - Awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples - Has a website at http://www.balkhash.kz - Wikipedia page has 52 sitelinks ## FAQs - **What is the population of Balkhash?** The population was 78,002 as of 2014, with historical figures including 65,431 in 1999 and 86,742 in 1989. - **When was Balkhash founded?** The city was established in 1932. - **What is the area of Balkhash?** The city covers 230 square kilometres. - **What is the elevation above sea level?** Balkhash is situated at 440 metres above sea level. - **What is the timezone used in Balkhash?** The city uses UTC+06:00 timezone. - **What is the official name of the city?** The official name is "Балқаш" (Balqash) in Kazakh. - **What awards has Balkhash received?** The city has received the Order of Friendship of Peoples. - **What is the website for Balkhash?** The official website is http://www.balkhash.kz. ## Why It Matters Balkhash holds significance as a regional city in Kazakhstan with historical ties to the Soviet era. Its establishment in 1932 marked an important development during the industrialization period of the Soviet Union. The city serves as an administrative and economic center in the Karaganda Region, contributing to Kazakhstan's urban development and regional planning. The population figures show its growth and stability over decades, with the 2014 population of 78,002 representing a significant urban center in the country. ## Notable For - **Historical establishment**: Founded in 1932 during the Soviet era - **Population milestones**: Has maintained significant population figures throughout its history, with the 2014 population of 78,002 being the most recent recorded figure - **Geographical significance**: Located near the Balkhash Lake, one of the largest lakes in Central Asia - **Administrative status**: Recognized as a city of regional significance in Kazakhstan - **Cultural recognition**: Featured in multiple languages on Wikipedia and other international encyclopedias - **Infrastructure development**: Has developed its own website and postal system ## Body ### History Balkhash was founded in 1932 as part of the Soviet industrial development program. The city's establishment marked an important step in the regional development of Kazakhstan during the Soviet era. It was originally developed as a center for industrial activities and has since grown into a significant urban center in the Karaganda Region. The city's history is closely tied to the Soviet Union, as evidenced by its classification as a "city of regional significance" and its historical population figures. The population has fluctuated over the decades, with the highest recorded population being 86,742 in 1989, followed by a decline to 65,431 in 1999, and then a gradual recovery to 78,002 by 2014. ### Geography and Demographics Balkhash is situated in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan, with coordinates approximately at 46.85 latitude and 75 longitude. The city covers an area of 230 square kilometres and is located at an elevation of 440 metres above sea level. The city's winter view has been documented in photographic records, showing its landscape during colder months. The population has been recorded at various points in time: - 1939: 32,521 residents - 1959: 53,031 residents - 1970: 75,965 residents - 1979: 78,145 residents - 1989: 86,742 residents - 1999: 65,431 residents - 2009: 68,833 residents - 2014: 78,002 residents (preferred figure) - 2021: 73,785 residents The city's population represents a significant urban center in the region, with the 2014 figure being the most recent comprehensive data available. ### Infrastructure and Administration Balkhash has developed its own administrative infrastructure, including a website at http://www.balkhash.kz and postal codes ranging from 100300 to 100316. The city operates under the UTC+06:00 timezone and has been recognized as a city of regional significance in Kazakhstan. The city has received the Order of Friendship of Peoples, indicating its importance during the Soviet era. It has also been categorized in various international databases, including VIAF (130376876), Freebase (/m/027xy_h), and Geonames (1525798). ### Cultural and Media Representation Balkhash appears in multiple languages on Wikipedia and other international encyclopedias, with the Wikipedia page having 52 sitelinks. The city has been featured in various cultural references, including being categorized under the "Balkhash city" category in Wikimedia Commons. The city has its own coat of arms, which is available in the Wikimedia Commons repository, and has been documented in photographic collections showing both the city center and winter scenes. The coat of arms features traditional symbols representing the city's heritage and significance. ### International Recognition The city has been referenced in various international databases and libraries, including the Library of Congress (n2001119721) and the National Library of Israel (987007494256505171). It appears in encyclopedias such as Encyclopædia Britannica and the Great Russian Encyclopedia, with specific identifiers for each reference. The city's native label is "Балқаш" in Kazakh, which serves as its official name. The city has also been referenced in various academic and historical sources, including the CE Wikipedia entry with ID 2970198. ### Related Entities and Categories Balkhash is categorized under multiple entities in various knowledge bases: - Category for people born in the city: Q8044928 - Category for people associated with the city: Q7906640 - Category for people who died in the city: Q55589913 The city has been referenced in various academic sources and has connections to notable figures and organizations through these categorizations. Its classification as a "city of regional significance" indicates its importance in the regional development of Kazakhstan. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. MusicBrainz 3. Source 4. Census in Kazakhstan 2009 5. [Source](http://www.stat.gov.kz/getImg?id=ESTAT081783) 6. GeoNames 7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File