Kyrgyzstan, formerly known as Kirghizia, is a Central Asian country famed for its proud nomadic traditions, unspoilt mountainscapes and craggy ridges.

Its mountain tops are perennially covered with snow and glaciers. Kyrgyzstan borders Kazakhstan on the north and northwest, Uzbekistan in the southwest, Tajikistan in the south, and China in the southeast.

The country proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991 and joined the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Kyrgyzstan’s population of 6 million people is divided into several ethnic groups namely Kyrgyz (71%), Uzbeks (14.3%), Russians (7.8%), Dungans (1.1%), Uyghurs (0.9%), Tajiks (0.9%), Turks (0.7%) and Tatars (0.6%).

Sunni Muslims make up almost 75% of the population followed by Christians (20%). About 5% of the population practice Buddhism and Judaism.

Kyrgyzstan’s most famous attractions include Seven Bulls, Kök-Jaiyk, Przhevalsky Garden, Dom Babura, State Historical Museum, Al Halal Gallery, Dungan Mosque and the Three Storey Yurt to mention a few.

The economy of Kyrgyzstan is dominated by minerals extraction, agriculture, and reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad.

Cotton, wool and meat are the main agricultural products, although only cotton is exported in any quantity. Other exports include gold, mercury, uranium and natural gas. The country has sought to attract foreign investment to expand its export base, including construction of hydroelectric dams.

A report from the World Factbook states that Kyrgyzstan carried out market reforms such as improving the regulatory system and instituting land reform. It has also privatised much of its ownership shares in public enterprises.

The keys to its future growth include fighting corruption, improving administrative transparency, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment.

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