Turkistan Region, formerly South Kazakhstan Region from 1992 to 2018 and Chimkent Region from 1963 to 1991 is the southernmost region of Kazakhstan. Population: 2 088 510 ; 2,469,367 ; 1,978,339. Its capital is Turkistan, formerly Shymkent until 2018. Other cities in Turkistan include Sayram, Kentau, Arys, Shardara, Zhetisai, Saryagash, and Lenger. This region and Atyrau Region are Kazakhstan's two smallest regions; both are about 117,300 square kilometers in area. Turkistan Region borders the neighboring country of Uzbekistan, as well as three other Kazakhstan regions: Karaganda Region, Kyzylorda Region, and Jambyl Region. The Syr Darya passes through the region, on its way to the Aral Sea. An oil pipeline runs from Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan to Omsk, Russia through South Kazakhstan. Oil, lead and zinc are refined in Shymkent.

Kazakhstan is divided into 17 regions. The regions are further subdivided into districts. Three cities, Almaty, Shymkent, and the capital city Astana, do not belong to their surrounding regions.