Abstract
The article examines the changes taking place in the ethno-demographic sphere of the countries of Central Asia. They influence the previously traditional state of “ethnic diversity”, where, along with indigenous peoples, representatives of more than a hundred different peoples and ethnic groups live, a unique multi-ethnic community has historically developed. Along with the trend of growth in the total population in the countries of Central Asia, the "ethnic exodus" from the region continues. The external migration flow is directed primarily to highly developed countries that provide financial and / or program support to compatriots by origin (Russia, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Israel, Korea, etc.). The activation of intra-regional migration is associated with a complex of reasons and migration motives, and Kazakhstan has established itself as a recipient country in Central Asia. The consequence of ethnic migration is the changing ethno-demographic picture of the region, quantitative and qualitative changes in the population affect politics, indicating problems in the countries of Central Asia. The article analyzes the dynamics of the ethno-demographic and migration process, which takes place in the complex interdependence of various factors in Central Asia, and raises the question of the possible prospects for such a phenomenon as the ethnic diversity of this region. Key words: Central Asia, ethnic groups, ethnic migration, migration flow, inter-ethnic unity/tension, ANC, OSCE international norms.