| |||||||||
Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан) is a country in Central Asia. It has borders with the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. Its capital is Bishkek (formerly Frunze).
| |||||
| National motto: none | |||||
| Official languages | Kyrgyz, Russian | ||||
| Capital | Bishkek | ||||
| President | Askar Akayev | ||||
| Prime Minister | Nikolay Tanayev | ||||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 85th 198,500 km² 3.6% | ||||
| Population - Total (2000) - Density | Ranked 112th 4,753,003 24/km² | ||||
| Independence - Declared - Recognised | From Soviet Union August 31, 1991 (Year) | ||||
| Currency | Som | ||||
| Time zone | UTC +5 | ||||
| National anthem | Ak möngülüü aska | ||||
| Internet TLD | .KG | ||||
| Calling Code | 996 | ||||
Main article: History of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Under the USSR, it became a Soviet Socialist Republic in 1937 with the full name of Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, commonly referred to as Kirghizia or Kirghiz SSR.
Main article: Politics of Kyrgyzstan
In the first years of Kyrgyzstan's full independence, President Akayev appeared wholeheartedly committed to the reform process. However, despite the backing of major Western donors, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kyrgyzstan had economic difficulties from the outset. These came mainly as a result of the breakup of the Soviet trading bloc, which impeded the Republic's smooth transition to a free market economy.
Main article: Bishkek city, Batken oblast, Chui oblast (Tokmok), Jalalabad oblast, Naryn Oblast, Osh Oblast, Osh city,Talas oblast, Yssyk-Kul oblast (Karakol).
Note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses).
Oblasts are further divided into raions (districts), administered by officials appointed by the central government. Rural communities, comprising up to 20 small settlements, are self-governed with elected mayors and councils.
Main article: Geography of Kyrgyzstan
Places include: Kara-Su
Lake: Issyk Kul
Main article: Economy of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, cotton, wool, tobacco, fruits, beef and mutton are the main agricultural products, with cotton, wool and meat the main exports. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has been one of the most progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in carrying out market reforms. Following a successful stabilization program, which lowered inflation from 88% in 1994 to 15% in 1997, attention has since then turned toward stimulating growth. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe since the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Pensioners, unemployed workers, and government workers with salary arrears continue to suffer. Foreign assistance played a substantial role in the country's economic turnaround. The government has adopted a series of measures to combat such severe problems as excessive external debt, inflation, inadequate revenue collection, and the spillover from Russia's economic disorders. Kyrgyzstan has enjoyed robust growth every year since 1999.
Main article: Demographics of Kyrgyzstan
Main article: Culture of Kyrgyzstan
| Date | English Name | Local Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|