Formal name: The Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Short name: Kyrgyzstan.
Term for Citizens: Kyrgyzstani.
Capital: Bishkek.
Date of Independence: August 31, 1991.
Area: 198,500 square kilometres.
Time: GMT+5 (GMT+6 from March to October).
Topography: The Tian Shan, Pamir and Alay Mountain Ranges dominate the territory; average elevation is about 2,750 meters; the mountains are separated by deep valleys and glaciers; there are lakes and fast-flowing rivers draining from mountains.
Climate: Continental, chiefly determined by mountains with hot summer, bitterly cold winter.
Population: 4.7 million people by 2000; population density is 22.6; growth rate is 1.43% a year; 52.4% of population are Kyrgyz, 18% Russians, 13% Uzbeks, 16.6% others.
Languages: Kyrgyz, Russian are official languages.
Religion: 75% are Muslims (mostly Sunni) with heavy influence of tribal religions, 20% are Russian Orthodox, other 5%.
Education: Compulsory 9 years education. There are 26 universities.
Health: Health care is free of charge. Some private practices have been developed recently.
Culture: The country has rich culture based on nomadic traditions.
Major industries: Gold and rare earth metals mining, metallurgy, small machinery, electronics, agriculture and food processing.
Major trading partners: countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), China, Turkey, UK, Germany, the USA, and Cuba.
Ecology: Kyrgyzstan is a country remarkable for its natural beauty. Nevertheless there are some serious problems because of inefficient use and pollution of water resources, land degradation.
Money: Som (KGS).
Popular tourist destinations: Ala-Archa Canyon, Issyk-Kul Lake, trekking around Issyk-Kul, Bishkek, Osh city, Torugart Pass (border with China), horse trekking, winter sports (peaks Pobedy, Lenin, Khan-Tengry).

top