Kyrgyzstan 170131 225435322 2008-07-13T18:03:18Z Cherry blossom tree 92624 Revert to revision 224921194 dated 2008-07-11 00:35:33 by Gimme danger using [[:en:Wikipedia:Tools/Navigation_popups|popups]] {{tooshort}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = Кыргыз Республикасы<br/>''Kyrgyz Respublikasi''<br/>Кыргызская Республика<br/>''Kyrgyzskaya Respublika'' |conventional_long_name = '''Kyrgyz Republic''' |common_name = Kyrgyzstan |image_flag = Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg |image_coat = National emblem of Kyrgyzstan.svg |national_motto = none |national_anthem = [[National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic|National Anthem of the Kyrgyz&nbsp;Republic]] |image_map = LocationKyrgyzstan.svg |official_languages = [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]], [[Russian language|Russian]]<REF>{{cite web | url= http://www.gov.kg/index.php?name=EZCMS&menu=3403&page_id=84 | title= Constitution | accessdate= 2007-07-07 | publisher= [[Government of Kyrgyzstan]] | quote= <BR>Article 5<BR>1. The state language of the Kyrgyz Republic shall be the Kyrgyz language.<BR>2. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian language shall be used in the capacity of an official language.}}</ref> |demonym = Kyrgyz<br/>Kyrgyzstani<ref name="factbook">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kg.html CIA World Factbook entry on Kyrgysztan]</ref> |government_type = [[Republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Kyrgyzstan|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Igor Chudinov]] |capital = [[Bishkek]] |latd = 42 |latm = 52 |latNS = N |longd = 74 |longm = 36 |longEW = E |largest_city = capital |area_km2 = 199,900 |area_sq_mi = 77,181 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |area_magnitude = 1 E11 |area_rank = 86th |percent_water = 3.6 |population_estimate = 5,264,000 <!--UN WPP--> |population_estimate_year = July 2005 |population_estimate_rank = 111th |population_census = 4,896,100 |population_census_year = 1999 |population_density_km2 = 26 |population_density_sq_mi = 67 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 176th |GDP_PPP_year = 2005 |GDP_PPP = $10.764 billion <!--IMF--> |GDP_PPP_rank = 134th |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $2,150 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 140th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI = {{decrease}} 0.696 |HDI_rank = 116th |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |Gini = 30.3 |Gini_year = 2003 |Gini_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |sovereignty_type = [[History of the Soviet Union (1985-1991)|Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from the [[Soviet Union]] |established_event1 = Declared |established_date1 = [[31 August]] [[1991]] |established_event2 = Completed |established_date2 = [[25 December]] [[1991]] |currency = [[Kyrgyzstani Som|Som]] |currency_code = KGS |time_zone = [[Kyrgyzstan Time|KGT]] |utc_offset = +6 |time_zone_DST = |utc_offset_DST = |cctld = [[.kg]] |calling_code = 996 |footnotes = }} '''Kyrgyzstan''' ({{pronEng|ˈkɻ̩gɪztɑn}} (AmE) or {{IPA|/'kɝgəztan/}} (BrE), [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]]: Кыргызстан {{IPA|[qɯrʀɯzˈstɑn]}}; [[Russian language|Russian]]: Киргизия {{IPA|[kirˈgizija]}} or Киргизстан {{IPA|[ˈkirgistan]}} or Кыргызстан {{IPA|[ˈkˠɨrgˠɨz.stan]}}, variously [[transliteration|transliterated]], also '''Kirgizia''' or '''Kirghizia'''), officially the '''Kyrgyz Republic''', is a country in [[Central Asia]]. [[Landlocked]] and mountainous, it is bordered by [[Kazakhstan]] to the north, [[Uzbekistan]] to the west, [[Tajikistan]] to the southwest and [[People's Republic of China|China]] to the east. == History == {{main|History of Kyrgyzstan}} ===Early history=== According to recent historical findings, [[Kyrgyz]] history dates back to 201 BC. The early [[Kyrgyz]] lived in the upper [[Yenisey River]] valley, central [[Siberia]]. The discovery of the [[Pazyryk]] and [[Tashtyk culture]]s show them as a blend of Turkic nomadic tribes. Chinese and Muslim sources of the 7th–12th centuries AD describe the Kyrgyz as red-haired, in addition, blond-haired with a fair complexion and green or blue eyes. The descent of the [[Kyrgyz]] from the [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]] [[Siberian]] population is confirmed on the other hand by recent genetic studies.<ref>[http://hpgl.stanford.edu/publications/PNAS_2001_v98_p10244.pdf The Eurasian Heartland: A continental perspective on Y-chromosome diversity]</ref> Remarkably, 63% of the modern Kyrgyz men share [[Haplogroup R1a1 (Y-DNA)]] with [[Tajiks]] (64%), [[Ukrainians]] (54%), [[Poles]] (56%) and even [[Icelandic people|Icelanders]] (25%). [[Haplogroup R1a1 (Y-DNA)]] is believed to be a marker of the [[Proto-Indo-European language]] speakers. The [[Kyrgyz]] state reached its greatest expansion after defeating the [[Uyghur people|Uyghur]] Khanate in 840 A.D. Then [[Kyrgyz]] quickly moved as far as the [[Tian Shan]] range and maintained their dominance over this territory for about 200 years. In the 12th century, however, the [[Kyrgyz]] domination had shrunk to the [[Altay]] Range and the [[Sayan Mountains]] as a result of the rising [[Mongol]] expansion. With the rise of the [[Mongol Empire]] in the 13th century, the [[Kyrgyz]] migrated south. ===Russian influence=== In the early 19th century, the southern part of what is today Kyrgyzstan came under the control of the [[Khanate of Kokand]]. The territory, then known in Russian as "Kirgizia", was formally incorporated into the [[Russian Empire]] in 1876. The Russian takeover was met with numerous revolts against tsarist authority, and many of the Kyrgyz opted to move to the [[Pamirs]] and [[Afghanistan]]. In addition, the suppression of the 1916 rebellion in [[Central Asia]] caused many Kyrgyz to migrate to [[China]]. Since many ethnic groups in the region were (and still are) split between neighbouring states, at a time when borders were more porous and less regulated, it was common to move back and forth over the mountains, depending on where life was perceived as better; this might mean better rains for pasture or better government after oppression. ===Soviet era=== [[Image:Bischkek.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bishkek]]]] [[Image:E7901-Bishkek-museum-Lenin-carpet.jpg|thumb|right|Displays in the former Lenin Museum (now part of the National Museum) celebrated Kyrgyzstan's membership in the Soviet Union]] Soviet power was initially established in the region in 1919 and the [[Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast]] was created within the [[Russian SFSR]] (the term Kara-Kirghiz was used until the mid-1920s by the Russians to distinguish them from the Kazakhs, who were also referred to as Kirghiz). On [[December 5]], [[1936]], the [[Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic]] was established as a full republic of the [[Soviet Union]]. During the 1920s, Kyrgyzstan developed considerably in cultural, educational, and social life. [[Literacy]] was greatly improved, and a standard literary language was introduced by imposing Russian on the populace. Economic and social development also was notable. Many aspects of the Kyrgyz national culture were retained despite the suppression of nationalist activity under [[Stalin]], and, therefore, tensions with the all-Union authorities were constant. The early years of [[glasnost]] had little effect on the political climate in Kyrgyzstan. However, the Republic's press was permitted to adopt a more liberal stance and to establish a new publication, ''Literaturny Kirghizstan'', by the Union of Writers. Unofficial political groups were forbidden, but several groups that emerged in 1989 to deal with the acute housing crisis were permitted to function. In June 1990, ethnic tensions between [[Uzbeks]] and Kyrgyz surfaced in the [[Osh Oblast]], where Uzbeks form a majority of the population. Violent confrontations ensued, and a state of emergency and curfew were introduced. Order was not restored until August 1990.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} The early 1990s brought considerable change to Kyrgyzstan. By then, the Kyrgyzstan Democratic Movement (KDM) had developed into a significant political force with support in Parliament. In an upset victory, [[Askar Akayev]], the liberal President of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences, was elected to the Presidency in October 1990. The following January, Akayev introduced new government structures and appointed a new government composed mainly of younger, reform-oriented politicians. In December 1990, the Supreme Soviet voted to change the republic's name to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. (In 1993, it became the Kyrgyz Republic.) In February 1991, the name of the capital, Frunze, was changed back to its prerevolutionary name of [[Bishkek]]. Despite these aesthetic moves toward independence, economic realities seemed to work against secession from the Soviet Union. In a referendum on the preservation of the Soviet Union in March 1991, 88.7% of the voters approved the proposal to retain the Soviet Union as a "renewed federation." On [[August 19]], [[1991]], when the [[State Emergency Committee]] assumed power in [[Moscow]], there was an attempt to depose Akayev in Kyrgyzstan. After the coup collapsed the following week, Akayev and Vice President German Kuznetsov announced their resignations from the [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] (CPSU), and the entire bureau and secretariat resigned. This was followed by the Supreme Soviet vote declaring independence from the Soviet Union on [[August 31]], [[1991]]. ===Independence=== In October 1991, Akayev ran unopposed and was elected president of the new independent Republic by direct ballot, receiving 95% of the votes cast. Together with the representatives of seven other Republics that same month, he signed the Treaty of the New Economic Community. Finally, on [[December 21]], [[1991]], Kyrgyzstan joined with the other four Central Asian Republics to formally enter the new [[Commonwealth of Independent States]]. In 1992, Kyrgyzstan joined the [[UN]] and the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|CSCE]]. The "[[Tulip Revolution]]," after the parliamentary elections in March 2005, forced President Akayev's resignation on [[April 4]], [[2005]]. Opposition leaders formed a coalition and a new government was formed under President [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]] and Prime Minister [[Feliks Kulov]]. The nation's capital was also looted during the protests. Political stability appears to be elusive, however, as various groups and factions allegedly linked to [[organized crime]] are jockeying for power. Three of the 75 members of Parliament elected in March 2005 were assassinated, and another member was assassinated on [[10 May]] [[2006]] shortly after winning his murdered brother's seat in a by-election. All four are reputed to have been directly involved in major illegal business ventures. Current concerns in Kyrgyzstan include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, inter-ethnic relations, and terrorism. == Politics == {{main|Politics of Kyrgyzstan}} [[Image:Kurmanbek Bakiyev.jpg|thumb|left|250px|President [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]]]] The 1993 constitution defines the form of government as a democratic republic. The executive branch includes a president and prime minister. The parliament currently is unicameral. The judicial branch comprises a Supreme Court, a Constitutional Court, local courts, and a Chief Prosecutor. In March 2002, in the southern district of [[Aksy]], five people protesting the arbitrary arrest of an opposition politician were shot dead by police, sparking nationwide protests. President Akayev initiated a constitutional reform process which initially included the participation of a broad range of government, civil, and social representatives in an open dialogue, leading to a February 2003 referendum marred by voting irregularities. The amendments to the constitution approved by the referendum resulted in stronger control by the president and weakened the parliament and the Constitutional Court. Parliamentary elections for a new, 75-seat unicameral legislature were held on February 27 and March 13, 2005, but were widely viewed as corrupt. The subsequent protests led to a bloodless [[coup]] on March 24, after which Akayev fled the country and was replaced by acting president [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]]. (see: [[Tulip Revolution]]). Interim government leaders are developing a new governing structure for the country and working to resolve outstanding constitutional issues. On [[July 10]], [[2005]], acting president Bakiyev won the [[Kyrgyz presidential election, 2005|presidential election]] in a landslide, with 88.9% of the vote, and was inaugurated on [[14 August]]. However, initial public support for the new administration substantially declined in subsequent months as a result of its apparent inability to solve the corruption problems that have plagued the country since its independence from the Soviet Union, along with the murders of several members of parliament. Largescale protests against president Bakiyev took place in Bishkek in April and November of 2006, with opposition leaders accusing the president of failing to live up to his election promises to reform the country's constitution and transfer many of his presidential powers to parliament. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6124428.stm | title = Clashes erupt in Kyrgyz capital | accessdaymonth = 21 November |accessyear = 2007 |publisher = BBC Online}}</ref> == Provinces and districts == {{main|Provinces of Kyrgyzstan|Raions of Kyrgyzstan}} Kyrgyzstan is divided into seven [[province]]s (sing. ''[[oblast]]'' (область), pl. ''oblasttar'' (областтар)) administered by appointed governors. The capital, [[Bishkek]], and the second large city [[Osh]] are administratively the [[independent city|independent cities]] (''shaar'') with a status equal to a province. [[Image:Kyrgyzstan provinces map.png|thumb|right|350px|Provinces of Kyrgyzstan]] The provinces, and independent cities, are as follows: #[[Bishkek|Bishkek (city)]] #[[Batken Province|Batken]] #[[Chui Province|Chui]] #[[Jalal-Abad Province|Jalal-Abad]] #[[Naryn Province|Naryn]] #[[Osh Province|Osh (province)]] #[[Talas Province|Talas]] #[[Issyk Kul Province|Issyk-Kul]] #[[Osh|Osh (city)]] Each province comprises a number of districts (''[[raion]]s''), administered by government-appointed officials (''akim''). Rural communities (''ayıl ökmötü''), consisting of up to twenty small settlements, have their own elected [[mayor]]s and [[Local Government|councils]]. == Geography == [[Image:Kyrgyzstan.png|thumb|right|Map of Kyrgyzstan]] [[Image:Al-aksa range in Kirgistan.jpg|thumb|right|Ala Archa gorge near Bishkek]] [[Image:KyrgyzAlatauMtns Kyrgyzstan.jpg|thumb|right]] {{main|Geography of Kyrgyzstan}} Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in [[Central Asia]], bordering [[Kazakhstan]], [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[Tajikistan]] and [[Uzbekistan]]. The mountainous region of the [[Tian Shan]] covers over 80% of the country (Kyrgyzstan is occasionally referred to as "the [[Switzerland]] of Central Asia", as a result <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/GC26Ag03.html | title = The Tulip Revolution takes root | first = Pepe | last = Escobar | accessdaymonth = 21 November | accessyear = 2007 |publisher = Asia Times Online}}</ref>), with the remainder made up of valleys and basins. Lake [[Issyk-Kul]] in the north-western Tian Shan is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second largest mountain lake in the world after [[Titicaca]]. The highest peaks are in the Kakshaal-Too range, forming the Chinese border. [[Peak Jengish Chokusu]], at 24,400 feet (7,439 m), is the highest point and is considered by geologists (though not mountaineers) to be the northernmost 23,000&nbsp;[[foot(unit of length)|foot]] (7,000&nbsp;m) peak in the world. Heavy snowfall in winter leads to spring floods which often cause serious damage downstream. The runoff from the mountains is also used for [[hydro-electricity]]. The climate varies regionally. The south-western [[Fergana Valley]] is [[subtropical climate|subtropical]] and extremely hot in summer, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F.) The northern foothills are [[temperate climate|temperate]] and the Tian Shan varies from dry [[continental climate|continental]] to [[polar climate]], depending on elevation. In the coldest areas temperatures are sub-zero for around 40 days in winter, and even some desert areas experience constant snowfall in this period. Kyrgyzstan has significant deposits of metals including [[gold]] and [[rare earth element|rare earth metal]]s. Due to the country's predominantly mountainous terrain, less than 8% of the land is cultivated, and this is concentrated in the northern lowlands and the fringes of the Fergana Valley. [[Bishkek]] in the north is the capital and largest city, with approximately 900,000 inhabitants (as of 2005). The second city is the ancient town of [[Osh]], located in the Fergana Valley near the border with Uzbekistan. The principal river is the [[Naryn River|Naryn]], flowing west through the Fergana Valley into Uzbekistan, where it meets another of Kyrgyzstan's major rivers, the [[Kara Darya]], forming the [[Syr Darya]] which eventually flows into the [[Aral Sea]] &mdash; although the massive extraction of water for irrigating Uzbekistan's cotton fields now causes the river to dry up long before reaching the Sea. The [[Chu River]] also briefly flows through Kyrgyzstan before entering Kazakhstan. === Enclaves and exclaves === There is one [[Enclave and exclave|exclave]], the tiny village of Barak, Kyrgyzstan<ref>http://home.no.net/enklaver/kyrgyzstan.htm</ref>, (population 627) in the [[Fergana]] valley. The village is surrounded by Uzbek territory and located between the towns of [[Margilan]] and Fergana. There are four Uzbek [[Enclave and exclave|enclave]]s within Kyrgyzstan. Two of them are the towns of [[Sokh]] (area 125&nbsp;sq.&nbsp;mi/325 km² and a population of 42,800 in 1993, although some estimates go as high as 70,000; 99% are Tajiks, the remainder Uzbeks), and [[Shakhrimardan]] (also known as Shakirmardon or Shah-i-Mardan, area 35&nbsp;sq.&nbsp;mi/90 km² and a population of 5,100 in 1993; 91% are Uzbeks, the remainder Kyrgyz); the other two are the tiny territories of Chuy-Kara (or Kalacha, roughly 3 km long by 1 km wide or 2 [[mile|mi]] by 0.6 mi) and Dzhangail (a dot of land barely 2 or 3 km across). Chuy-Kara is on the Sokh river, between the Uzbek border and the Sokh enclave. There also are two enclaves belonging to [[Tajikistan]]: [[Vorukh]] (exclave area between 95 and 130 km² [37&ndash;50&nbsp;sq.&nbsp;mi], population estimated between 23,000 and 29,000, 95% Tajiks and 5% Kyrgyz, distributed among 17 villages), located 45 kilometres (28&nbsp;mi) south of [[Isfara]] on the right bank of the [[Karafshin]] river, and a small settlement near the Kyrgyz railway station of [[Kairagach]]. == Economy == {{main|Economy of Kyrgyzstan}} Despite the backing of major Western lenders, including the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF), the [[World Bank]] and the [[Asian Development Bank]], Kyrgyzstan has had economic difficulties following independence. Initially, these were a result of the breakup of the Soviet trading bloc and resulting loss of markets, which impeded the republic's transition to a free market economy. The government has reduced expenditures, ended most price subsidies, and introduced a [[value-added tax]]. Overall, the government appears committed to the transition to a [[market economy]]. Through economic stabilization and reform, the government seeks to establish a pattern of long-term consistent growth. Reforms led to Kyrgyzstan's accession to the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) on [[December 20]], 1998. The Kyrgyz economy was severely affected by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the resulting loss of its vast market. In 1990, some 98% of Kyrgyz exports went to other parts of the Soviet Union. Thus, the nation's economic performance in the early 1990s was worse than any other former Soviet republic except war-torn [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]], and [[Tajikistan]], as factories and state farms collapsed with the disappearance of their traditional markets in the former Soviet Union. While economic performance has improved considerably in the last few years, and particularly since 1998, difficulties remain in securing adequate [[Fiscal Policy|fiscal]] revenues and providing an adequate [[social safety net]]. [[Agriculture]] is an important sector of the economy in Kyrgyzstan (see [[agriculture in Kyrgyzstan]]). By the early 1990s, the private agricultural sector provided between one-third and one-half of some harvests. In 2002 agriculture accounted for 35.6% of GDP and about half of employment. Kyrgyzstan's terrain is mountainous, which accommodates [[livestock]] raising, the largest agricultural activity, so the resulting [[wool]], [[meat]], and [[dairy product]]s are major commodities. Main crops include [[wheat]], [[sugar beets]], [[potatoes]], [[cotton]], [[tobacco]], [[vegetables]], and [[fruit]]. As the prices of imported [[agrichemicals]] and [[petroleum]] are so high, much farming is being done by hand and by horse, as it was generations ago. Agricultural processing is a key component of the industrial economy, as well as one of the most attractive sectors for foreign investment. Kyrgyzstan is rich in mineral resources but has negligible [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]] reserves; it imports petroleum and gas. Among its mineral reserves are substantial deposits of [[coal]], [[gold]], [[uranium]], [[antimony]], and other valuable metals. [[Metallurgy]] is an important industry, and the government hopes to attract foreign investment in this field. The government has actively encouraged foreign involvement in extracting and processing gold. The country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of [[hydroelectric energy]]. On a local level, the economy is primarily kiosk in nature. A large amount of local commerce occurs at bazaars and small village kiosks. Commodities such as gas (petrol) are often sold road-side in gallon jugs. A significant amount of trade is unregulated. There is also a scarcity of common everyday consumer items in remote villages. Thus a large number of homes are quite self-sufficient with respect to food production. There is a distinct differentiation between urban and rural economies. The principal exports are nonferrous metals and minerals, woolen goods and other agricultural products, electric energy, and certain engineering goods. Imports include petroleum and natural gas, ferrous metals, chemicals, most machinery, wood and paper products, some foods, and some construction materials. Its leading trade partners include [[Germany]], [[Russia]], and neighboring [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Uzbekistan]]. == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Kyrgyzstan}} ''The World Almanac 2005'' reported that Kyrgyzstan's population is slightly more than five million, estimating it at 5,081,429. Of those, 34.4% are under the age of 15 and 6.2% are over the age of 65. The country is [[rural]]; only about one-third (33.9%) of Kyrgyzstan's population live in urban areas. The average [[population density]] is 69 people per square mile<!--spelled out per WP:MOSNUM--> (29 people per km²). [[Image:GravesKyrgizstan.jpg|thumb|right|Traditional graves]] The nation's largest [[ethnic group]] is the [[Kyrgyz]], a [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] people. The Kyrgyz comprise 69.5% of the population and have historically been semi-[[nomad]]ic herders, living in round tents called [[yurt]]s and tending [[sheep]], [[horse]]s and [[yak]]s. This nomadic tradition continues to function seasonally (see [[transhumance]]) as herding families return to the high mountain pasture (or ''jailoo'') in the summer. The retention of this nomadic heritage and the freedoms that it assumes continue to have an impact on the political atmosphere in the country. The name Kyrgyz, both for the people and for the nation itself, is said to mean "forty girls", a reference to the [[Manas]] of [[folklore]] unifying forty tribes against the [[Mongols]]. Other ethnic groups include [[Russians|ethnic Russians]] (9.0%) concentrated in the North and [[Uzbeks]] (14.5%) living in the South. Small but noticeable minorities include [[Tatars]] (1.9), [[Uyghur people|Uyghurs]] (1.1%), [[Tajiks]] (1.1%),[[Kazakhs]] (0.7%) and [[Ukrainians]] (0.5%), and other smaller ethnic minorities (1.7%). Of the formerly sizable [[Volga German]] community, exiled here by [[Stalin]] from their earlier homes in the [[Volga German Republic]], most have returned to [[Germany]], and only a few small groups remain. A small percentage of the population are also [[Soviet Koreans]], meaning descendents of the former [[Korea]]n residents of [[Vladivostok]], whom [[Stalin]] had exiled to Central Asia (and the [[Caucasus]]) during the [[Second World War]]. [[Image:Pyramide Kirghizistan.PNG|thumb|left|]] {{clear}} ==Languages== Kyrgyzstan is one of two of the five former Soviet republics in Central Asia to retain [[Russian language|Russian]] as an [[official language]] ([[Kazakhstan]] is the other country to retain [[Russian language|Russian]]). It added the [[Kyrgyz language]] to become an officially bilingual country in September 1991. This sent a clear signal to the ethnic Russians that they were welcome in the new independent state, in an effort to avoid a [[brain drain]]. [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]] is a member of the [[Turkic languages|Turkic group]] of languages and was written in the [[Arabic alphabet]] until the 20th century. [[Latin alphabet|Latin script]] was introduced and adopted in 1928, and was subsequently replaced by [[Cyrillic alphabet#Kyrgyz|Cyrillic script]] in 1941. Generally, people all over the country understand and speak Russian, except for some remote mountain areas. Russian is the mother tongue of the majority of Bishkek dwellers, and most business and political affairs are carried out in this language. Until recently, Kyrgyz remained a language spoken at home, and was rarely used during meetings or other events. However, most parliamentary meetings today are conducted in Kyrgyz, with simultaneous interpretation available for those not speaking Kyrgyz. == Culture == {{main|Culture of Kyrgyzstan}} [[Image:Kyrgyz Musicians in Karakol.jpg|thumb|right|Musicians]] * ''[[Manas (epic)|Manas]]'', an [[epic poem]] * ''[[Komuz]]'', a three-stringed lute * ''[[Tush kyiz]]'', large, elaborately embroidered wall hangings * ''[[Shirdak]]'', flat cushions made in shadow-pairs <ref>[http://www.kyrgyzstyle.kg/production/shirdaks/index.htm Kyrgyz Style - Production - Souvenirs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> * other [[textiles]], especially made from [[felt]] * [[Falconry]] ===Traditions=== Illegal, but still practiced, is the tradition of [[bride kidnapping]]. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/kyrgyzstan/thestory.html | title = Synopsis of ''"The Kidnapped Bride"'' | first = Petr | last = Lom | accessdaymonth = 21 November | accessyear = 2007 | publisher = Frontline/World}}</ref> It is debatable whether bride kidnapping is actually traditional. Some of the confusion may stem from the fact that [[arranged marriage]]s were traditional, and one of the ways to escape an arranged marriage was to arrange a consensual "kidnapping." <ref>Human Rights Watch Report "Reconciled to Violence: State Failure to Stop Domestic Abuse and Abduction of Women in Kyrgyzstan" published September 2006, Vol. 18, No.9.</ref> === Religion === {{See also|Islam in Kyrgyzstan}} [[Image:Karakol-Dungan-Mosque-Exterior-1.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Karakol]] [[Dungan]] Mosque]] During Soviet times, [[state atheism]] was encouraged. Today, however, Kyrgyzstan is a [[secular state]] though [[Islam]] has exerted growing influence in politics.<ref name=isn>[http://www.isn.ethz.ch/news/sw/details.cfm?ID=18147 ISN Security Watch - Islam exerts growing influence on Kyrgyz politics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. For instance, there have been various attempts to decriminalize [[polygamy]], and to arrange for officials to travel on ''[[hajj]]'' (the pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]) under a tax-free arrangement.<ref name=isn/> Kyrgyzstan is an overwhelmingly [[Sunni Muslim]] nation, and adheres to the [[Hanafi|Hanafi school]] of thought. <ref>[http://www.canadiancontent.net/profiles/Kyrgyzstan.html Kyrgyzstan - Quick facts, statistics and cultural notes<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> While [[Islam in Kyrgyzstan]] is more of a cultural background than a devout daily practice for many, public figures have expressed support for restoring religious values. For example, [[human rights]] ombudsman Tursunbay Bakir-Ulu noted, "In this era of independence, it is not surprising that there has been a return to spiritual roots not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in other post-communist republics. It would be immoral to develop a market-based society without an ethical dimension."<ref name=isn/> Additionally, [[Bermet Akayeva]], the daughter of [[Askar Akayev]], the former President of Kyrgyzstan, stated during a July 2007 interview that Islam is increasingly taking root across the nation.<ref>[http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav071707a.shtml EurasiaNet Civil Society - Kyrgyzstan: Time to Ponder a Federal System - Ex-President's Daughter<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> She emphasized that many [[mosques]] have been built and that the Kyrgyz are increasingly devoting themselves to Islam, which she noted was "not a bad thing in itself. It keeps our society more moral, cleaner."<ref>[http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav071707a.shtml EurasiaNet Civil Society - Kyrgyzstan: Time to Ponder a Federal System - Ex-President's Daughter<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The other faiths practiced in Kyrgyzstan include [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodox]] and [[Ukrainian Orthodox Church|Ukrainian Orthodox]] versions of [[Christianity]], practiced primarily by [[Russians]] and [[Ukrainians]] respectively. A small minority of Germans are Protestant Christians, mostly [[Lutheran Church|Lutherans]] and [[Baptist]]s.<ref>[http://www.asia.msu.edu/centralasia/Kyrgyzstan/religion.html Religion in Kyrgyzstan]</ref> A few [[Animism|Animistic]] traditions survive, as do influences from [[Buddhism]] such as the tying of [[prayer flag]]s onto sacred trees, though some view this practice rooted within [[Sufi]] Islam.<ref>Shaikh Muhmmad bin Jamil Zeno, Muhammad Bin Jamil Zeno - 2006, pg. 264</ref> There are also a small number of [[Bukharian Jews]] living in Kyrgyzstan, but during the collapse of the [[Soviet Union]] most fled to other countries, mainly the [[United States]] and [[Israel]]. ===Flag=== The 40-rayed yellow sun in the center of the flag represents 40 warriors of the mythical hero [[Manas]]. The lines inside the sun represent the crown or ''[[tündük]]'' (Kyrgyz түндүк) of a [[yurt]], a symbol replicated in many facets of Kyrgyz architecture. The red portion of the flag represents peace and openness of Kyrgyzstan. {{-}} ===Education=== [[Image:Auca.jpg|thumb|right|[[American University of Central Asia]]]] Educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan include: * [[University of Central Asia]] * [[American University of Central Asia]] * [[Bishkek Humanities University]] * [[International Ataturk-Alatoo University]] <ref>[http://www.iaau.edu.kg International Ataturk-Alatoo University]</ref> * [[International University of Kyrgyzstan]] * [[Kyrgyz National University]] <ref>[http://www.university.kg Kyrgyz National University]</ref> * [[Arabaev Kyrgyz State University]] <ref>[http://www.geocities.com/kyrgyzeducation Arabaev Kyrgyz State University]</ref> * [[Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University]] <ref>[http://www.krsu.edu.kg Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University]</ref> * [[Kyrgyz-Russian State University]] * [[Kyrgyz-Turkish MANAS University]] <ref>[http://www.manas.kg Kyrgyz-Turkish MANAS University]</ref> * [[Kyrgyz Uzbek University]] * [[Moskov Institute of Law and Enterprise]] * [[Osh State University]] <ref>[http://www.oshsu.kg Osh State University]</ref> * [[Osh Technological University]] ===Horse riding=== The traditional national sports reflect the importance of [[horse riding]] in Kyrgyz culture. Very popular, as in all of Central Asia, is ''[[Buzkashi|Ulak Tartysh]]'', a [[team sports|team game]] resembling a cross between [[polo]] and [[Rugby football|rugby]] in which two teams of riders wrestle for possession of the headless carcass of a goat, which they attempt to deliver across the opposition's goal line, or into the opposition's goal: a big tub or a circle marked on the ground. Other popular games on horseback include: * ''Aht Chabysh'' - a long-distance horse race, sometimes over a distance of more than 50 km * ''Jumby Atmai'' - a large bar of precious metal (the "jumby") is tied to a pole by a thread and contestants attempt to break the thread by shooting at it, while at a gallop * ''Kyz Kuumai'' - a man chases a girl in order to win a kiss from her, while she gallops away; if he is not successful she may beat him with her "kamchi" (horsewhip) * ''Oodarysh'' - two contestants wrestle on horseback, each attempting to be the first to throw the other from his horse * ''Tyin Enmei'' - picking up a coin from the ground at full gallop ==Transport== [[Image:E8102-Bishkek-West-Bus-Terminal.jpg|thumb|right|Bishkek West Bus Terminal]] {{main|Transport in Kyrgyzstan}} Transport in Kyrgyzstan is severely constrained by the country's alpine topography. Roads have to snake up steep valleys, cross passes of 3,000 metre (9,000 ft) altitude and more, and are subject to frequent mud slides and snow avalanches. Winter travel is close to impossible in many of the more remote and high-altitude regions. Additional problems are due to the fact that many roads and railway lines built during the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] period are today intersected by international boundaries, requiring time-consuming border formalities to cross where they are not completely closed. [[Horse]]s are still a much-used transport option, especially in more rural areas; Kyrgyzstan's road infrastructure is not extensive, so horses are able to reach locations that motor vehicles cannot, and they do not require expensive, imported [[fuel]]. === Airports === At the end of the Soviet period there were about 50 airports and airstrips in Kyrgyzstan, many of them built primarily to serve military purposes in this border region so close to China. Only a few of them remain in service today. * [[Manas Airport]] near [[Bishkek]] is the main international airport, with services to [[Moscow]], [[Tashkent]], [[Urumqi]], [[Istanbul]], [[Baku]], [[Delhi]] and [[London]]. * [[Osh Airport]] is the main air terminal in the South, with daily connections to Bishkek. * [[Jalal-Abad]] Airport is linked to Bishkek by two flights per week. * Other facilities built during the Soviet era are either closed down, used only occasionally or restricted to military use (e.g., [[Kant, Kyrgyzstan|Kant]] airbase, now a Russian air base near Bishkek) ===Railways=== The Chui valley in the north and the Ferghana valley in the south were endpoints of the [[Soviet Union]]'s rail system in Central Asia. Following the emergence of independent post-Soviet states, the rail lines which were built without regard for administrative boundaries have been cut by borders, and traffic is therefore severely curtailed. The small bits of rail lines within Kyrgyzstan, about 370 km (1,520 mm broad gauge) in total, have little economic value in the absence of the former bulk traffic over long distances to and from such centers as [[Tashkent]], [[Almaty]] and the cities of Russia. There are vague plans about extending rail lines from [[Balykchy]] in the north and/or from [[Osh]] in the south into the [[People's Republic of China]], but the cost of construction would be enormous. ==== Rail links with adjacent countries ==== * [[Transport in Kazakhstan|Kazakhstan]] - yes - [[Bishkek]] branch - same gauge * [[Transport in Uzbekistan|Uzbekistan]] - yes - [[Osh]] branch - same gauge * [[Transport in Tajikistan|Tajikistan]] - no - same gauge * [[Transport in China|China]] - no - [[Break of gauge]] 1524mm/1435mm ===Highways=== [[Image:Osh182.jpg|thumb|left|A road in Osh]] With support from the [[Asian Development Bank]], a major road linking the north and southwest from [[Bishkek]] to [[Osh]] has recently been completed. This considerably eases communication between the two major population centers of the country -- the [[Chui]] Valley in the north and the [[Fergana Valley]] in the South. An offshoot of this road branches off across a 3,500 meter [[mountain pass|pass]] into the [[Talas]] Valley in the northwest. Plans are now being formulated to build a major road from Osh into the [[People's Republic of China]]. ''total:'' 30,300 km (including 140 km of expressways) <br>''paved:'' 22,600 km (includes some all-weather gravel-surfaced roads) <br>''unpaved:'' 7,700 km (these roads are made of unstabilized earth and are difficult to negotiate in wet weather) (1990) ===Pipelines=== [[Natural gas]] 200 km ===Waterways=== Water transport exists only on Lake [[Issyk Kul]], and has drastically shrunk since the end of the Soviet Union. ===Ports and harbours=== [[Balykchy]] (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye), on Lake Issyk Kul. == Further reading == [[Image:Issyk Kul at sundown.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Issyk Kul]] Lake]] * ''Historical Dictionary of Kyrgyzstan'' by Rafis Abazov * ''Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia's Island of Democracy?'' by John Anderson * ''Kyrgyzstan: The Growth and Influence of Islam in the Nations of Asia and Central Asia'' by Daniel E. Harmon * ''Lonely Planet Guide: Central Asia'' by Paul Clammer, Michael Kohn and Bradley Mayhew * ''Odyssey Guide: Kyrgyz Republic'' by Ceri Fairclough, Rowan Stewart and Susie Weldon * ''Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?'' by Ted Rall * ''Kyrgyzstan: Traditions of Nomads'' by V. Kadyrov, Rarity Ltd., Bishkek, 2005. ISBN 9-967-424-42-7 == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == {{sisterlinks|Kyrgyzstan}} '''Government''' *[http://www.gov.kg/ Government of Kyrgyzstan] official site *[http://www.president.kg/ President of the Kyrgyz Republic] *[http://www.mvtp.kg/ Kyrgyzstan Ministry of External Trade and Industry] *[http://www.ktr.kg/tv/en/ Kyrgyz State Television and Radio] *[http://www.local.gov.kg/ Local government] Official website (in Russian) '''Overviews''' *[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kg.html CIA World Factbook - ''Kyrgystan''] *[http://www.kyrgyzreport.com KyrgyzReport.com] ongoing analysis, including an analysis of the clusters of political forces in Kyrgyzstan and the roots of the country’s political problems *[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Asia/Kyrgyzstan Open Directory Project - ''Kyrgyzstan''] directory category '''News''' *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1296485.stm BBC News - ''Kyrgystan''] Country Profile *[http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/kyrgyzstan/hypermail/news/index.shtml Eurasianet - Kyrgyzstan Daily Digest] news '''Photos''' *[http://www.highmountaintrip.com/gallery.html '''Photos of Kyrgyzstan'''] *[http://barthphoto.com/Kyrgyzstan.htm Photos of traditional life in Kyrgyzstan] *[http://www.uni-graz.at/franz.koelbl/kirgisien/ Photo gallery and information about Kyrgyzstan] - in German *[http://www.avalon.kg/tourism/en/sightseeing.html Nature of Kyrgyzstan] '''Other links''' *[http://www.commonlanguageproject.net/?page_id=41#Kyrgyzstan Common Language Project Country Fact Sheet - Kyrgyzstan] *[http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/kyrgyzstan/ PBS documentary on Kyrgyz bride "kidnapping"] March 2004 *[http://www.kalkwijk.com/xcms/news/id/1184 Traditional felt making in Kyrgyzstan, journal by Dutch designer Sietze Kalkwijk] *[http://www.professores.uff.br/hjbortol/arquivo/2006.1/applets/kyrgyzstan_en.html Kyrgyzstan's location on a 3D globe (Java)] {{Template group |title = Geographic locale |list = {{Countries of Central Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership |list = {{Economic Cooperation Organization}} {{Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)}} {{Eurasian Economic Community (EURASEC)}} {{Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)|state=collapsed}} {{Shanghai Cooperation Organisation}} }} {{Template group | title = Other associations | list = {{Turkic-speaking}} {{Modern Turkic states}} {{Turkic topics}} }} <!--Other languages--> <!--Categories--> [[Category:Kyrgyzstan| ]] [[Category:Modern Turkic states]] [[Category:Landlocked countries]] [[Category:Russian-speaking countries and territories]] <!--Interwiki--> [[af:Kirgisië]] [[als:Kirgisistan]] [[ar:قرغيزستان]] [[an:Kirguisistán]] [[frp:Kirguizistan]] [[ast:Kirguistán]] [[az:Qırğızıstan]] [[bn:কিরগিজিস্তান]] [[zh-min-nan:Kyrgyzstan]] [[ba:Ҡырғыҙстан]] [[be:Кыргызстан]] [[be-x-old:Кыргыстан]] [[bs:Kirgistan]] [[br:Kirgizstan]] [[bg:Киргизстан]] [[ca:Kirguizistan]] [[cv:Киргизи]] [[ceb:Kyrgyzstan]] [[cs:Kyrgyzstán]] [[cy:Kyrgyzstan]] [[da:Kirgisistan]] [[de:Kirgisistan]] [[dv:ކިރިގިސްތާން]] [[dsb:Kirgiziska]] [[et:Kõrgõzstan]] [[el:Κιργιζία]] [[es:Kirguistán]] [[eo:Kirgizio]] [[eu:Kirgizistan]] [[fa:قرقیزستان]] [[fr:Kirghizistan]] [[fy:Kirgyzje]] [[ga:An Chirgeastáin]] [[gv:Yn Chyrgistaan]] [[gd:Cirgiostàn]] [[gl:Quirguicistán - Кыргыз Республикасы]] [[xal:Кыргызcтан]] [[ko:키르기스스탄]] [[hy:Ղրղզստան]] [[hsb:Kirgizistan]] [[hr:Kirgistan]] [[io:Kirgizistan]] [[bpy:কিরগিজিস্তান]] [[id:Kirgizstan]] [[ia:Kirghizistan]] [[ie:Kirgizistan]] [[os:Хъиргъиз]] [[is:Kirgisistan]] [[it:Kirghizistan]] [[he:קירגיזסטן]] [[jv:Kirgizstan]] [[pam:Kyrgyzstan]] [[kn:ಕಿರ್ಗಿಸ್ಥಾನ್]] [[ka:ყირგიზეთი]] [[csb:Kirgistan]] [[kk:Қырғызстан]] [[kw:Pow Kyrgys]] [[ky:Кыргызстан]] [[sw:Kirgizia]] [[ht:Kirgistan]] [[ku:Qirgizistan]] [[la:Chirgisia]] [[lv:Kirgizstāna]] [[lt:Kirgizija]] [[lij:Kirghizistan]] [[li:Kirgizië]] [[hu:Kirgizisztán]] [[mk:Киргистан]] [[ml:കിര്‍ഗ്ഗിസ്ഥാന്‍]] [[ms:Kyrgyzstan]] [[nah:Quirguiztlālpan]] [[nl:Kirgizië]] [[ja:キルギス]] [[no:Kirgisistan]] [[nn:Kirgisistan]] [[nov:Kirgistan]] [[oc:Quirguizstan]] [[ug:قىرغىزىستان]] [[uz:Qirgʻiziston]] [[ps:قرغزستان]] [[pms:Kirghizistan]] [[nds:Kirgisien]] [[pl:Kirgistan]] [[pt:Quirguistão]] [[crh:Qırğızistan]] [[ro:Kârgâzstan]] [[qu:Kirkisuyu]] [[ru:Киргизия]] [[se:Kirgisistan]] [[sa:किरगिस्थान]] [[sq:Kirgistani]] [[simple:Kyrgyzstan]] [[sd:ڪِرگزِستانُ]] [[sk:Kirgizsko]] [[sl:Kirgizistan]] [[sr:Киргистан]] [[sh:Kirgistan]] [[fi:Kirgisia]] [[sv:Kirgizistan]] [[tl:Kyrgyzstan]] [[ta:கிர்கிஸ்தான்]] [[kab:Kirgizistan]] [[te:కిర్గిజిస్తాన్]] [[th:ประเทศคีร์กีซสถาน]] [[vi:Kyrgyzstan]] [[tg:Қирғизистон]] [[tr:Kırgızistan]] [[tk:Gyrgyzystan]] [[udm:Киргизия]] [[uk:Киргизстан]] [[ur:کرغیزستان]] [[vo:Kirgistän]] [[war:Kirguistan]] [[wuu:基尔奇士斯当]] [[yi:קירגיזסטאן]] [[diq:Qırğızıstan]] [[bat-smg:Kirkizėjė]] [[zh:吉尔吉斯斯坦]]