Kyrgyzstan

Quick Facts

Languages

Kyrgyz (state), Russian (official)

Religion

Sunni Islam (majority), with Russian Orthodox minority

Climate

Continental; extreme temperature variations from -30°C in winter to 40°C in summer

Culture & History

Known for: its stunning Tian Shan mountain ranges (covering 80% of territory), nomadic traditions, and being Central Asia's only democracy

Also famous for: the epic of Manas (world's longest poem), Issyk-Kul Lake (second largest alpine lake), and traditional felt yurts

Food: Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), manti (dumplings), and kumis (fermented mare's milk)

Brief History

Part of Silk Road; Russian Empire (1864); Soviet republic (1936); gained independence (1991); experienced revolutions (2005, 2010); maintains nomadic cultural identity while urbanizing rapidly