Kyrgyzstan (formerly Kirghizia) is a rugged country with the Tien Shan mountain range covering approximately 95% of the whole territory. The mountaintops are perennially covered with snow and glaciers. Kyrgyzstan borders Kazakhstan on the north and northwest, Uzbekistan in the southwest, Tajikistan in the south, and China in the southeast. The republic is the same size in area as the state of Nebraska.
Country lead by President: Kurmanbek Bakiyev (2005)
Prime Minister: Almaz Atambayev (2007)
Population
5,213,898; (Kyrgyz, 52.4%; Russian, 18%; Uzbek, 12.9%; Ukrainian, 2.5%; German, 2.4%; other, 11.8%) (growth rate: 1.3%); birth rate: 22.8/1000; infant mortality rate: 34.5/1000; life expectancy: 68.5; density per sq mi: 68
Land Area
73,861 sq mi (191,300 sq km); total area: 76,641 sq mi (198,500 sq km)
Monetary unit
Som Language
Kyrgyz, Russian (both official)
Ethnicity Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uygur 1%, other 5.7% (1999)
Religion Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uygur 1%, other 5.7% (1999)
Transportation Railways: 420 km (2002). Highways: total: 18,500 km; paved: 16,854 km (including 140 km of expressways); unpaved: 1,646 km (1999 est.). Waterways: 600 km (1990). Ports and harbors: Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye). Airports: 68 (2002).
