The Kyrgyz Republic, more commonly referred to as Kyrgyzstan, is a small country known to travellers for its mountainous terrain, and its culture of nomadic tradition and hospitality.
The Kyrgyz Republic is an amazing mountainous country with a huge number of various attractions of both artificial and natural origin on its’ territory. It is famous for its mountains (Central Tien Shan and Pamir-Alay) with high snowy peaks, every year climbed by hundreds of mountain lovers, picturesque lakes, turbulent rivers, glaciers and endless green forests.
Language: Kyrgyz, Russian
Currency: Som
Capital City: Bishkek
Population: 7 million
History
The first reference to Kyrgyz has been found in Chinese historical chronicles (Sym Tsyan) dated 201 BC. The Kyrgyz Khaganate existed over 740-820 which dominated a significant part of Central Asia and Siberia.
In the XIV century ancient Turkic ethnonym “Kyrgyz” bearers lived in the northeastern boundaries of Mogolistan. Consolidated on the Tien Shan in XV-XVI centuries, the Kyrgyz tribes together with the Mughal tribes formed a united Kyrgyz ethnos. At the same time the Kyrgyz, in alliance with the Kazakhs, acted against the Yarkand Khanate, the Sheibanid State and the Oirat Khanate.
By 18th century the entire territory of modern Kyrgyz Republic came under the Dzungar Khanate sway, and later, in the beginning of the 19th century, became part of the Kokand Khanate.
As a result of the Russian-Kokand war, caused the liquidation of the Kokand Khanate in 1876, the annexation of the territory of modern Kyrgyz Republic to the Russian Empire was completed. In 1916, the Kyrgyz took part in the Central Asian uprising.
The process of national delimitation began after the Soviet regime establishment in Turkestan. In 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous District was formed, later transformed into the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936.
On 30 October 1990, the Kirghiz SSR was renamed to the Socialist Republic of Kyrgyzstan; on 15 December, after declaring its state sovereignty, it was renamed again to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. On 31 August 1991, it transformed into independent Kyrgyz Republic.
Geography and Nature
From 132m above sea level near the Uzbek border to the 7439m Peak Jengish Chokusu, the Kyrgyz Republic packs 7307m of vertical elevation difference into a territory of just less than 200,000 square kilometres. Over 6,500 glaciers are spread across the territory, whose meltwater flows down from the alpine zone through dense forests to the lowland plains – where populations are mainly agrarian communities – eventually flowing into the Syr Darya in Uzbekistan.
The climate of Kyrgyz Republic is determined by its geographic location. The main part of the country is located in a temperate climate zone with a continental type of climate, and only the southern part belongs to the subtropical zone with a continental type of climate.
As Kyrgyz Republic is mountainous country, high-altitude climate zones are distinguished on it’s territory. Climate changes from continental to sea on the territory of Lake Issyk-Kul. All four seasons are clearly defined. In the foothills and valleys, it is hot in summer, and in the highlands it is cool and even cold.
There are more than 6580 glaciers in Kyrgyz Republic with a total area of 8047.8 km². It has significant water resources – 28,000 rivers and streams with a total length 10 km, flowing rapidly along thee mountain ranges and creating hundreds of beautiful waterfalls when falling from a heights. More than 2000 artificial reservoirs and lakes. 90% of all lakes are alpine.
Economy
The industry is represented by energy and extractive sector. There are enterprises in consumer goods industry and food industries. A significant part of agriculture products are exported. Tourism is an important source of income for the Kyrgyz Republic.
The main resources mined at present on the territory of republic are gold (Kumtor reserve), mercury (Khaidarkan deposit), tin and tungsten (Trudovoe deposit).
The share of the Kyrgyz Republic in the total reserves of energy is 0.037% of the world’s total (179 countries), whereas 96,5% of these resources is accounted for by coal.
Key players of the energy sector industry are the following: 1. JSC “National Energy Holding” 2. Hydropower plants of Lower Naryn HPP Cascade
Kyrgyz Republic rural sector is dominated by peasant and household farms.
For 2018, the average salary was 15,778 soms per month, which is $ 230 US dollars. As of 2019, the minimum wage is KGS 1,750 (US $ 25.11) per month. As of 2019, the average salary was 16,478 soms. US $ 235.
The average monthly salary in the Kyrgyz Republic stood at 230 USD in 2018, 25 USD in 2019, and 235 USD in 2020.
People and Culture
While the Kyrgyz comprise nearly three-quarters of the population, the country is home to at least 80 nationalities. The next largest groups are Uzbek (around 15%) and Russian (roughly 5%), but also include Uyghurs, Dungans, and many others.
Important Dates
- Kalpak Day March 5
- International Women’s Day March 8
- Nooruz March 21
- Constitution Day May 5
- Victory Day May 9
- Independence Day August 31
- Days of History and Commemoration of Ancestors November 7-8
Most travellers arrive to the Kyrgyz Republic by air, primarily to Bishkek’s Manas airport (FRU) or to Osh airport (OSS). Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect the country to Istanbul with frequent flights, while Air Arabia and FlyDubai connect regularly to the United Arab Emirates. Other direct flight options include Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China, as well as regular connections to Russia, South Korea and other destinations.
Overland travel is typically possible to all neighbouring countries, with Bishkek to Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Osh to Fergana (Uzbekistan) the most popular. Travellers entering or exiting the country with an e-visa should check which border crossings accept these documents before travel. The Kyrgyz-Tajik border has been closed for overland traffic in 2023 due to longstanding tensions between the two countries.
The weather in the Kyrgyz Republic is usually sunny, it rains on average only about 70 days a year. The climate is continental because Kyrgyz Republic is located far from the oceans. While summers can be quite hot in cities, mountain regions are nearly always cool, even during the hottest months. Winters are cold and snowy, especially high in the mountains. The days are generally much warmer than the nights, but in general, the climate is quite pleasant, with four distinct seasons.
In Bishkek, winters are mostly sunny, but often with fogs and snowstorms. The average daily maximum in winter reaches 3°C. In spring, the weather in the Kyrgyz Republic is usually mild, with the first really hot days in May and June. Summer’s average temperatures is 31°C, but it can rise to 45°C.
Discover Kyrgyz Republic’s best Destinations on each Season
Citizens of 78 countries are eligible to enter the Kyrgyz Republic for at least 30 days, with the majority of the remainder eligible for simplified e-visas in advance of their arrival.
Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyzstan: https://mfa.gov.kg/ru/osnovnoe-menyu/konsulskie-uslugi/konsulskie-vizovye-voprosy/izovye-i-bezvizovye-rezhimy
No vaccinations are required to enter the Kyrgyz Republic, though travellers intending to spend time in remote regions might consider arranging vaccines for bubonic plague in advance.
Official website of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic: http://med.kg/ru/
According to the Government’s Resolution “On issues on vehicles, installations and equipment registration” dated June 23, 2017 No. 407, the following articles are subject to mandatory performance:
- https://www.gov.kg/ru/npa/s/236
- Citizens of Vienna Convention member states temporarily staying in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic have the right to drive motor vehicles with a national driver’s license issued in a foreign country and meeting the requirements of the above Convention.
- A foreign person holding a national driving license of a foreign state that does not meet the requirements of the stated Convention must have an international driving license aside of the national driving license.
