General information

KYRGYZSTAN AT A GLANCE

Name: Kyrgyz Republic, conventionally shortened to Kyrgyzstan (the former: Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic).

Geographic Coordinates: 41 00 N, 75 00 E

Area: 198,500 sq km (76,640 sq miles).

Borders: Uzbekistan 1,099 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km, China 858 km.

Climate: Dry continental to sub-polar in high Tien Shan mountains; subtropical in the SW (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zones.

Data Code: KG

Government Type: Republic

State flag:

1. Red background of Kyrgyzstan flag symbolises valour and boldness. Tribal banner of the great Kyrgyz epic hero Manas and flag of Kyrgyz Kaganate were also red.
2. Golden sun with 40 sunrays personify calmness and wealth, while 40 sunrays symbolise 40 ancient Kyrgyz tribes.
3. Tyundyuk- (the top of the yurta) is the symbol of the paternal house.
   Adopted on 3rd of March, 1992.

National emblem:

State emblem presents the circle with wide rim. In the centre on the blue background there is the lake Issyk-Kul – the pearl of Central Asia. The waters of the lake symbolise natural beauty, the source of life and energy. Behind the lake there are seven peaks symbolising seven regions of Kyrgyzstan and there are also the rising sun and white eagle – symbol of liberality and vigilance, height of thoughts of Kyrgyzstan citizens, inhabiting the country of celestial mountains. On the rim there are wheatears – symbol of diligence and peace and twigs of cotton plants with opened cotton balls.

Adopted on 14th of January, 1994.

Capital: Bishkek [formerly Frunze]

Administrative Divisions:
Six regions and one city. Bishkek, Chuy Region (Chuy Oblast), Jalal-Abad Region (Jalal-Abad Oblast), Naryn Region (Naryn Oblast), Osh Region (Osh Oblast), Talas Region (Talas Oblast), Issyk-Kul Region (Issyk-Kul Oblast)

Independence: 31st August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National Holidays: National Day – 2nd December; Independence Day – 31st August

Constitution: adopted 5th May 1993

National currency: Som

Population: 5,067,000 (UN estimate 2002).

Ethnic Groups: Kyrgyz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, others 11.8%

Religions: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, others 5%

Languages: Kyrgyz and Russian (the Kyrgyzstan legislature amended the constitution to make Russian an official language along with Kyrghyz in March 1996)

Time: GMT + 5 hours

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin continental plugs are standard.

Aliases: The Kyrgyz Republic, Khirghizstan, Kirgizstan, Kirgizia, Kirgizskaya Respublika, Kyrgyz Respublikasy, Khirghizische Republic.