[2] Ethnic groups (2020):[6] The region is administratively divided into eleven districts and the cities of Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Ridder, and Altai.

[9] * The following localities in East Kazakhstan Region have town status: Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Ayagoz, Shar, Ridder, Serebryansk, Shemonaikha, Zaysan, and Altai (Zyryan).

[citation needed] In 2020, the region plans to implement 5 projects totaling ₸16.0 billion, creating 610 jobs.

[citation needed] From 2021 to 2025, the region plans to implement 19 projects with a total investment of ₸555.0 billion and the creation of 8.4 thousand new jobs.

[citation needed] Significant industrial projects planned by the region include the construction of an automobile plant and industrial park for the production of automotive components in Öskemen under the joint-stock company "Asia Auto Kazakhstan" in 2021,[citation needed] and the expansion of processing capacities of Aktogay GOK by duplicating the existing sulfide factory run by KAZ Minerals Aktogay LLP in 2021.

In 2013, UNESCO established the Alakol Biosphere Reserve, stating that the lake and its surroundings are an important part of the Central Asian Flyway.

[13] Birds native to the lake include the Dalmatian Pelican, the Eurasian Spoonbill, the Greater Flamingo, and the Ferruginous Duck.

[citation needed] The improvement of infrastructure near the lake, as well as its alleged medicinal properties, have led to increased tourism in recent years.

[14] The Raxman Spring Sanatorium [kk] and the Katon-Karagay National Park are both located in the Katonkaragay District in the northeastern part of the region.