Kyrgyz Republic

Geography: Kyrgyzstan is situated on the east of Central Asia. From the north it borders with Kazakhstan, from the west – with Uzbekistan, from the south – with Tajikistan, and from the east – with China. Prevalent relief of the country – mountainous, considerable part is Tien Shan, Pamirs and Altai mountain ridges and spurs. Chui, Tallas and Issyk-Kul depressions are located between of them. These regions and the region adjacent to Fergana valley are the most habitable and developed. The state if prolific with gold and complex ore.

Climate: continental, with relatively small amount of precipitations. On lowlands the temperature fluctuates from -6°C in January to +24°C in July, in the mountain area – from -20°C in January to +12°C in July. Heavy snowfalls are typical for winter.

Industry: basic economy sectors are gold mining and other non-ferrous metals industry (mining and dressing of mercury and antimonial ores, production of mercury and antimony), and light industry (pre-procession of wool and cotton) and mechanical engineering.

Agriculture: as distinct from other countries of Central Asia, principal agricultural sector is livestock breeding (sheep breeding, cattle breeding, and horse breeding). Along with technical crops like cotton, tobacco and etc. (partly for export), mainly for domestic needs people grow grain, fodder, fruit and vegetable-melon varieties.

National currency: Som.

Area: 198,500 sq. km.

Population: 5,000,000 people.

Transport infrastructure: Highways 18,500 km; railways 420 km.

Administrative divisions: 7 provinces and capital city.

Capital: Bishkek.

Head of State: President

National Legislature: Zhogorku Kenesh - one-chamber parliament.

Languages: Kyrgyz and Russian - official languages.

Ethnic groups: Kyrgyz (65%); Uzbek (12%); Russian (12%); and Ukrainian, Uigur, Kazakh and other nations.

Religions: Sunni Muslim, Russian Orthodox.