General Information

Country: Republic of Kyrgyzstan

Population: 5.3 million (UN, 2007)

Capital: Bishkek

Language: Kyrgyz and Russian

Ethnic groups: Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uygur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Currency: 1 som = 100 tyiyns

Area: 199,900 sq km (77,182 sq miles)

Major religion: Islam, Christianity

Main exports: Fruit, vegetables, gold, tobacco

GNI per capita: US $440 (World Bank, 2006)

International dialing code: +996

The main attraction of Kyrgyzstan lies in the breathtaking landscape of mountains, glaciers and lakes. Kyrgyzstan boasts some of the highest mountain peaks in the world with 23 peaks over 6,000m. This terrain provides excellent opportunity for trekking, skiing, climbing, sailing and swimming.

Among this spectacular scenery is the attractive capital city of Bishkek and 3,000 year old town of Osh, famous for its historical sights and a lively market.

For more ambitious travellers, it is possible to follow the route of the old Silk Road to Kashgar in China, crossing the border at the Torugart Pass near Lake Chatyr-Kul.