The small mountain republic of Kyrgyzstan is often dubbed the “Switzerland of Central Asia” for its alpine valleys, flower-filled meadows and snow-capped peaks. Lake Issyk-Kul may indeed rival Lake Geneva, but the similarities end abruptly with the eagle hunters, yurts and nomads that make Kyrgyzstan a distinctly inner Asian country.
Kyrgyzstan at a glance
Official name: Kyrgyz Republic
Capital city: Bishkek (population 1 million)
Other main towns: Osh, Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Tokmok
Population: 6,2 million (equivalent to 0.08% of the total world population)
Location: landlocked country in central Asia
Border Countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan
Area: 199,900 square kilometers
Climate: continental, with cold winters, often frosty and warm and sunny summers, sometimes scorching hot at low altitudes, but cooler in the mountains
Status: Republic headed by president, government headed by prime minister
Life expectancy: men 68, women 76 years
Major exports: gems, precious metals, ores, slag, ash, knit or crochet clothing, accessories, mineral fuels including oil, aircraft, spacecraft, vegetables, vehicles, footwear, machinery including computers, fruits, nuts
Official language: Kyrgyz and Russian; Uzbek is also widely used.
Unemployment: approx. 2,60 %
Religion: Sunni Muslims 83%, Christians 15%
Currency: Kyrgyz som
International telephone code: +996
Time Zone: GMT +5
Electricity: 220 volts (50Hz) standard two-pin round-prong plug
Weights and measures: metric
Flag: the sun represents peace and wealth, and the tunduk (yurt roof piece) signifies the family home or, by extension, the universe. According to popular interpretations, the sun’s 40 rays represent the 40 Kyrgyz tribes unified by the country’s folk hero Manas
National anthem: “Qirg’iz Respublikasinin Mamlekettik Gimni”
National sports Kok Boru (a game played between two teams, using a goat’s carcass to score points), kurash (traditional wrestling), judo, boxing
Public holidays:
1 January: New Year’s Day
7 January: Orthodox Christmas
23 February: Defender of the Fatherland Day
8 March: International Women’s Day
21 March: Nooruz, the Persian New Year
1 May: Labor Day
9 May: Victory Day
31 August: Independence Day
7 November: Day of the Great October Socialist Revolution
