Kyrgyzstan

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, inter-ethnic relations, and terrorism.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Official Name:
Kyrgyz Respublikasy
short form: Кыргызстан
int'l long form: Kyrgyz Republic
int'l short form: Kyrgyzstan
formerly: Kirghizia

ISO Country Code: kg

Time:
Local Time = UTC +6h (Bishkek)

Country Calling Code: +996

Capital City: Bishkek (formerly Frunze, 825000)

Other Cities: Osh, Cholpon Ata, Karakol.

Government:
Type: Republic; Bicameral parliament with 60 deputies in upper (legislative) chamber, 45 in lower (representative) chamber.
Administrative divisions: 7 oblasts (singular - oblast): Batken oblast (Batken), Chui oblast (Bishkek), Jalalabad oblast (Jalalabad), Naryn oblast (Naryn), Osh oblast (Osh), Talas oblast (Talas), Yssyk-Kul oblast (Karakol).
Independence: 31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union).
Constitution: 5 May 1993.

Geography:
Location: Central Asia, landlocked, west of China south of Kazakhstan.
Area: 198 500 sq km (77 181 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Mountainous, Tien Shan mountain range covering approximately 95%; some desert regions.
Lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m.
Highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m.

Climate: Dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone.

People:
Nationality: Kyrgyzstani.
Population: 5 million.
Ethnic groups: Kyrgyz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, other 11.8%.
Main religions:Islam, 75%; Russian Orthodox, 20%; other, 5%.
Languages: Kyrgyz (official); Russian is de facto second language of communication.
Literacy: 97%

Natural resources: Abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc.

Agriculture products: Tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool.

Industries: Small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals.

Currency: Som (KGS)

Source: Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and other.

Kyrgyzstan in Figures
Kyrgyzstan key statistical data.