Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan is a country in Central Asia, home to 7.2 million people, with an area of 199,951 km². Its capital is Bishkek.

Capital: Bishkek
Population: 7.2 million
Area: 199,951 km²
Region: Central Asia
Density: 36.0 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Kyrgyzstan · Central Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Kyrgyzstan is known for

Kyrgyzstan is best known for Issyk, Ala and Burana Tower.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and southwest, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east.

Kyrgyzstan at a glance

Language: Kyrgyz and Russian are the official languages, with Kyrgyz being the national language
Currency: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Kyrgyzstan, with a significant minority of Eastern Orthodox Christians
National dish: Beshbarmak (a traditional dish made of boiled meat, typically lamb or beef, served over homemade noodles and topped with onion and parsley)
Climate: The climate in Kyrgyzstan varies widely depending on altitude, but it is generally continental, with cold winters and warm summers
Main industries: Agriculture, including crops such as cotton, tobacco, and wheat; mining, particularly of gold and other minerals; and manufacturing, including textiles and food processing
GDP: $8.6 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Kyrgyzstan is considered a lower-middle-income country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 124 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Kyrgyzstan

Some of the main tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan include:

Issyk Kul Lake: one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Ala Archa National Park: a stunning national park located just outside of Bishkek, known for its scenic hiking trails and beautiful mountain vistas.
Burana Tower an ancient minaret located near the city of Tokmok, dating back to the 11th century.
Sary Chelek Lake: a remote alpine lake located in the mountains of western Kyrgyzstan, known for its turquoise waters and pristine surroundings.
Tash Rabat Caravanserai a historic stone building located on the ancient Silk Road, which served as a rest stop for travelers and merchants.
Osh Bazaar a bustling market in the city of Osh, known for its vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts.
Song Kul Lake: a high-altitude lake located in the mountains of central Kyrgyzstan, known for its stunning scenery and traditional Kyrgyz yurt camps.
Jeti Oguz Canyon: a beautiful red rock canyon located in the Issyk-Kul region, known for its unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails.
Karakol Ski Base a popular ski resort located near the city of Karakol, known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Konorchek Canyons a stunning red rock canyon located near the city of Bishkek, known for its unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Kyrgyzstan has to offer. The country is also known for its rich culture, traditional handicrafts, and warm hospitality.

Kyrgyzstan in pictures

Kyrgyzstan on video

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Kyrgyzstan compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Kazakhstan	20.6 million	2,724,900 km²	Astana
Tajikistan	10.6 million	143,100 km²	Dushanbe
Turkmenistan	7.5 million	488,100 km²	Ashgabat
Kyrgyzstan	7.2 million	199,951 km²	Bishkek