Kyrgyzstan
| Flag of Kyrgyzstan Emblem of Kyrgyzstan | |
| Capital | Bishkek |
|---|---|
| Largest city | Bishkek |
| Official language | Kyrgyz |
| Co-official language | Russian |
| Government | Unitary presidential republic |
| President | Sadyr Japarov |
| Cabinet Chairman | Akylbek Japarov |
| Area | 199,951 km2 (77,202 sq mi) |
| Population (est.) | 7,400,000 |
| Currency | Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) |
| Time zone | UTC+06:00 (KGT) |
| Calling code | +996 |
| Internet TLD | .kg |
Kyrgyzstan (Template:Lang-ky), officially the Kyrgyz Republic, is a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and southwest, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the east and southeast. Its capital and largest city is Bishkek.
The country spans nearly 200,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 7 million people. Renowned for its dramatic mountainous landscape dominated by the Tian Shan range, Kyrgyzstan possesses a rich nomadic history and cultural heritage situated along the historic Silk Road.
History
Early History and Khaganate
The roots of Kyrgyz culture date back to antiquity, with early references appearing in ancient Chinese records. In the 9th century, the Yenisei Kyrgyz established the powerful Kyrgyz Khaganate, expanding across Southern Siberia and Central Asia. In subsequent centuries, the region was integrated into the Mongol Empire, followed by the Dzungar Khanate and the Kokand Khanate.
Russian Imperial Rule and USSR
In the mid-19th century, the region was annexed by the Russian Empire. Following the Russian Revolution, it became part of the Soviet Union, eventually being established as the Kirghiz SSR in 1936. On 31 August 1991, Kyrgyzstan declared its independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Geography
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked nation defined by its extreme alpine topography; over 80% of the country is covered by the Tian Shan mountain system, earning it the nickname "the Switzerland of Central Asia." The country is famous for Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, located in the northeastern region.
Climate
Due to its high altitude and distance from oceans, Kyrgyzstan has a dry continental to polar climate. Summers are warm in the valleys, while winter conditions in the high mountain areas are severe.
Economy
Kyrgyzstan's economy is predominantly reliant on gold mining, agriculture, energy production, and remittances from migrant workers abroad. The Kumtor Gold Mine is one of the largest economic drivers in the country. Additionally, the country generates significant hydroelectricity due to its abundant mountain rivers.
Demographics
- **Population:** ~7.4 million inhabitants.
- **Ethnic groups:** Kyrgyz (~73%), Uzbeks (~15%), Russians (~5%), followed by Dungans, Uighurs, and Tatars.
- **Religions:** Predominantly Islam (~90%, mainly Sunni) and Eastern Orthodoxy (~7%).
- **Languages:** Kyrgyz is the state language; Russian is legally recognized as an official language and remains prominent in commerce and higher education.
See also
References
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