Kyrgystan



         


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).

Кыргыз Республикасы
Kyrgyz Respublikasy
Кыргызская республика
Kyrgyzskaya respublika
(In Detail) (Full size)
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


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History

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.

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Politics

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.

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Oblasttar

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.

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Geography

Main article: Geography of Kyrgyzstan

Places include: Kara-Su

Lake: Issyk Kul

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Economy

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.

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Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Kyrgyzstan

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Culture

Main article: Culture of Kyrgyzstan

Holidays
DateEnglish NameLocal NameRemarks
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Miscellaneous topics

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