KRYGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan is a small land-locked Central Asian country covering some 198,500 sq km. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south-west and China to the south and south-east. The capital, Bishkek, is located close to the northern border.

Kyrgyzstan gained its independence from the former Soviet Union on 31 August 1991 and celebrates that day as its National Day.

Location

Situated on the Tien-shan mountains, the republic is bordered on the east by China, on the west by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, on the north by Kazakhstan and on the south by Tajikistan.

Capital

Bishkek (Frunze)

Language

Kirghiz (of Turkic origin) official language Russian

Monetary Unit

The Som

Largest Cities

Bishkek, Osh, Przhevalsk, Kyzyl-Kiya and Tokmak

Principal rivers

Sarydzhaz, Naryn, Kyzylsu

Places to Visit

Bishkek, Osh, Tokmak, Kyzyl-Kiya

Air Ports

Bishkek International AirPort