Bishkek

CAPITAL CITY OF Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
LANGUAGE OF Kyrgyzstan: Russian
CURRENCY OF Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)
COMMENTS ABOUT Kyrgyzstan:
Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country
Cities : Bishkek, Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Naryn, Osh
Best Places : Lake Issyk Kul, Lake Song Kul, The caravanserai of Tash Rabat, Burana Tower, Ala Archa National Park
Electricity : 220V/50Hz, European plug
Calling Code : +996
Time Zone : UTC +5
A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, interethnic relations, and combating terrorism.
CLIMATE OF Kyrgyzstan: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone
RELIGION OF Kyrgyzstan: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
POPULATION OF Kyrgyzstan: 5,081,429 (July 2004 est.)>>>
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, and natural gas and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has been fairly progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first CIS country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. With fits and starts, inflation has been lowered to an estimated 7% in 2001, 2.1% in 2002, and 4.0% in 2003. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Kyrgyzstan has distinguished itself by adopting relatively liberal economic policies. The drop in output at the Kumtor gold mine sparked a 0.5% decline in GDP in 2002, but GDP growth bounced back to 6% in 2003. The government has made steady strides in controlling its substantial fiscal deficit and aims to reduce the deficit to 4.4 percent of GDP in 2004. The government and the international financial institutions have been engaged in a comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Further restructuring of domestic industry and success in attracting foreign investment are keys to future growth.