Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

 
Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence
World Factbook Title
navigation arrows
View Text Low Bandwidth Version Download Publication
Central Asia :: Kyrgyzstan
page last updated on January 29, 2013
Flag of Kyrgyzstan
(CONTAINS DESCRIPTION)
Location of Kyrgyzstan
Click flag or map to enlarge Opens in New Window
 
Map of Kyrgyzstan
Click map to enlarge Opens in New Window
Photos of Kyrgyzstan
 
Navigation Arrow view 14 photos Opens in New Window
of Kyrgyzstan
Expand All | collapse All
Introduction ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Over the next few years, the new president manipulated the parliament to accrue new powers for himself. In July 2009, after months of harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won re-election in a presidential campaign that the international community deemed flawed. In April 2010, nationwide protests led to the resignation and expulsion of BAKIEV. His successor, Roza OTUNBAEVA, served as transitional president until Almazbek ATAMBAEV was inaugurated in December 2011. Continuing concerns include: the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, and terrorism.
Back to Top
Geography ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Central Asia, west of China, south of Kazakhstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
41 00 N, 75 00 E
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 199,951 sq km
country comparison to the world: 87
land: 191,801 sq km
water: 8,150 sq km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
slightly smaller than South Dakota
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 3,051 km
border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 km (landlocked)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
none (landlocked)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m
highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
arable land: 6.55%
permanent crops: 0.28%
other: 93.17%
note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut forest (2005)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
10,196 sq km (2003)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
46.5 cu km (1997)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 10.08 cu km/yr (3%/3%/94%)
per capita: 1,916 cu m/yr (2000)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes
Back to Top
People and Society ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)
adjective: Kyrgyzstani
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Kyrgyz (official) 64.7%, Uzbek 13.6%, Russian (official) 12.5%, Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5,496,737 (July 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0-14 years: 29.6% (male 830,939/ female 795,028)
15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,761,524/ female 1,840,319)
65 years and over: 4.9% (male 103,679/ female 165,248) (2012 est.)
population pyramid:
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 25.2 years
male: 24.3 years
female: 26.2 years (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.89% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
23.9 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 69
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-8.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
urban population: 35% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
BISHKEK (capital) 854,000 (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
71 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 86
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 30.8 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 68
male: 35.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 26.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total population: 69.45 years
country comparison to the world: 151
male: 65.27 years
female: 73.91 years (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.73 children born/woman (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.1% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 159
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.301 physicians/1,000 population (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5.06 beds/1,000 population (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
improved:
urban: 94% of population
rural: 93% of population
total: 93% of population
unimproved:
urban: 6% of population
rural: 7% of population
total: 7% of population
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.3% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 82
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
9,800 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
fewer than 500 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.7% (2006)
country comparison to the world: 105
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5.9% of GDP (2008)
country comparison to the world: 31
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.7%
male: 99.3%
female: 98.1% (1999 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 14.6%
country comparison to the world: 79
male: 13.6%
female: 16.2% (2006)
Back to Top
Government ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
local short form: Kyrgyzstan
former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
republic
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: Bishkek
geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city* (shaar); Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Independence Day, 31 August (1991)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
27 June 2010
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
civil law system which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age; universal
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of state: President Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 1 December 2011)
head of government: Prime Minister Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 5 September 2012); First Deputy Prime Minister - Joomart OTORBAEV (since 5 September 2012); Deputy Prime Ministers - Tayyrbek SARPASHEV and Kamila TALIEVA (since 5 September 2012)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security are appointed solely by the president
(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held on 30 October 2011 (next scheduled for 2017); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government
election results: Almazbek ATAMBAEV elected president; percent of vote - Almazbek ATAMBAEV 63.2%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 14.7%, Kamchybek TASHIEV 14.3%, other 7.8%; Jantoro SATYBALDIEV elected prime minister; parliamentary vote - 111-2
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 10 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23, Ata-Meken 18
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (judges of both the Supreme and Constitutional Courts are appointed for 10-year terms by the Jogorku Kengesh on the recommendation of the president; their mandatory retirement age is 70 years); Higher Court of Arbitration; Local Courts (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council on Legal Affairs for a probationary period of five years, then 10 years)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV]; Ata-Jurt (Homeland) [Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV]; Ata-Meken (Fatherland) [Omurbek TEKEBAEV]; Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan) [Adakhan MADUMAROV]; Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV]; Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Adilet (Justice) Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA]; Citizens Against Corruption [Tolekan ISMAILOVA]; Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA]; Kylym Shamy (Torch of the Century) [Aziza ABDIRASULOVA]; Precedent Partnership Group [Nurbek TOKTAKUNOV]; Societal Analysis Public Association [Rita KARASARTOVA]; Union of True Muslims [Nurlan MOTUEV]
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV
chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822
FAX: [1] (202) 386-7550
consulate(s): New York
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela SPRATLEN
embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217
FAX: [996] (312) 551-264
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
gyrfalcon
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: "Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic)
lyrics/music: Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV
note: adopted 1992
Back to Top
Economy ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine - and on remittances from Kyrgyzstani migrant workers priimarily in Russia. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and exports began to increase. In 2005, the BAKIEV government and international financial institutions initiated a comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. The government made steady strides in controlling its substantial fiscal deficit, nearly closing the gap between revenues and expenditures in 2006, before boosting expenditures more than 20% in 2007-08. GDP grew about 8% annually in 2007-08, partly due to higher gold prices internationally, but slowed to 2.9% in 2009. The overthrow of President BAKIEV in April 2010 and subsequent ethnic clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Shrinking trade and agricultural production, as well as political instability, caused GDP to contract 0.5% in 2010. The fiscal deficit widened to 11% of GDP, reflecting significant increases in crisis-related spending, including both rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and bank recapitalization. The economy grew 5.7% in 2011, but slowed to around 1% in 2012, primarily because of decreased production from Kumtor; the budget deficit has been reduced to under 8% of GDP. Progress in reconstruction, fighting corruption, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to future growth.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$13.47 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145
$13.34 billion (2011 est.)
$12.62 billion (2010 est.)
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$6.197 billion (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
5.7% (2011 est.)
-0.5% (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2,400 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183
$2,400 (2011 est.)
$2,300 (2010 est.)
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 20.2%
industry: 27.3%
services: 52.5% (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.344 million (2007)
country comparison to the world: 114
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 48%
industry: 12.5%
services: 39.5% (2005 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
8.6% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100
18% (2004 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
33.7% (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 27.8% (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
33.4 (2007)
country comparison to the world: 95
29 (2001)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
25.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
revenues: $1.741 billion
expenditures: $2.223 billion (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
28.1% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-7.8% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 193
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
16.6% (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
13.73% (22 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109
2.5% (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
28.5% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 4
34.07% (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.33 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140
$1.363 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.952 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
$1.654 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$897.1 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
$759.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$165 million (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 115
$79 million (31 December 2010)
$71.84 million (31 December 2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
10% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-$546.3 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
-$252.4 million (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2.294 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140
$2.331 billion (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, tobacco; mercury, uranium, hydropower; machinery; shoes
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Uzbekistan 25.3%, Russia 22.1%, Kazakhstan 20.1%, China 7.8%, UAE 5.5%, Afghanistan 5%, Turkey 4.2% (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$4.272 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
$3.959 billion (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
China 59.7%, Russia 13.9%, Kazakhstan 5.2% (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2.164 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 120
$1.835 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$3.666 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131
$3.602 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.669 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
$1.409 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.5 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
$1.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
soms (KGS) per US dollar -
47.33 (2012 est.)
46.144 (2011 est.)
45.964 (2010 est.)
42.905 (2009)
36.108 (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
calendar year
Back to Top
Energy ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
14.9 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 84
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
7.29 billion kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.62 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
535 million kWh (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.64 million kW (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 83
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
20.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
79.9% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 16
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 98
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2,387 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
40 million bbl (1 January 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 83
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2,607 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
16,640 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5,902 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 95
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
28,940 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
12.5 million cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
462.5 million cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
450 million cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 92
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.131 million Mt (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 129
Back to Top
Communications ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
502,000 (2011)
country comparison to the world: 99
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
6.277 million (2011)
country comparison to the world: 98
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network, digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links
domestic: fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership was about 115 per 100 persons in 2011
international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
state-run TV broadcaster operates 2 nationwide networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
.kg
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
115,573 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 81
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.195 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 74
Back to Top
Transportation ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
28 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 120
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 18
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
under 914 m: 3 (2012)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 8 (2012)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
gas 480 km; oil 16 km (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 470 km
country comparison to the world: 112
broad gauge: 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 34,000 km (2003)
country comparison to the world: 95
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
600 km (2010)
country comparison to the world: 80
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)
Back to Top
Military ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces) (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18-27 years of age for compulsory male military service in the armed forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation - 1 year, with optional fee-based 3-year service in the callup mobilization reserve; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 1,456,881
females age 16-49: 1,470,317 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 1,119,224
females age 16-49: 1,257,263 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
male: 56,606
female: 54,056 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.5% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 162
Back to Top
Transnational Issues ::Kyrgyzstan
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes over enclaves and other areas
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
refugees (country of origin): 5,660 (Uzbekistan) (2011)
IDPs: 172,000 (June 2010 violence in southern Kyrgyzstan between the Kyrgyz majority and the Uzbek minority) (2012)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates
Back to Top
Expand All | collapse All
  The online Factbook is updated weekly. ISSN 1553-8133
For additional information on government leaders in selected foreign countries, go to World Leaders.