Formation of Financial Literacy in the Regions of Kazakhstan: The Gender Aspect

Financial literacy is becoming an important factor in household sustainability and the quality of economic behavior among the population, but in Kazakhstan, its level varies significantly across regions and social groups. The aim of the study is to identify regional differences in financial literacy and to assess the social dimensions of gender differences in financial behavior, access to financial resources, and the use of financial instruments in Kazakhstan. The results of nationwide studies of the population of Kazakhstan's financial literacy, conducted by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, as well as official regional statistical data, serve as the empirical basis. The results of the study showed stable interregional differences: the highest values of the financial literacy index were recorded in Almaty (48.5) and Astana (47.2), and the lowest in Turkestan (36.4) and Kyzylorda (35.7). It has been found that age and level of education have a statistically significant positive impact on financial literacy, whereas gender differences are primarily reflected in behavioral aspects. The gender gap is minimal in economically developed regions (1.2 points in Almaty and Astana) and increases significantly in regions with limited financial infrastructure (2.9 points in Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions). The results confirm that financial literacy is shaped by both individual characteristics and the regional institutional context, underscoring the need for region- and gender-oriented financial policy measures.

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