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Location
Central Asia, north of Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Time
GMT + 6.
Area
199,900 sq km (77,182 sq miles).
Population
5 million (UN estimate 2003).
Population Density
25.3 per sq km.
Capital
Bishkek (called Frunze from 1926 to 1991). Population: 806,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. The majestic Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) range occupies the greater part of the area. Its highest peak is Pik Pobedy at 7,439m (24,406ft).
Government
Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Head of State
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev since 2005.
Head of Government
Acting Prime Minister Almaz Atambayev since March 2007.
Recent History
Kurmanbek Bakiyev won a landslide presidential election victory in July 2005, promising to root out corruption and to fight poverty. Foreign observers said the poll showed clear progress in democratic standards. He had been acting president since the previous March when alleged government interference in parliamentary elections sparked a wave of protests which culminated in the resignation of the then president, Askar Akayev. Akayev fled to Russia and Bakiyev became acting leader. Unrest has posed a challenge to his authority. Several MPs have been shot since he came to power, force has been used to put down deadly prison riots and there are allegations that the influence of organised crime is increasing.
Language
The official language is Kyrgyz, a Turkic language closely related to Uzbek, Kazakh, Turkmen and Turkish. Any attempt by a foreigner to speak Kyrgyz will be greatly appreciated. In deference to the large Russian population of Kyrgyzstan, Russian is also protected under law. In 1993, the government undertook to replace the Russian Cyrillic Alphabet with the Turkish version of the Roman alphabet. Meanwhile, most people can speak Russian, and do so, especially in the north. English is widely spoken by those involved in tourism. Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik and various other regional languages and dialects are also spoken.
Religion
The major religion is Islam with the majority of Kyrgyz being Sunni Muslim with Christian and Russian Orthodox minorities.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin continental plugs are standard.