World > Middle East > Kyrgyzstan

Introduction:

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, interethnic relations, and combating terrorism.

Official name: Kyrgyz Republic Capital: Bishkek Government type: republic Population: 4,892,808 (July 2003 est.) Languages: Kyrgyz - official language, Russian - official language note: in December 2001, the Kyrgyzstani legislature made Russian an official language, equal in status to Kyrgyz Official Currency: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) Currency code: KGS Area: total: 198,500 sq km water: 7,200 sq km land: 191,300 sq km Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Map of Kyrgyzstan