Introduction

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. 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. By late September 2007, both previous versions of the constitution were declared illegal, and the country reverted to the Akayev-era 2003 constitution, which was subsequently modified in a flawed referendum initiated by Bakiyev. The president then dissolved parliament, called for early elections, and gained control of the new parliament through his newly-created political party, Ak Jol, in December 2007 elections. Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, negative trends in democracy and political freedoms, reduction of corruption, improving interethnic relations, and combating terrorism.

Geographical Location

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia, west of China. It is landlocked, entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range with many tall peaks, glaciers and high altitude lakes. In area it is slightly smaller than South Dakota. Kyrgyzstan has a total area of 198,500 sq. km. Peaks of the Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass the entire nation. Its lowest elevation is Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) at 132 m., and its highest elevation is Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) at 7,439 m. Natural resources include abundant hydro power, significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals, locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas, and other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead and zinc. Water pollution is a problem. Many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent. There is also increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices.

Climate

The climate is dry continental to polar in the high Tien Shan, subtropical in the southwest Fergana Valley and temperate in the northern foothill zone.

Population

In July 2009, the estimated population of Kyrgyzstan was 5,431,747. The population growth rate is 1.396% with the birth rate at 23.44 births per 1000 and the death rate at 6.91 per 1000. The life expectancy at birth is 69.43 years. Ethnic groups include Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uygur 1%, and others 5.7%.

Languages

Kyrgyz and Russian are the official languages. Note: In December 2001, the Kyrgyzatani legislature made Russian an official language, equal in status to Kyrgyz. Also spoken are Uzbek, Dungun and other languages. 98.7% of the population age 15 and over can read and write.

Religion

In Kyrgyzstan, 75% are Muslin, 20% are Russian Orthodox and 5% other religions.