Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, China to the east, Tajikistan to the south, and Uzbekistan to the west. It has a population of around 6.5 million people and its capital and largest city is Bishkek.

The country has a rich history and culture, with influences from various civilizations and empires throughout the centuries. It was part of the Silk Road trade route, and was once part of the Mongol Empire and later the Timurid Empire. It became a Soviet republic in 1936 and gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Kyrgyzstan is known for its beautiful mountainous landscapes, which include the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, as well as numerous lakes, including Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world. The country's natural beauty has made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for trekking, mountain climbing, skiing, and horseback riding.

In addition to its natural attractions, Kyrgyzstan has several historic and cultural sites, including the ancient city of Osh, which is more than 3,000 years old and is considered a sacred city by many Muslims, and the Burana Tower, a minaret from the Karakhanid era.

The country's economy is largely based on agriculture and mining, particularly for gold, uranium, and other minerals. It has also become a hub for technology startups in Central Asia, with a growing number of tech companies and innovation centers.

Telephone Code
996

Local Emergency Phone
103

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

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

Currency (Code)
Soms (KGS)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Kyrgyz (official), Uzbek, Russian

Major Religions
Muslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i)

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Issyk Kul Lake; Bishkek; Ala Archa National Park; Burana Tower; Song Kul; Tash Rabat; Sulaiman-Too; Tien Shan mountain range; Kyrgyz yurt

Major Sports
Soccer, wrestling, ice hockey

Cultural Practices
Eldest and most respected members of a party will often sit at the head of the table, furthest from the door.

Tipping Guidelines
In general, most restaurants include a 10-15% service charge and tipping is not required.

Souvenirs
felt rugs and felt-crafted clothing/cloth and decorative items, silver jewelry, chess sets, miniature wood-carved yurts

Traditional Cuisine
Beshbarmak — horse or lamb meat with flat noodles and onion sauce

Geography
Area
total: 199,951 sq km
land: 191,801 sq km
water: 8,150 sq km

Climate
dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

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

People and Society
Population
6,122,781 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kyrgyz 73.8%, Uzbek 14.8%, Russian 5.1%, Dungan 1.1%, other 5.2% (includes Uyghur, Tajik, Turk, Kazakh, Tatar, Ukrainian, Korean, German) (2021 est.)

Languages
Kyrgyz (official) 71.4%, Uzbek 14.4%, Russian (official) 9%, other 5.2% (2009 est.)

Religions
Muslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i) (2017 est.)

Population growth rate
0.82% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Bishkek

Economy
Economic overview
landlocked, lower-middle-income Central Asian economy; natural resource rich; growing hydroelectricity and tourism; high remittances; corruption limits investment; COVID-19 and political turmoil hurt GDP, limited public revenues, and increased spending

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$32.221 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$4,800 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, sugar beets, maize, wheat, barley, tomatoes, watermelons, onions, carrots/turnips

Industries
small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, lumber, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals

Exports
$3.35 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United Kingdom 56%, Kazakhstan 13%, Russia 13%, Uzbekistan 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
gold, precious metals, various beans, refined petroleum, scrap copper (2019)

Imports
$5.919 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 53%, Russia 17%, Kazakhstan 7%, Uzbekistan 7%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, footwear, clothing and apparel, broadcasting equipment, walnuts (2019)