Kyrgyzstan

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAYEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV. The political opposition organized demonstrations in Bishkek in April, May, and November 2006 resulting in the adoption of a new constitution that transferred some of the president's powers to parliament and the government. In December 2006, the Kyrgyz parliament voted to adopt new amendments, restoring some of the presidential powers lost in the November 2006 constitutional change. Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, reduction of corruption, improving interethnic relations, and combating terrorism.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 5,284,149 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Kyrgyzstani(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Kyrgyzstani

Official Language(s): Kyrgyz, Russian

Major Languages Spoken: Kirghiz, Mongolian, Russian, Kyrgyz

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Kyrgyz Republic

Country Name (short form): Kyrgyzstan

Country Name (local long form): Kyrgyz Respublikasy

Country Name (local short form): Kyrgyzstan

Name of Capital: Bishkek

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Kyrgyzstan: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China

Land Area: 191300 sq km

Water Area: 7200 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than South Dakota

Total Land Boundry: 3,878 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

International Phone Code: 996

Currency Code: som (KGS)

Internet Country Code: .kg

US Embassy Location: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address

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